[#7] XIA Junsu (JYJ) - "Lullaby"

Merry Christmas everyone! (If anyone's reading this, that is D:) Now excuse me while I go scramble to finish up the rest of this year's best of special, including my favorite albums and rookies I have my eye on. ;D

From: "Tarantallegra"
Format: Full-Length Album
Released: May
Territory: South Korea
Previous Best of Appearances: #39 - "Intoxication" (2010) / #10 - "You Are So Beautiful" (2010)

"Tarantallegra" as an album was a disappointment because here you have one of the most outstanding vocalists in the industry, one of the most practiced, most versatile, most technically sound, and majority of the tracks didn't do him any justice, neither did the album work as an album. That was the majority though, there were good songs, with "Lullaby" leading the pack.

First and foremost, "Lullaby" is stunning -- it's another one of those songs that are beautiful because they're so simple. It lives up to it's name, it really does sound like a lullaby (even if the lyrics say otherwise), and the chorus is something that will sound beautiful, regardless of who's singing it. The melody was the first thing that really dragged me in to the song, and amidst an album painfully full of mediocrity, it was the one thing that made me stop and really, really pay attention.

The arrangement is very cut and dry -- no big shifts in dynamics, instead we have these gentle build-ups and little additions here and there. It's just like the melody, simple but beautiful. And for once, this kind of production, the kind I usually look down upon on JYJ releases (and even in majority of "Tarantallegra"), works. It works because even if it's very warm and matches the whole lullaby theme, it's also quite bare and so it doesn't cover much up, unlike more flashy production styles that are used to cover weaknesses.

I keep saying that this is such a simple song, and even I think I'm one step away from calling it plain, but I'm not going to because it's nowhere near plain. The bareness of the song, the simplicity of the melody -- they're all there to show off Junsu's spectacular vocals, because really, they're in a league of their own on this song. And that's no easy feat, because the more simple a song, the harder it is to do it well.

I always say that the true measure of a good singer isn't in how big his or her range is, it's not in how complicated melodies are pulled off, but in how the simplest of lines are delivered. Complicated songs may be, well, complicated, but once you figure out how to do it, it's easy. Flashy songs are show-stoppers and show off ranges, but the more flash there is in a song, the more smokescreens you have to hide behind when you make mistakes. If it's simple then anyone can do it, if it's familiar, like a lullaby, then we've all heard it before -- the challenge of a simple song is how to pull it off like a singer, and not "anyone else". It lies in the competence of the vocalist above all, and of course the interpretation of that simplicity. If you're afraid, it won't work, if you're not good enough, all your shortcomings will be out in the open.

But of course, Junsu has absolutely nothing to be afraid of. I've known for a long time now just how outstanding a vocalist Junsu is and what he sounds even more phenomenal singing, but "Lullaby" took my impressions further. His voice is beautiful, and his singing is strong on all fronts -- technical, emotional and everything in between. And you see that in the song, in how his technique not only delivers the chorus, but gives it the emotion he wants to bring out of it.

The emotion, my gosh the emotion in those vocals -- they give me goosebumps, make my heart race and leave me smiling like a madwoman at the same time, all while lulling me to sleep. It's more of Junsu's technique than his actual voice, how he drags his notes and delivers those otherwise boring lines with such emotion. But in any case, to deliver a song with this kind of emotion is something you can't just learn overnight.

Junsu - "Tarantallegra" (Album)

I think majority of us are in agreement that if there’s one member in 5-piece DBSK that deserves a solo album the most, it’s Junsu, obviously because he’s the whole package. His voice is this close to becoming a national treasure, his stage presence is something else, and his dancing is pretty good too, so I’ve heard. So when news of a proper solo release came out, everyone freaked out. I'll admit that I was one of those crazy fangirls who were freaking out yesterday over the mere idea of a Junsu solo release, which would lead to an album, but I think it's safe to say now that I've gotten down from that high. So, when all the hype is gone, what are we left with? Well, that's a pretty long story in itself.

