2PM’s Debut Mini-album: Hottest Time of the Day

What really defines 2PM from other dime-a-dozen idol groups is that while its members are clearly pretty boys, they also possess a slight grittiness that extends to their music itself. Both 2PM’s image and musical appeals are analogous to those of Justin Timberlake: while they officially fall under the category of boy bands and boy idols, their music has the ability to transcend beyond various genres. Most importantly, it’s the sort of music that isn’t only limited to one particular audience—from fan girls to top-forties fans to clubbers to music snobs to casual listeners, 2PM has got something for everyone to enjoy.

Upon my first spin of the Hottest Time of the Day, it was readily apparent what makes the mini-album so catchy and buzz worthy: it’s got a bubbly back beat reminiscent of Timbaland’s trademark synthesized and electronic bounce. No matter how picky I can get when it comes to music, I always, absolutely fall prey to these looped beats. They just have a way of getting under your skin and taking over like a puppet master; whether you want to or not, you will find yourself groovin’.

The highlight track, “10 Points Out of 10,” also manages to combine this hybridized hip-pop vibe with a crunchy guitar riff. Remember when P. Diddy sampled Led Zeppelin’s “Kashmir“? Yeah, I tried to forget that, too. More often than not, the combination of hip hop and rock usually ends up as an unsavory blend of failure. But when it’s done right, like in “10 Points Out of 10,” it immediately catches fire as a genre buster. Moreover, this smattering of rock flavors helps illuminate the wolfish boyishness of 2PM. They aren’t here to wink and pose with saccharine props—this is a boy band that isn’t shy about wanting your number, and her number, and every other girl’s number, while you’re at it.

“Angel” keeps the mini-album riding high with a smoother and more sultry beat. Nevertheless, its slow swoop of a tempo is still capable of triggering a sexy and provocative craze on the dance floors. If you look at the Hottest Time of the Day as a sampling of what 2PM can do with with various styles of pop and hip hop, “10 Points Out of 10″ is the raucous club hit, “Angel” is the smooth and sultry groove, and last, but not least, “Only You” is clearly the slow jam. It also happens to be my favorite as it showcases 2PM’s strength in pulling off pop-inflected r&b, and it walks the background vocal’s talk: rock to the beat, rock to the beat. It’s something you can very easily imagine hearing in a drama or featured in an ad, as well as becoming a couple/lovers’ favorite.

At the end of the day, a mini-album is pretty much a single, but even within this truncated album format, 2PM doesn’t hold back: it’ll sear a lasting impression of refreshing versatility and straight up spunk.

Mp3 player is suppose to be here. Try upgrading to the latest version of flash if you do not see it.

Mp3 player is suppose to be here. Try upgrading to the latest version of flash if you do not see it.