Review: SM The Ballad - Vol. 2 "Breath"

Hey guys, sorry for the long wait!  (School rocks for education and learning but sucks for side projects and hobbies...). Since none of us are music critics, Rachel came up with a simple rubric to grade the album in review. Click here for the rubric. 

(source)

S.M. The Ballad is back!!!  They're back, but with different members. The Ballad was always meant to be a rotating group and all, and I'm happy and sad about that.  Now that Jay is in the military, Jino is in undebuted purgatory (aka, some musical in Japan), and Kyuhyun is busy keeping his variety show king title, Jonghyun is left as SM's resident male balladier and the only "original" Ballad member to remain.  But watch out Jonghyun, Yesung is back from the army...

Interestingly, the first album is pure instrumental - a very curious and refreshing addition to SM material.  It's a good musical introduction to "Breath" if you're into listening to compositions as a whole, but I suspect that most K-Pop fans will skip over it.

This particular album is interesting in the fact that SM has released a Korean, Chinese, and Japanese version of the title song "Breath."  My little gripe is wondering where in the heck is the English version?  Ballads may be SM's way into the English-language market and it wouldn't really matter how well it did as a single, since the Korean version is their main focus.  They could get Henry and Amber to sing it and it would be perfect.

Breath

Rachel: I really like this song.  I'm not a music critic or even a music major so I can't be all technical, but I like this song.  Personally, I'm biased towards the Chinese version.  First, I'm glad to Zhang Liyin coming out of the dark and lonely SM dungeon. Second, I love how her lighter and airier voice contrasts with Chen's deeper and richer voice.

The Korean version, Jonghyun and Taeyeon, is my neutral choice.  After hearing the contrast between Zhang Liyin and Chen, I didn't feel that Jonghyun and Taeyeon had voices that contrasted enough. They seem to be in the same range/register (sorry, not a music expert!) and vocal "flavor", and the voices sounds eerily similar during the harmonies. When Kyuhyun and Tiffany did "아름다운 그대에게 (Rise & Shine)," they had similar registers but different vocal "flavor." 

My least favorite version was the Japanese version.  While the voices contrast nicely like the Chinese version, I don't think the voices fit this particular song.  Changmin was and is TVXQ's power vocal. His specialty seems to lie in belting and this song really isn't built for a belt-er (say that ten times fast). This ballad also doesn't really suit Krystal's voice.  I personally think that BoA should have been Changmin's partner, seeing as she knows Japanese more intimately, but I understand SM's desire to include a member from f(x). (I would vote for J-Min to get back in the spotlight, but BoA has enough charisma to stand up to Changmin while J-Min does not).  BoA can do breathy, but Krystal's voice seems more...grounded?  But then and again, she's no Jessica.  Her voice is more suited for songs like "좋았던 건, 아팠던 건 When I Was… When U Were..."

Hara: Just as Rachel mentioned above, none of us are music critics/majors, so I would like to keep it simple :) My opinion on "Breath" is basically the same as Rachel's. There's just something about Chen and Zhang Li Yin's Chinese version which really stands out more than the rest. When the video teasers first came out, my little SONE heart was sure than our adorable kid-leader, Taeyeon, was going to dominate but I have to give it to Zhang Li Yin on this one. Also, it's amazing of Chen to be able to stand his ground against a power-house vocal like Li Yin, despite only at 2 years into his debut. Even though I did enjoy the Korean version with Jonghyun and Taeyeon, it's like a half/half for me. Also similar to Rachel, the Japanese version was my least favorite however, mega props to my girl Krystal for improving so much! 

Lisa:

When I Was...When U Were...

Rachel: "좋았던 건, 아팠던 건 When I Was… When U Were..." is one of my favorite songs.  Krystal and Chen's voices are perfect for this.  This actually is my favorite song on the album.  They're both relatively young so I think their youth brings a little bit of innocence and energy to this song.  This song is in the same vein as Jessica and Onew's "One Year Later" (parted lovers who meet again) but their voices give a more puppy love/first love feel than Jessica and Onew's mature and serious love. 