There have been a lot of mixed thoughts about "Tarantallegra", both the song and the album, and I completely understand the people who say they don't like it -- more than their personal preference, I get why and what could make them dislike it. However, my response would be that you're looking at the wrong thing. Like what I said in my review of Big Bang's "Alive", you have to look at, and think of, the right element in order to completely appreciate it.

The main focus of "Tarantallegra" isn't the visuals, it isn't the production or even the material itself -- it's Junsu, and how he both shows off and manipulates his stunning vocals. Think about it, the visuals, his clothes and everything, are cringe-worthy most of the time, the production is fine, but nothing I'd rave about, and the songs themselves are actually pretty generic and could've been sung by anyone. The point of this album is really Junsu, and in my opinion, that's what makes a good solo album (from a former idol, that is), because idols who go solo don't need material that overpowers them, they get enough of that in their respective groups, they need material to overpower. Material that just sits there and lets them fly off to wherever. And that takes a certain skill level to be able to do.

I won’t lie and say that this album is everything I expected and more, because it’s not, and I was disappointed when I first heard it because I was expecting everything to be equally brilliant -- the material, the delivery, the production -- but hearing the album now, this is the most ideal way to do a solo album. This isn’t just an album, this is Junsu’s album, and that has to be made very clear. But even that, I'm not entirely sure about.

There are things I don’t like, and the more I listen, the more problems I find. I don’t like the production on the entire album, because it dulls Junsu’s vocals, and in turn, dulls all the songs. Junsu still carries the songs, but dull production is something out of his reach, and it does absolutely nothing for the generic material. The songs don’t have to be loud, because the album is actually pretty soft volume-wise (not dynamics-wise), but I would’ve liked the production to be crisp.

Half of the album, or more than actually, is made up of ballads. I was half-expecting this, as always, but I was also hoping that Junsu wouldn’t go down this route. He’s had enough ballads in and out of DBSK, solo or group, to last him several lifetimes. Some of the ballads on this are gorgeous, of course, and Junsu sings them better than everyone else, but this is the same thing all over again. On the other hand, for a first solo release, sticking with something comfortable may be better. Who knows.

I listened to “Tarantallegra” the song again this morning, and I do agree with some of the comments on yesterday’s single review -- it’s potentially boring, and when I listened to it again without the music video, there were parts what just went on and on and on. However, the song gives me the impression that you really have to look at the entire package (and all it’s ridiculousness) to fully appreciate it. The song leans towards boring by itself, but if you really focus on Junsu’s vocals it’s really something else, and add in the video, Junsu’s performance as a whole in particular, and it gets that much better.

The synths on “Set Me Free” are so Christina (Aguilera) circa-”Keeps Getting Better”, and now that I think about it, the entire song is so Christina. Period. It also reminds me a bit of After School’s “Dream” around the edges. But again, the focus of this entire album isn’t the material, which I’ve already deemed average, it’s the delivery. For me, Junsu’s vocals are enough to draw me in.

Okay, fine, “No Pain” isn’t a ballad ballad like “사랑이 싫다구요” or the others in the album, but it’s not the uptempo I wanted either. Although, even as a slow R&B track, I hate to say this, it’s pretty generic. Gorgeous, yes, and I’ll give it to Jaejoong for making something that has his name all over it, but this song is far too frail for anyone to salvage, even Junsu. Nice try, Jaejoong, but this song just didn’t move me.

The problem with “사랑이 싫다구요” is a problem I see in a lot of other Korean ballads, actually -- they’re too low. I was watching K-Pop Star a few weeks back, and from what I got the industry opinion on these things is that they’re “emotional”. I’m sorry, but the only thing this song does to me is give me a sore throat. The same goes for “알면서도”, a few tracks later. It has OST song written all over it, but honestly, at this point it sounds too much like a better-sung version of “사랑이 싫다구요” in the right key.

