filesize: 238 MB
Date Reviewed: July 12, 2005
| "With the release of her Girls on Top album, BoA continues to try and prove that she can do anything. Girls on Top is a good song, and has a catchy and powerful beat. This time, BoA dances with a new, powerful, urban style. The choreography is nice, and she completes these moves fluidly and effortlessly, showing how she is undoubtedly the dancing queen of Asia.
However, I disliked certain portions of this music video. Perhaps I’m a bit too old school, but I do not see this new rebellious image as very fitting for BoA. Her sexy look with the scanty clothing while in the box was a bit too sexy for my taste, again my conservative tendencies are showing through. However, by the end of watching this music video, I noticed that BoA and SM Town were ingenious! The simple addition of the Autumn Letter MV right after Girls on Top was a brilliant move, and subtly reveals a lot about BoA. The ultra-rebellious Girls on Top is juxtaposed with its polar opposite: BoA dressed in traditional Korean clothing singing a soft ballad. It’s old meets new in a clash of opposing value systems. This juxtaposition not only shows off BoA’s range of talent, but also symbolizes a time of transition in BoA’s career. This amazing decision by BoA and SM Town changes everything for me. I would almost give this MV a five out of five because of its sheer brilliance, but my disappointment with the Girls on Top video forces me to deduct a point." | |
 | Coolin's rating: **** (4/5) |
| "The music video starts out with a perpetual motion bird attempting to drink from a glass of water. It's like huh? Tres weird. The scene turns into a posh sleek pad, albeit bare of any decorations save a few pieces of furniture. Alright, the video's not bad so far, but then, 4 asian male dancers burst forth, performing their carefully choreographed routine, which I'd have to say, is not to my taste. A bunch of "asian punks prancing around a room, outlandishly dressed," come on SM [Entertainment], you can do better than that! The guy with the spiked dirty blonde hair with the thin mustache above his upper lip especially irks me. Whatever that stuff is under his eyes, well, *shudders*. The creative consultants of this MV should be shot!
Ok, BoA, finally. BoA in a glass box? What the heck? Her outfit, at least to me, seems eerily reminiscent of a high class escort, particularly one you might see in Europe or something. Her face seems to be conveying a thousand different emotions, but again, the outfit just totally turns me off. (By the way, that's an expression, it basically means 'I don't like it,' for those who are not familiar with commonplace American expressions). BoA's shiny jacket and pants when she's not in the box, on the other hand, well it suits the image she's trying to portray for this album, that is, for women to stand up for themselves, that centuries of male dominance are over, that women can be on top as well as men. One of the highlights of this video, most definitely, is BoA's expression when she pricks her finger on the rose, and stares at the blood congealing on her fingertips. That expression could be flash-frozen, and immortalized on a poster somewhere. It's absolutely incredible. The words that seem to flow forth when you stare into her eyes, her mouth partly open...yeah. The black fingernail polish though, reminds me too much of Gothic type people. It just doesn't suit BoA. After watching through most of the video, I finally understand the meaning of the bird that was shown in the beginning. The bird represents a woman. Initially, the bird was trying to attain a goal, dip its beak in that glass of water, but to no avail. But near the ending of the video, the bird achieves its goal, finally being able to touch that water. This resounds with BoA's message about this music video, that "Girls can be on top, too." Equality. Echoing the sentiments of my colleague Colin, I daresay that SM is pure genius for placing Autumn Letter at the end of this video. BoA in a hanbok simply exudes elegance and beauty. Words alone cannot describe that image. Absolutely incredible. Overall I'd have to give this music video a 4 out of 5. Were it not for Autumn Letter, I'd give it a 2 out of 5, but BoA in traditional Korean clothing singing a soft ballad near a temple is absolutely brilliant." | |
 | JWu's rating: **** (4/5) |
| "I'd have to say that this music video is probably one of BoA's worst. There are three good things that I can point out in this production: The song itself, the nice lace outfit, and the short-yet-beautiful live clip of Autumn Letter. Other than that, everything is way below my expectations. I found the video to completely miss the Girls on Top theme. The wild boyish hair, the dance battle with the men, and the overall ensemble just doesn't deliver.