Hara:

Lisa:

A Day Without You

Rachel: "하루 A Day Without You" is good as a song, but once again I wish they had picked different voices.  Jonghyun and Chen have such similar voices that they should have chosen one or the other.  Heck, when EXO covers SHINee who ends up getting Jonghyun's parts and sounding like a dead ringer?  Chen!  There's no denying they aren't good singers, but to a casual listener (or the first listen) it's difficult to distinguish who is who.  I keep this on repeat because I like the song, but if my music is on shuffle, I find myself forgetting this is a duet and not a solo.  Personally, I would have liked a Chen/Baekhyun duet (one from EXO-K and one from EXO-M ;)), but I can only wish.  ^^

Hara:

Lisa:

Blind 

Rachel: "Blind" is Yesung's "re-debut" after being in the army.  While he's still in the army until April, this is a way to get the public reacquainted with him and to get them to anticipate his return to Super Junior (who should be making a fall comeback if the rumors are to be believed.)  I must be biased toward Chinese or I'm just excited the ZhouMi is back in ring, but I prefer ZhouMi's version over Yesung's.  :/  I also think SM should have taken the opportunity to "debut" Yuta, an SMRookie and SM's only Japanese signee.  They did it for Jino last time.  But then again, thanks to SM's total lack of information on the Rookies, I have no idea if Yuta can even sing (what if he's a rapper or dancer like Shindong and can't sing at all...?).

Hara:

Lisa:

Overall

Rachel: Excellent. SM needs to work on its voice pairings but otherwise a well put together piece of work.

Hara:

Lisa:

SM's Future and Possible New SM Girl Group in 2014?

2014 may be a big year for SM Entertainment.  According to the Shinhan Investment Corporation's predictions, there are lots of albums predicted to being dropped.  TVXQ and Girls' Generation in the first quarter, SHINee and EXO in the second quarter, and Super Junior and a new girl group in the third quarter.  Also, f(x) is rumored to be making a comeback curtesy of Teddy Riley, plus two new surprise projects, one being TOHEART (Key and Woohyun) and the other probably being S.M. The Ballad's comeback with new members.  On top of this, Girls' Generation also says they're planning to release their fifth studio album sometime this year.

If Girls' Generation releases their fifth studio album then any new girl group might be pushed back until 2015 or 2016.  SM Entertainment wouldn't risk de-emphasizing a Girls' Generation album by releasing a new girl group, nor would they risk dampening the potential of a new girl group by debuting them under Girls' Generation's star.

If SM is truly planning on debuting a girl group, they are at least one member short of the smallest group SM has produced.  Their next girl group would have to be the successors of the Girls' Generation torch, much like EXO is the successor of Super Junior's.  This means they need more girls.  Wendy, Irene, and Seulgi are almost guaranteed to be debuting with this group and their two other female SMROOKIES are too young to debut.  Jeesu is older at around 12-14 and Lami is 10.  Seeing as how much backlash SM received for Sulli and Krystal's young debut, they probably wouldn't risk it with these two.  SM may be planning to add in one or two girls collected during Global Auditions, but such a quick debut would eliminate all except those who were already fluent in Korean (getting rid of the possibility of a non-Korean group member) unless they have more trainees up their sleeves that they are planning on introducing.

There is one more possibility.  Zhang Liyin and J-Min.  True, they are both solo artists, but they haven't had much success.  Not only would it boost SM's new group to five members, but it would be assured that this group would have talent.  Wendy can sing, judging by her Mimi OST release and so can Seulgi (sorta...her Christmas carol really isn't much right now) and Irene seems to only be pretty face.  They also won't be lacking too much in dance; Irene, Wendy, and Seulgi have shown off their dance skill through a dance clips released on SMROOKIES and the ABC special and Zhang Liyin almost made it into Girls' Generation.  

On top of that, Zhang Liyin speaks Chinese while J-Min speaks Japanese.  Wendy speaks English so that would make the group SM's most multi-lingual.  They're looking into the Japanese market and this would be a great way to keep the door open to Japan, China, and North America.  While these girls are older, so is Irene.  Even if they release Irene, Seulgi, and Wendy as a trio, they would still be 23, 19, and 19 (Wendy's rumored age), much older than most of the debuting girl groups today.  Zhang Liyin and J-Min are both 25 and it wouldn't be much of an age different as they're only two years older than Irene.

Interestingly enough, in the little we know about Wendy, SM makes sure to emphasize the fact she plays multiple instruments, including the guitar and flute.  J-Min also plays guitar...do I see an interesting set-up in the future?