Which is why, while the choruses of both songs are gorgeous and Junsu’s voice takes center stage, as it should, I prefer “돌고 돌아도”, not just because it’s in waltz-time, even if that’s a major reason too. Junsu’s singing in the right range, and we actually get the chance to feel the emotion, because he isn’t scratching our throats anymore. And the arrangement laced with the ever so slightly oriental melody has a much more natural flow than the previous song. If “Mulan” had one of those ballroom scenes appropriated for China, this would be the song playing.

This is pretty rare, but I actually like the Korean arrangement of "Intoxication" better than the Japanese one -- I adore the guitar line, in all its crisp glory and how it contrasts the vocal treatment (which, for once, matches the song) and the dynamics have much more punch here. But “Intoxication” is a brilliant song regardless.

I’m a bit disappointed with the number of uptempos though -- there are only four proper uptempo tracks. But at least they were spaced out and put between multiple ballads. Between “Breath” and “Fever”, I prefer “Fever”, but “Breath” is isn’t half-bad either. It’s very Simon Curtis circa-”8Bit Heart”, the arrangement especially. But “Fever” is something I’d imagine he’d bring to the US. I’m not entirely sure if it would work in terms of sales, but it works for Junsu because he sings with such ease and conviction, especially the chorus, which is glorious on all levels.

And the best song on the album? “Lullaby”. It’s stunning, and it was made and executed with a musical mindset. The arrangement half of the package, because it’s just as stunning as the delivery. The strings and chymes that lead into a very clean drum kit and gentle but confident synths, especially. Junsu sang the entire song flawlessly, and he really sounds his best on this song -- both technically and emotionally. He turned a potentially cheesy and lounge-y song into something stunning.

I’m pretty sure I’ve heard “이슬을 머금은 나무” somewhere before, but I can’t quite remember where. Nevertheless, it’s another gorgeous ballad, and currently fighting with “돌고 돌아도” for my second favorite song. It’s the kind of song that lulls you to sleep, not because it’s boring, but because it’s gorgeous and it relaxes you. Epic string section? Check. Half-real drums? Check. Junsu’s stunning voice? Check. Check. Aaaaaand Check.

“Tarantallegra” is an okay album, boring around the edges, yes, but I think another dimension to it is that Junsu himself is very comfortable with the material on it, so he delivers it much better than it actually is. Fair enough.

My favorite: "Lullaby"
Song(s) I'd listen to again: "돌고 돌아도", "이슬을 머금은 나무", "Fever", "Set Me Free"
My least favorite: "사랑이 싫다구요"
The final verdict: 3.9/5

Junsu - "Tarantallegra" (Single)

I'll be honest and say that I had no idea how to start this review because the only thing running through my head when I listen to this song is "KSAFHSKJGKSDGHSJUNSUUUUUUUUUU" and all coherent, rational thoughts have just been completely thrown out the window. But then I realized, that's the point of this song, and the point of my review.

Because, in essence, that's what music is supposed to do -- it's supposed to not only make you freak out or jump around your room, it's actually supposed to make you near-insane. Not in a bad way or anything, but when you listen to a song, essentially it should move you, and move you more than just a tear or a few tapping fingers here and there. Again, music is half heard and half felt, and essentially what you hear should help you grasp what you feel.

"Tarantallegra" affects you like that because it's effortless, because it's overflowing with conviction. While there were times when I cringed watching the video, Junsu isn't afraid to deliver. Obviously, he has the talent and the technicals to do something like this, something not a lot of people in K-pop have. I always, always say that before you can think of identity and whatnot, you have to be proficient, and Junsu is perfectly capable of standing his own ground on a song, and carrying an entire performance just with his vocals. Now, because he's technically proficient, the song really becomes Junsu inside out. I's not just because he wrote it with his brother though -- if someone else were to sing it, no matter how technically proficient that person may be and no matter how accurate the notes are hit, "Tarantallegra" will lose a part of it's identity.