I knew My Name's video would be hard to top especially with it's powerful choreography and sensational formulation. Unfortunately, I didn't expect Girls On Top to be this dull and dry. If not for the three things I mentioned above, I would have rated this video a "1". Perhaps a full-length music video for Autumn Letter would've been a wiser choice." | |
 | Ace's rating: ** (2/5) |
| "From the artist that brought you videos such as Id; Peace B, No.1, Atlantis Princess, and My Name, comes Girls On Top. BoA has struck back with another full force attack on the music world with her 5th korean album Girls On Top. The title track has been made into a MV that is full of power and one declarating statement which I'm sure you all know by now. I loved the imagery and the metaphors used in the MV. Kudos to the MV director for actually creating a MV that relates to the song! I think this would be only the second MV that related to the song it was made for. If you didn't catch any of the hidden metaphors or the underlying message that's laced into the MV, I urge you to go watch it a few more times. I also liked how the director threw in Autumn Letter at the end of the video as a contrast to an independent and powerful BoA and a traditional, cultured beauty. " | |
 | ptoor's rating: ***** (5/5) |
| "Personally, I dislike writing reviews on BoA material if there are a lot of negative aspects to them, and this was not different. I’m probably not the only one who thought Girls on Top is not the best music video that BoA has released; especially when it’s for a title track of a highly anticipated album. However, instead of pointing out all the things I didn’t like about the music video, such as some of the weird lyrics in the rapping, I’ll share the many things that did stand out positively.
The song itself is pretty catchy, powerful, and also unique in comparison to BoA’s past styles. The inclusion of the rapping was kind of cool, too. Also, the obvious metaphorical imagery used throughout the music video, in my opinion, symbolized what the meaning of Girls On Top really meant. BoA is simply continuing to represent Girl Power to the world, but in a more exotic and mature manner. Of course, BoA looked very stunning, like usual. Her outfits were also very sexy and mature, which is a complete contrast to the more innocent and cute BoA image that we were once so accustomed to and remember. Oh yeah, you can’t forget about that cool dipping bird.. I sure want one! After the mixed fog of thoughts clears up, a short video of Autumn Letter is played, which is a definite bonus. While wearing that charming hanbok, BoA truly brings a desired sense of tranquility when she sings beautifully. The fact that the recording was done live in a setting surrounded by nature and vivid colours surely helped me appreciate this video even more. " | |
 | sexyboafan's rating: ***** (5/5) |
| "BoA's long anticipated 5th Korean album has arrived and with quite a bang! She conveys a strong message to the female audience in this video showing how any girl can come up on top. However, the music video is quite mediocre. There isn't too much creativity going on besides that of her ever-changing style. I'm not quite sure how the eagle and butterfly fashion themes are supposed to be related to the song, but props to SM Entertainment for trying something original." | |
 | TheBear's rating: *** (3/5) |
| "The duck thingy in the beginning is rather fun.
And that's about all I like in the Girls On Top MV. First of all I hate the song. Musically it's just empty and what the heck is that thing with "shake that thing shake that thing" stylish idiot rapping. I expected the MV to have some serious dancing, but what we got.. Little dancing and even that looks rather epileptic. About the outfit. The golden one with the hair looks like a mix of Michael Jackson and something that was radical in the 60's. The anticlimax is the skull ring.. What were they thinking? The black outfit is a little better but i don't like her hair. Best outfit is the one she wears hat. It's rather cool in fact. They should have made MOTO the title track. After all, the album is rather good and it souds good but Girls On Top is the worst track. To the duck and that 2/10 points. Autumn Letter is something totally different. Her dress is just awesome. I was expecting the song to be something "bigger" after all the hype, but with the MV it works just great. 10/10" | |
 | celebear's rating: *** (3/5) |
| "Theme: Trapped in a box, a young girl waits naively and innocently unknowing to the world around her. Even the taste of her blood is new. This weakness she will quickly be overcome and transform into a woman of power, to display that it’s possible to become a dominate force, with great confidence and prowess. Hence, girl power, Girls On Top. What may be confusing is the pseudo gothic clothing (In which she appears beautiful in) representing Innocence, but usually this wardrobe is considered to be rebellious, adventurous and exotic, however BoA chan looks absolutely adorable.
