We’re now nicely into the second quarter of the music year, which means a mix of comebacks big and small, as well as Infinite and Lee Hi doing well at this time. Read on to find out what was worth a listen this week.

ZE:A Five’s cover of Busker Busker’s “Cherry Blossom Ending”, KBS Music Bank, 12th April 2013

The new sub-unit of ZE:A tries their hand at the spring favourite. It’s a pleasant surprise, as the guys do a decent job with the singing, but the star of the show would have to be Kevin and his piano.

Girls’ Day’s “Hug Me Once”, KBS Music Bank, 12th April 2013

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZT52MJWKbYk]

I was never a big fan of the original, due to the highly processed vocals and instrumentals, as well as how the music video seemed to be an exercise in fan service. This acoustic version allowed me to re-look at this song. The acoustic guitar and the members’ vocals turn the originally grating song into a rather laid-back and enjoyable love confession call. Why did they not do this back then?!

BtoB’s “Second Confession”, KBS Music Bank, 12th April 2013

BtoB continues on with their late 90s-early 00s inspired pop sound. I am still liking the sound and theme of the whole song, and the whole retro theme has successfully separated them from their labelmates Beast. Now they just have to get out before the rush of imitators appear. 

Davichi’s “Turtle” and “Just The Two Of Us”, KBS‘s Yoo Heeyeol’s Sketchbook, 10th April 2013

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wg_ygufBxZY]

I know this was recommended the last time I did a weekly music wrap, but to hear the songs in a “completely as it is” setting with the backing music set just right allows for one to enjoy their vocals for what they are – great.

15&’s “Somebody”, Mnet’s M! Countdown, 11th April 2013

After the snooze-fest that was “I Dream”, 15& finally get some good material to back up their vocal chops. The song has a very nice light R-n-B to it, and could pass for something easily heard on Top 40 radio. Here’s to hoping they build on this foundation, and not flounder from then on.

And that is it for the week in music! What are some of your picks for the week?

(YouTube[1][2][3])