So what do you guys think?

Credit:  Shinhan Investment; popdust

f(x) Comes Back: 첫 사랑니 (Rum Pum Pum Pum) [MV]

Yay!  f(x) is finally back!  Well, not yet, really, but their MV for their title song, "첫 사랑니 (Rum Pum Pum Pum)" [Is this (your) first love? (Rum Pum Pum Pum)] is finally out!

Upon first listen, I really like the song.  It's nice to hear SM finally not use English for the sake of using English (I don't count "Rum pum pum pum" as a word).  Sulli gets the only two English words in the song, "attention boys", and surprising pulls it off flawlessly.  I'm surprised because was garbled in "To the Beautiful You" and non-existent in the Funny Or Die skit with Anna Kendrick.  Mostly, it's nice to hear Amber using Korean to rap instead of the token English rap.

However, the music video (like a majority of SM's MVs of late), is disappointing.   I don't know if they've completely given up on anything not dance-related with f(x) or what, but after "La CHA ta", "Chu", and "NU ABO", f(x) just dances.  But then and again, it's happening to Super Junior too.

Unlike a majority of people, I really don't mind SM's box MVs.  I love the dances SM gives their artists and am always a tad annoyed when the plot line (which is usually weak and/or non-existent - hey at least their honest with their lack of ability with coming up with creative story lines!) gives me only a handful of shots of the dance.
But I digress.  Anyway, the MV was disappointing in the fact that SM is shamelessly copying from f(x)'s previous MVs, "Hot Summer" and "Pinnochio".  While "Electric Shock" was still in a box, at least it didn't really resemble any of their previous MVs (kudos for box creativity?).  However, the red hair and the "bouncing" camera shots of Krystal are straight out of "Hot Summer" and the "flipping" shots and the pointing/poking CG objects are straight out of "Pinnochio".

But I'm just disappointed in the fact Amber looks like a guy.  SM has been growing out Amber's hair and letting her drop hints that their next comeback would include her with a more girlish look.  But no.  They went the most masculine look that she's ever had.  Shortest hair too.  And might I add that this dance is so not meant for her look?  While the moves can't really be classified as "sexy" they are "sexy" enough for it to look mighty awkward for Amber.  Especially that moment when she has to lay on the floor.  Awkward!


So if you haven't seen it yet:

Shorts: Flexibility

SM is big on their artists being flexible.

Anyway, here's a quick list of SM artists that can do the splits:

Super Junior's Sungmin, Leeteuk, Eunhyuk, Donghae, Henry

Zhang Liyin

Girls' Generation

f(x)

SHINee

EXO's Chen, Baekhyun, D.O., and Luhan [that we know of]

The Grace's Stephanie

These are the ones that I can think of off the top of my head.  Anyway, that's over half of SM's roster (plus I'm assuming Kai, Sehun, and BoA can all do the splits, but I haven't found any proof yet.)

Don't worry if you can't do the splits.  It is something most people can train themselves to do, though there are some people who physically can't do the splits.  I'm pretty sure, whether they could before or not, Kyuhyun and Heechul are incapable of the splits because of their car accident.

The B-Side: Songs I Wish Were Promoted

Sadly in K-Pop, a lot of good songs never get any air time.  Sure some of the bigger groups like Girls' Generation or 2NE1 get enough stage time that you get to hear some of their B-Sides, but it's still pretty rare.  In K-Pop, the repackaged album is promoted with a new song and even includes some more songs that never see the light of the mainstream.  There's no promoting 6 singles off a single album like Katy Perry and Taylor Swift.

Here are some of my favorite B-Sides that I wish got promoted or at least got a music video!  Enjoy!

Dalshabet Girls - Dal Shabet  (Instead of "Be Ambitious")

• So I know this album is hot off the press as I write this, but I seriously like this song so much more than "Be Ambitious".  To me, the intro is much catchier than "Be Ambitious" and even though it's still a tad slower, I still love it!

잠깐만 (Wait a Moment) - HELLOVENUS  (Instead of "차 마실래?")

• This would have made a really cute music video, especially the awkward dialogue at the end.  While Lime is a good rapper, "차 마실래" doesn't really have a good rap... >.>  This song is without a rap and it would be nice to see a cutesy girl group try and forego that.  Also, this clicks well with girls who wanted to stab the group for their line "여자라서 말도 못 하고" ("I can't say anything [ask you out] because I'm a girl") since it's about a girl attempting to ask a guy out.

