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Album review 2PM 'Still 02:00PM'

2PM

'Still 02:00PM'

(JYP ENTERTAINMENT)

2PM returns in full-force with a seven-track mini album, yet another endeavor to prove their strength without the presence of former frontman Jay Park, who left suddenly in 2009. The six-man group ably step up to the plate, with Junsu and Lee Junho providing main vocals for the album's first single "I'll Be Back", an upbeat electronic ballad boasting the music-video narrative of their previous releases and backed up with catchy raps in both Korean and English.

While a variety of TV appearances — notably Ok Taecyeon in the drama "Cinderella's Sister" and Nichkhun in "We Got Married" — kept the group's image buoyant among the media backfire, it is the workable solution of 2PM that continues to draw the spotlight. "I Can't" offers a heavy R&B composition while the club-ready "Dance2Night" mixes West Coast styling with catchy hooks (Ok Taecyeon earning rap-writing credit), appeasing all ends of the spectrum. Though lacking in explosive originality, 2PM manages a no-frills return to the scene with a quiet, if strong statement.

— INES MIN

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