And that’s really all I ask from K-Pop as a whole, actually. Be proficient in whatever you do, and do what is you. If you’re doing something you love, something that’s a part of you, the effortlessness and the conviction will follow naturally. “Tarantallegra” is proof that those two elements, when put together, work effortlessly. I mean just look at it, it’s so ridiculous and Junsu’s orange hair is just plain weird, but the song, the choreography, and the video work together so well that I have no qualms. At all.

When the teaser first came out, a lot of people were pointing out that the synths on this song were similar to “Xiahtic”, and while they are, honestly, I don’t see a problem with that. The synths here and on “Xiahtic” give both songs different over-all sounds, and Junsu composed both songs -- we’ve heard so many other producers re-hash their own songs even more blatantly than this.

Years in K-Pop have taught me to either absolutely hate, or just not notice rap parts out of personal preference, but honestly, the rap on “Tarantallegra” is one of the few that I cannot imagine taken out of the song. It adds another dimension to the entire package, and Flowsik’s deep timbre both contrasts and compliments Junsu’s vocals.

The reason why I don't have a problem with the auto tune during the chorus is because everyone knows that Junsu is so much more than just a capable singer, that he's obviously one of the best in K-Pop, and even Asia, and so he can easily sing those auto tuned parts live. The thing is, when I go and criticize other acts for using too much auto tune, the reason why I do it is because those acts use it as a mask, to hide their lack of talent. But then, like I just said, Junsu's talent is no secret, and the auto tune on this song is more of an artistic/aesthetic decision than it is a blanket.

The verses are stunning, they really are. I get mini-heart attacks throughout both, and I’m not complaining at all. It shows off what has made Junsu’s voice so infamous, and I get the belting I wanted!

Speaking of vocals, the thing I really, really love about how this song was done is the emphasis on Junsu’s vocals. Autotune aside, “Tarantallegra” is a song that Junsu carries -- the instruments on the backing track do add something to the over-all dynamics, of course, but most of the time they just go in a straight line. Junsu’s delivery controls majority of what happens to the song, and he does it extremely well. I cannot wait to see this live, (even if he’s not going to be on music shows) because knowing Junsu, it’s going to be that much more brilliant live.

And that, my friends, is the challenge I give to newer acts -- make me smile, cry, freak out, and move me, with an uptempo. Hype, looks and aesthetics don’t matter -- use your material and your musical proficiency to move me. It’s easy to do it with a ballad, but uptempos are a completely different story. If a new act can do that, and do it with as much conviction as Junsu has just done, they have my respect. This is the new benchmark for uptempo performances -- because Junsu has managed to deliver effortlessness and confidence over and above a heavily choreographed and produced package.

5/5

[#10] Kim Junsu - "You Are So Beautiful"

From: "Scent of a Woman Soundtrack" (OST)
Released: September 2011, South Korea
Rating: 4.00

Screw all the other drama theme songs that came out this year, "You Are So Beautiful" is ballad master class with the god of ballads, and you really can't do better than that.

It has a quaint melody, with some quirk around the edges, and it's not all tear-jerking melodrama. It's also not too big on the high notes, but not completely lacking in them either. Reminds me a lot of slightly creamier fro-yo, a bit creamy, but still tart.

Junsu's vocals are the highlight and focus of the song, and everything is stunningly perfect -- from the technique, to the belting, to every single little detail of his vocals. Not too much screaming, but not too much airiness either. It's just the right mix of dynamics to leave you stunned at the end of it all.

That, laced with a straightforward, what you hear is what you get, instrumental that goes straight to the point, makes Junsu's voice stand out even more. The instrumental is still gorgeous though, with a touch of electric guitar behind the gorgeous strings and the crisp piano line.

Throw all of those together, and you have one of the most stunning ballads of the year.