SM Town Collaborations and Subunits I'd Like to See

I know I mentioned a few under my blurb about SM Predictions, but here's a place where I can let my imagination run wild with my ideas for SMTown subunits or collaborations.  Please bare with me.

EXO

Members:  Kris, Chanyeol, Tao and Xiumin

Possible Names:  EXO-B

Why:  This would be a là U-KISS's subunit, uBEAT, guesting Kevin.  It's rap-oriented but pulls in a member who's a good singer to make it more acceptable in the K-Pop mainstream.  Xiumin would be able to come out from under the shadow of Chen, Baekhyun, Luhan, and D.O. and show off the pipes he's got.  Heck, the boy got contracted by SM for winning second place at one of their contests.  He can sing.

Members:  Chen, Baekhyun

Possible Names:  CheBae (pronounced Chibi, like the cute Japanese cartoon characters)

Why:  This would the EXO version of Super Junior KRY.  Focused on ballads, like Super Junior they would have frequent guest appearances by Luhan and D.O.

I would definitely listen to this group.  Great voices.

Members:  Kris, Tao, Lay, and Luhan

Possible Names:

Why:  Unless they try to stagger the army departures like Super Junior (which I don't feel is working very well...they could have done a Shinhwa and come back even stronger), it's bound to happen.  These four, since they are Chinese and Canadian citizens, do not do mandatory military service.  Unless them gets the acting bug or a lucrative modeling career, they'll have nothing to do for 2 years!

EXO's Wolf - Teasers - MVs

EXO's teasers for "Wolf" have been unleashed!

First of all, I didn't think I'd like "Wolf".  The leaked version (which you can no longer access on YouTube) was definitely my least favorite EXO song.  But they seemed to have revamped it a little.

However, I do take issue with their pronunciation of "wolf".  With a host of native English speakers under their belt (Tiffany, Henry, Amber, Jessica - heck even Krystal, BoA, and Kris have good enough pronunciation), you think they'd have SOMEONE checking pronunciation and grammar for their studio releases.
Seeing as my dad constantly hammered pronunciation into my head (it bothers me how people can say "well" and "whale" exactly the same way), it is laughable the way they say "oolf".
"I'm a oolf, I'm a oolf!" ....*fail* -_-

Anyway I am excited for the music video!  Finally we might get a music video from SM with a story line, a là Zhang Liyin's "I will" and "Timeless"!
A drama version and dance version would be lovely!

Shorts: Have I Seen You Before...?

Have you ever noticed how SM recycles voices and faces???


Facially:
Kangta --> ZhouMi --> Tao
Tony Ahn --> Yoochun
Donghae --> Amber
Stephanie Kim --> Zhang Liyin --> Tiffany (Stephanie) Hwang
Siwon --> Suho
Taemin --> Kai
BoA --> J-Min
Han Geng --> Lay
Jaejoong --> Kris
Jang Woo-hyuk --> Eunhyuk
Lee Min-woo --> Henry Lau

Vocally:
Stephanie --> Zhang Liyin
Changmin --> Baekhyun
Jonghyun --> Chen

[UPDATE]
I was always wondering what SM saw in the Jung sisters at such a young age.  I was rewatching BoA's "ID; Peace B" music video and realized how much like a young, make-up free BoA the Jung sisters must have looked like.  Jessica's predebut photos look a heck of a lot like BoA did when she was 14...

Shorts: Belly Buttons

Seriously, correct me if I'm wrong, but I've made a pretty interesting observation:  I haven't found a K-Pop idol yet who has an outie belly-button.   Not to say that there aren't outie K-Pop idols, but they just haven't been photographed showing off their stomachs.  Interesting, huh?

EDIT:
Girls' Day Hyeri seems to have a bit of an outie, but I'm entirely sure...a near first?