Acting: BoA displaying great theatrics on her face and in her emotions, it is the highlight of the Music Video. Direction: Set on Mt. Fuji, location choice was excellent. However, use of setting only had a few moments of greatness.This type of video calls for use of interesting camera angles, but are lacking. A little bit of play with the camera would have surely benefited this video. Lighting: It was simply adequate, but may not be appeal to ones’ cravings for a sense of fantasy or dynamic lighting emphasizing mood. Technical: This was found technically boring. There are not too many noticeable fancy post-production effects, such as morphing or visual effects, or beyond the normal executed on camera. Its focus is on its theme. As far as quality, one may be swayed to feel the diminishing quality of M.net broadcasting. A clean, direct VOB would be necessary, but it is not widely distributed through SM Entertainment licensing. Overall conclusion: Save for the excellent display of emotional impact of BoA's acting and energy, the video’s execution falls apart in terms of direction, camera and postproduction effects, and prevents the Video from becoming a masterpiece. A perfect score for No.1 had myself in high anticipation from the director, but things are half-baked in this video and it simply misses the mark. It is worth to watch, despite this. As for my take on Autumn Letter: A definite surprise at the end of Girls on Top arrives another video, which is opposing to powerful BoA, but a serene image of beauty named Autumn Letter. Theme: A historical, traditional view on woman of serene beauty. It is soothing to watch and to listen in a beautiful Korean Background. Direction: The acting and directing are an amazing combo, and camera angles hit the mark, a true work of an artistic eye. Lighting: Definitely a great combo of realistic and mystical, one appreciates its bright and relaxing setting. Overall conclusion: In a nutshell, this video is “Short and Sweet”" | |
 | kuraudo's rating: **** (4/5) |
| "I found this music video to be fantastic. Although the concept is initially a bit difficult to grasp, it is actually quite meaningful. I really admire the use of symbolism. To top it all off, the closing scenes are absolutely breath-taking; hearing BoA's serene, a cappela singing while watching delicate flower petals (or what I assume to be flower petals) fall to the ground sincerely helps one to repose. The display of an elegant, modern hanbok and an ancient Korean village is quite contrasting to BoA's previous work, and I personally love it." | |
 | krjeami's rating: ***** (5/5) |
| "I think BoA's Girls On Top MV is quite interesting. I've never seen a MV like this one and I never saw BoA look so punk. I don't think BoA showed any unique dance moves like in the My Name MV but the dancing was still good and the song is ok.
The one thing I don't like about this MV were the weird guys that were rapping in the MV. I'd like this MV much better if they weren't in it oh and did I metion that that scare me too? Heh, I think the most interesting part about this MV is when BoA touches a leaf then bleeds. She's like so sensitive. At first I didn't get that part, heh. Anyways, overall,I don't this her best MV but it's not the worst either. And now about BoA's Autumn Letter MV. I thought it was nice, especially the peaceful song and the chinese theme. The flower petals falling also gave the MV a peaceful feeling. I wish the song could be longer because it's one of my favorites on the cd. She has that innocent and mature look here. She's so pretty." | |
 | Diana139's rating: **** (4/5) |
| "At first when I heard a small sample of Girls On Top from BoA's newest anticipated album, I was somewhat disappointed at the style. I was looking forward to more slow paced songs such as that of We (Oori) or My Prayer which I instantly liked upon hearing them. However, after I listened to Girls on Top for a while, I began to like the song for the display of vocals and style. Although the style is totally different from My Prayer, it is a style which I find catchy and fitting to the song.
As for the music video, I did enjoy it as I thought I would have. The song goes well with the music video displaying the girl power theme. The use of the glass building as a barrier between that of men and women was a nice touch by the director of the music video. It clearly showed BoA breaking through it and defining her individuality. The only thing that didn't do it for me was that I found that the attire to be a bit tacky and over done." | |
 | anathel's rating: **** (4/5) |
| Note: Abigail Lin was unavailable for comment. | |
 | cutiebunnybaby's rating: **** (4/5) |
| "I thought this MV was pretty weak. There wasn’t really anything special about it and I got bored really fast. The only reason I watched the whole thing was because I had to do this review so yeah. The only part I liked about the music video had nothing to do with Girls on Top, which is a shocker. Autumn Letter was easily the best part of the video and it’s a shame that there wasn’t a full song to complement it." | |
 | Choopy's rating: ** (2/5) |
| "On her Girls On top performance, I thought BoA does look kind of 'manly.' My eyes have not yet adapted this new image of hers. At first it was an innocent "tomboy-ish" look, then the "cutesy" look, afterward it was the "sexy" look, now it is this "masculine look." I'd even thought that her jacket was a bit too big for my taste and that the shirt she was wearing was a bit too 'plain' and simple. However, as I watched more of the performance, I found myself paying closer attention to her new, wild and semi-mohawk-like hairstyle and dance moves that it made forget about her "manly" image.