#39: XIAH Junsu - Intoxication

The release of this single very much comforted me - it assured everyone during a very confusing time that at least one of the 5 (yes, all 5) was still serious enough about music to get something done and release a single. And it eventually led to JaeChunSu promotions in Japan, which we'll get to when the time's right.


So the song. Oh dear the song. After months of thinking, I've come to the conclusion that not everyone can sing this song and make it sound epic in it's own way. And I believe Junsu's the only one who can do that.

To be honest with you, the arrangement is generally the same throughout the song, and the melody could've very well been recycled, but the strength of the song, like many others this year, is in the delivery. And my God is it strong.

Jaejoong is my favorite DBSK member, yes, but it's a fact that Junsu's just as much of a package as Jaejoong is - to the point where there are times when I have second thoughts about Jaejoong being my favorite. But let's not question my fandom now. Junsu has the voice, but more than that he's a performer. Off stage he's clumsy and hilarious and adorable in his own way, but he steps on that stage and everything changes - the cuteness is replaced by seriousness and whatnot.

And that's exactly what happens on this song - it takes a lot to be able to pull this off, but it's so effortless for Junsu. When he transforms it's second nature for him - there's no need for him to go prance around stage and say "I'm the best", he just does it. That effortlessness shows in the song, and it's an absolute pleasure to listen to - recorded and live.

Xiah Junsu - Intoxication

Please give me 5 seconds to faint and regain consciousness before I start writing.

OK I'm back. OMG Junsu's really putting up a fight for my second favorite DBSK member, eh? (he's against Yoochun) The criteria - have a damn good voice, use it damn well, can perform well and write songs relatively well. He passes everything, but Yoochun does too, so they've been fighting over the spot for like forever.

Junsu wins this round - I don't even have to watch the video and I'm already drooling. The song, best described, is like a more subdued version of Craig David if he sang in Japanese. And by Craig David I don't mean 2010 crappy cover-fest Craig David, I mean brilliant 2002 Fill Me In cool Craig David.

Of course Craig David is a completely different guy and he has a more smooth voice with his own special sound, but the song as a whole, the arrangement in particular, reminds me a lot of the epic Fill Me In. Yes, it's epic - don't try to fight it, worship it.

I don't know if it's just me because I've watched like a gazillion DBSK performances (I still haven't seen everything, believe it or not) but Junsu has a distinct voice and makes the song sonically different than if it were sung by say, Jaejoong or Yoochun. Junsu isn't the most versatile singer either but like I said on my commentary, what he does, he does it damn well. So well that I'm currently speechless. I don't get speechless. OK maybe I do but let's just stick with that.

As I'm listening to the song now (not watching the video), my heart's racing - and this is just the recording. Imagine if this had a live band arrangement. Holy crap.

This song was made for Junsu's vocals stand out, it really was. The instrumental was just looped except for the little bells and whistles throughout the song that's a staple in Japanese production but it's Junsu's voice that carries the song. It's his vocals that set the sound of the verses and explode during the chorus - not the instrumental. It's like that because he can pull it off - he, unlike other singers, has the chops to do that. And it sounds so good.

4.8/5, he has a few rough edges to smooth out and I'd have preferred the choruses to explode even a little bit, but otherwise this is brilliance.

Someone shoot me.

I know, I know, I'm sorry for another DBSK post that consists of me drooling and rambling but you realize that I am freaking out at this very moment, and this isn't even about my beloved Jaejoong! OH MY GOSHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH.

So Junsu has a new solo single out in a few weeks, the video's out tomorrow and the teaser was just released - he's the only one of the 5 doing music-related solo stuff at the moment and I think I wanna die right now. Like, my heart's racing, I started shivering after a few listens and OMG THIS IS BRILLIANCE.

The chord progressions, the Craig David-ish elements and those vocals - I think Junsu might just be my second favorite member. *diess* That and the video looks really sleek and clean - I like sleek, sleek's good.