Shorts: Music Shows and Languages

With Super Junior-M's recent stage on M! Countdown! in Chinese, I am starting to see the door opening (if ever so slightly) to mainstream performances in Chinese on Korean music shows.  While it has been done before (I believe there was a Japanese group who performed on a music show once) I'm starting to see this happen more frequently.  First with a few TimeZ and EXO-M stages in Chinese and now with Super Junior-M.  It certainly helps that Super Junior-M and EXO-M have SM backing them with the influence and power needed to get a group onto a music program.
I think maybe in the future we will see more groups performing in Chinese.  Who knows, this might open the door to frequent performances in English. :)

The Audition Process - the Job Interview Analogy

So the awesome Hara had an excellent question for me about auditions.  How many rounds are there?  There actually aren't any!  The audition process is more like a job interview.

In this senario, SM is the company, you are the candidate, and the job is that of being a trainee.

For those of you too young to have a job, a job interview usually consists of these stages:  the application, correspondence, a face-to-face interview, (sometimes) consideration [on the part of the company], and the job offer.  Some stages can be skipped, repeated, or prolonged at the company's discretion.  Also, the company sometimes alerts you when you get rejected in the early stages, but sometimes forgets completely and you never hear from them...

At any point the company offering the job can offer the candidate the job or reject them.
Also, like a regular job, the applicant must apply for only one position.  The employer has no obligation to actually select any applicant and can pick as few or as many candidates as they want/need.  Most importantly, there is no "winner."  You either get the job or you don't.  Whether your first place, second place, eighth place or whatnot, you won't know and maybe your employer doesn't even know.

Tips on Auditioning for SM Entertainment

NOTE:  A lot of my observations come from things I've seen off of "Survival Audition K-Pop Star".  I know it's a reality program and all, but the judges comments still are very useful and very very true.

What SM looks for:
BoA mentioned that she was looking for someone who was a "blank canvas."  This means SM is looking for someone that doesn't necessarily have a musical direction they want to go in and someone who they can "mold" or "paint" into what they want.

What YG looks for:
YG really focuses on personality or a unique characteristic.  G-Dragon's funky personality and style. Lee HI's lazy soulfulness, etc.

What JYP looks for:
JYP looks for someone who is hardworking and diligent and who has a solid foundation for their singing.  He also likes someone who will have staying power for the long run.

Now for the tips and advice:

When Only Korean is Available: (Auditioning)

If the company you want to audition for only has a Korean application form and you don't speak/read/write/understand Korean, I strongly encourage you NOT to audition for that particular company.

Why?

a.)  They will ignore it because they can't understand it.

If it's smaller company (like anything smaller than CUBE), they might not have staff on hand all the time who can read applications in English (especially since some of the people who apply in English have atrocious spelling and grammar).

If I were the a judge who only knew Korean, I would ignore applications written in English.  I could easily just pick someone who was just as talented who wrote in Korean, rather then expanding energy and time on getting a translator.

b.)  They'll think you're a stuck up snob who think's they're better than everyone else - traits they don't want in a future K-Pop idol.

Even if you get someone else to translate for you, the judge isn't going to know that.  They're going to assume you can read, write, and understand Korean and wonder why the hell you aren't replying in Korean.

c.)  You'll be false advertising

Say you go the extra mile and have someone else translate your English into Korean.  Then the company assumes you are fluent in Korean while in reality you're in desperate need of some basic Korean lessons.  If they do pass you farther into the audition, they WILL ask you questions.  And if they ask you in Korean (because it looks like you know it) and you can't reply, you'll be checked off the list.

Now don't think you're out of luck if you don't speak Korean.  There are still a lot of agencies who offer auditions in English!

So What Happens If I'm Not Korean (Or East Asian)?

Ah, a mindfield of a question...whether or not non-Asians should apply (or for that matter, should non-East Asians apply).
For me there's two answers, the optimistic and realistic answer.

Answer:
Yes!  The chances are slim, but so are the chances of winning the lottery!  Companies always seem to be thinking three or four years ahead of the public, so anything is possible.  You won't be able to get in on your looks and half-assing it.  You'll need talent, dedication, and manners to succeeded.

Honestly, if you're talented, the below answer won't apply to you.  K-Pop companies want to be global and want to branch out.  There will be a market for K-Popers of all races.  However, if you just want in the industry and have little or no talent whatsoever and just want in, you're going to have fit a formula that they know works and makes money.  (It's a lot easier to market a person from sayEuropean  descent or African descent if they have tons of BoA like talent then if they're as average on the dancing and singing scale as Sulli, Suho, or Minho.)