On the other hand, as I watched the Music Video, I began to understand her album title. In the MV, these are the three images of her: tough--which at first I thought was "manly", sexy, and sporty. This is saying that all of these images are BoA's. That is her. That is who she is--"나는 나인걸." I can say that BoA was trying to portray her unwillingness to give into any types of pressure by men. Though the MV did depict her feminine side, the message that the author was trying to portray wasn't about trying to show the audience that she was back to her old ravishing look. I believe it is something more like BoA being a rebel and a feminist. As we can see, in the MV, she is enclosed by a glass cube and is intimidated by the men outside of the cube. Then after, we see those same men inside of the glass cube and BoA right on top of them outside. This, along with the lyrics of the song, is telling us that BoA will not "be taken advantage of that easily." Overall, I believe the message of this MV is: “Just because I am a girl, doesn’t mean that you should take me easily. I am not easy. Don’t mess with me. I am who I am and I will do whatever I want. This world doesn’t belong to just you. I can make my own choices. And although I may look sweet and sexy, that is not my only face. Mess with me, and I will show you my other side. Let me lead for a change. Change the old ideology of male-dominancy. Change the positions. Let “Girls [be] on Top.”" | |
 | VietPucca's rating: **** (4/5) |
| "WowEEEEE!!! The BIRD is sooo KEWL! (and kawaii too!). The song is great, but the video is a lil bit confusing… It had me asking a buncha question… like, why is there a awesome bird in the video?? I mean, I already knew why BoA was in the video… it IS her MV ^_^. BoA was great in the video. It looks like she's picked up a few new moves along with her new look. But no matter how she looks and despite all her new moves, she still rocks my TV and Computer Screen!!! I gotta say, her black outfit is very eye catching. Who would have ever thought BoA would change her looks right? She was already beautiful!
P.S. The bird rocks!" | |
 | lildan814's rating: ***** (5/5) |
| "Following her unhindered success in Japan with the release of her new Japanese single Do the Motion, BoA once again returns to Korea to both launch and promote her 5th Korean album Girls on Top. Much has been said about BoA’s new style of music and her choice of themes for her music videos, the transformation involved with My Name provided controversial discussions about the direction that BoA is heading with her music. That no longer needs questioning, as BoA has both surprised and marveled her bewildered fans with Girls on Top. With Quincy, Meri Kuri, and Do the Motion already giving fans the opportunity to witness what BoA has to offer, Girls on Top really sets the tables straight with its powerful rhythm and lyrics. Like BoA commented herself, Girls on Top was the most powerful song she has ever performed since Id; Peace B in terms of choreography. There is no doubt that the message of the song is for girls to stand up (not necessarily against men -_-) and be proud of who they are, which is shown through the strong beats and bright vocals. Visually, the MV was sound in compilation, conveying the theme openly and effectively without compromising smaller touches of details and integrity as a whole. The combination of quick and rhythmic dance sequences with slower cinematic scenes was both smooth and uncluttered. Music, visuals, themes and BoA’s brilliant vocals sits the girl securely on top of the music charts. =)" | |
 | addkidd's rating: **** (4/5) |
| "2005 is finally here. And with it, comes BoA's new music video, Girls On Top. The young singer has once again proven that she can adjust to any style and make it entertaining. Along with the strong and charismatic song, the music video is very different from her past works.
While viewing the video, I noticed that BoA’s style has completely changed. Gone are the cute hairstyles and the innocent outfits and in with her mullet-like hair and a very sexy attire. Her outfit speaks volumes as it illustrates her maturing self. The video lacked a strong concept and that was the only con I had against it. As for the song itself, Girls On Top is a strong song showcasing BoA’s vocals. It sounds very hip-hop oriented and resembles a Lil' Jon beat at times. Included in the video is a short rendition of the classic song Autumn Letter. In this portion of the video, BoA is portrayed in a more traditional manner while donning the traditional Korean wear, a hanbok. BoA certainly does the song justice as she sings in harmony with no background music. BoA’s new music video is surely entertaining with new dance moves and soothing vocals. This can only be the start of something special for this year." | |
 | Timmy's rating: **** (4/5) |
| "It struck a really different note from her other most popular music videos for me personally. I found this one much more chiseled and definite, and it dawned on me that the cute, young BoA has grown up and is a woman who doesn't want to be trapped by the superiority of men. The music video clearly got the message across and I enjoyed it even more the second and third time around. =]" | |
 | KaTaKlysma's rating: **** (4/5) |
| "All i can say at the moment is WOW, the stuff she wearing is HOT!!!!! OMFG, I love her! Anyways to the review, the dancing was good, I would prefer the guy that is singing in the song to be in the music video. I didnt like her hair style the one where she is in gold and dancing. BUT.... what she wearing in the glass cage/room, whoa I like. you can acually see her thighs. ^_^ Yes I am a guy, and I can't help but to point it out. K, thanks, bye." | |
 | blindboi's rating: **** (4/5) |
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