I’ve been on a slump these few weeks. I usually much prefer bubblegum pop from Orange Caramel or kpop/hiphop on most days but these are what I’m listening to recently. So now I’m turning to slow jazz, mellow and OSTs and I’ve decided to write a review for these as I’m in the mood to let out my thoughts. It’s pretty mixed up, ranging from Korean, Japanese and English songs.
09. Interlude ; Dream, Reality by Agust D (From Agust D) (Released : Aug 2016)
For those who don’t know Agust D is, he’s actually an alter ego of Suga from BTS, an idol rapper from Korea. Idol rapper, producer, composer, writer yeah he is. He released his first solo mixtape Agust D last year and I’m listening to Interlude because of the soothing quality, short yet meaningful beats to it. How the lyrics only mention dream but it keeps clouding my mind of what I’m chasing of, what I’ve been achieving so far. I reflect a lot when listening to this track.
7 Years of Love - Kyuhyun (7년간의 사랑 - 규현) (Released : 2009)
My favourite piece from Kyuhyun. No 2 is Smile. This may be the uptenth times people mentioning but Kyuhyun’s vocal in this ballad is really no joke. Instead of conquering the melody, he blends his bass voice naturally in soothing and calm manner. I remember writing down the lyrics back in 2010 when I was in highschool but the tone is too low for my voice. :/
I should have known better. The lyrics spoke from the view of a man who’s in love with the same person for seven years. But a person’s heart changes over time and the lady is getting married to somebody else and he’s crushed. Well, I don’t believe this kind of love exist actually. “Out of sight, out of mind” - Delightful Girl Chun Hyang ep 1.
Like I’m gonna Love You - Jasmine Thompson (cover)
The original has a more upbeat to it. I much prefer Thompson’s cover as it go along with the hopeful and sorrowful lyrics. “I woke up in tears with you by my side, a breath of relief and I realized. No. We’re not promised tomorrow” I can say it’s a song of promises, of everlasting love and comfort towards your significant other.
The Moon and Sixpence - LUCIA ( 달과 6펜스 - 심규선 (Lucia) 루시아 ) (Released : Nov 2015)
The sixth track from Light & Shade ch. 2, unlike most songs, the part that stuck to me the most and keep reverberating in my mind is the first verse. I don’t particularly like the chorus because it is too loud for my liking. But until the transition (bridge) it’s really good and I keep replaying them over and over. The adlibs at neoreul ango isseodo, neon yeogi oepgo geueureumgwa really is my favourite. I also want to highlight the high class vibes this song gave me, similar to Ophelia where it reminds me to the Renaissance Era. Unfortunately I can’t find the translation anywhere so I was only depending on my limited korean language to understand the meaning of The Moon and Sixpence.
Inside Out - The Chainsmokers (Released : Apr 2016)
I first listen to this when I was in my friend’s car during its earlier release.. It’s obvious that I’m not up-to-date with English songs.from how I didn’t know who The Chainsmokers at that time. Back to Inside Out, I love this song. Even as I’m typing this, I can’t relate myself more to songs other than Inside Out. Actually the lyrics can be quite creepy to certain people, it depends on the listeners’ perspective though. Peeking into someone thoughts and loving them despite their dark and negative sides. It’s kinda satisfying for me. It’s like having a Park Soo Ha in your life, it’s good when you’re not fond expressing your negative emotions easily. Not much words is needed if someone is willing to peek at your thoughts like that. But again, it’s not really possible *sigh
Even though the lyrics is repetitive, the beat is really addictive. But somehow, Inside Out is pretty underrated compared to other The Chainsmokers’ release. I personally find Inside Out to be better than Closer or Don’t Let Me Down but that’s my honest opinion. It differs with person and I respect that.
I think a lot about my little sister when I listen to Inside Out, she appears strong but she really has a fragile soul, I can only watch her bearing all the negative thoughts and listen to her. My hope is to take away the pain from her, be the Park Soo Ha for her.
Love in the Ice - DBSK/동방신기 (Released : Aug 2007)
“Unmei no Itazura”
I’ve listened to both Korean and Japanese version but I find Japanese version to be more appealing to me. The feel is much more intense when listening to the live version, their powerful vocal and the meaningful lyrics. It’s magic. The melody gives off magical vibes and sorrowful feelings, I was moved to tears even without understanding the lyrics on my first time listen.
Wake Up - BTS (Released : Dec 2014)
I rarely see people talking about Wake Up, or any of BTS’s Japanese release. It dies down as soon as the hype start. Maybe because it’s their Japanese album and it doesn’t count in Korean chart so people just..leave them behind? I wish more people listen to Wake Up because it’s so underrated. It has a dreamlike feeling and addictive beats to it, telling us to open our eyes and start chasing our dreams no matter what it takes. Rap Monster’s ‘Just keep on and on and on’, the chorus ‘Open your eyes, the time is running out’, it’s an urge. Kind of lyrics that is a trademark for most of BTS songs, but is delivered in a smooth jazz with rap in between, instead of hip hop like usual. It’s a new style for them - note that this song was released in 2014 - and the melody is painfully beautiful I’m still in awe. The instruments and the slow beats to it, accompanied by Jungkook, Jimin and V’s adlib. Really one of my all-time-favourites.
I’ll wrap up here as I came across Spring Day line distribution video on Youtube and I forgot what I wanted to write earlier. Just need to listen to Spring Day, on loop. Yes. And in Spring Day by the way, J-Hope’s harmonizing with the vocal line at the chorus is leaving me speechless. I did not realize it was him, I noticed the distinct slightly low voice, but I did not expect it to be J-Hope’s. O.O
FIN