Full Answer:

10 Reasons I'd Make a Great Idol...and 10 Reasons Why I Wouldn't...

10 Reasons I'd Make a Great Idol

1. I have tough skin.  I was the kid that ate alone in middle school.  I know what mean comments are and I could care less.
2. My world doesn't revolve around boys.  I like guys as much as the next girl, but not having a boyfriend doesn't bother me.
3. I'm a night owl and an early bird.  Late nights don't bother me but neither do early mornings.  Get up at 2 AM?  Fine.  Stay up til 4 AM?  Fine.
4. I like meeting new people.  New people are fun and exciting!  I love meeting them!
5. I love traveling.  I love plane rides and I love bus/car rides so traveling to my various schedules wouldn't phase me.
6. I don't mind how the industry works.  K-pop bothers feminists and people who think the artists are slaves.  I don't mind being cute or sexy and I don't mind the long contracts and their cold, calculating ways.  It makes sense, so I'd roll with it.
7. I have talents other than singing and dancing.  I can do theater make-up, I've done Taekwondo, I love learning languages (French, German, Japanese, Chinese, Korean), I play a variety of instruments (piano, percussion, and cello), and am fairly good at drawing.
8. I don't mind hard work.
9. I'm okay with an irregular feeling schedule.  I can deal with eating a lot or surviving on just a couple coffees and a sandwich.
10. I don't need close friendships to function.  I have a twin so I've already got a built-in best friend.  In an industry where schedules make most friendships very superficial, I'm not going to wither and die without a close BFF.

Connect the Dots: How Do I Get Into SM (Or Any Company In General) the Fastest?

I recently had a conversation with someone who wanted to know what was the easiest way to get into the Korean music industry.  As this conversation was by e-mail, I have no idea what this person looks like or sounds like which actually helped my thought process.
So what is the easiest way to get into SM or any entertainment company?

1.)  Have a connection to an industry insider who can recommend you
Seriously, this is the fastest way in.  In Korea, getting a good job is all about having the right connections.  Even if your connection is that it's your best friend's cousin's fiancee, if you get that connection to recommend you, you're already a few steps ahead of the pack.
For example, let's say A has an industry connection and average talent and B is pretty good, had professional lessons, was a back-up dancer for a semi-well-known singer, and doesn't have a connection.  They both decide to audition for Company C.  B is definitely more experienced and more talented than A, but more likely than not A will be chosen over B.

However, this does have a flip-side.  You need to be good for the insider to seriously consider recommending you.  Too many recommendation duds and their credibility to recommend potential trainees is shot.  Also, the pressure on YOU would skyrocket.  If someone recommended you, suddenly you're obligated to uphold their reputation.  Even if you are talented, if you do something stupid and earn a bad reputation, it's going to reflect poorly on the person who recommended you.

Example:  Girls' Generation's Sunny
[I'm not saying she isn't talented, but there are definitely others who are more talented than she is.  It didn't hurt that Lee Sooman was her uncle!]

3.)  Win a contest sponsored by SM

For the Future: My Speculations for SM and 2013

Just a note, these are just speculations!  Please take the following with a grain of salt!

According to allkpop, Girls' Generation isn't going to have a comeback in 2012.  This got me thinking, what about the rest of SM?  It's high time EXO made a comeback so fans don't forget about them.

Here are my predictions for 2013 and beyond!

Jan-Jul 2013:
SHINee Korean comeback
     UPDATE:  2 Korean comebacks and 1 Japanese comeback!  "Dream Girl", "Fire" and a yet unnamed song.
Girls' Generation Korean comeback (this one is kind of a given)
     UPDATE:  GG has announced their comeback in January!
EXO comeback
     UPDATE:  They are for sure coming back!!  (Hopefully around May when I'm in Korea!!)  They've been recording and Lay and Chanyeol's new haircuts means a comeback is going to happen in a month or two.

Jul-Dec 2013:
TVXQ comeback
Super Junior comeback
f(x) comeback - practically confirmed by Amber (with clips of their choreography shown) in an interview with Danny Im in LA.
BoA comeback

Now these are kind of duh predictions, easily concocted from past experience and who just needs to make a comeback.
Now on to my musings.

UPDATE:
So with SNSD going all f(x) on us, and Amber growing her hair out, maybe f(x)'s comeback will be be in a more SNSD vein...?  Maybe a la "The Boys" or "Girls' Generation"?

My Ideas For the Future