For all JYJ and JaeJoong fans, the long wait is finally over.
JaeJoong finally releases his mini-album entitled “I” (album title was changed from “MINE” to “I”) today and it did not disappoint. The long wait of the fans was worth it because the mini album was exceptional and impressive. It contains a variety of tracks that are individually amazing and that are all actually capable of being title tracks of the mini album. JaeJoong indeed prepared for this album so well and he was able to deliver a masterpiece. I’d have to say – personal bias aside – that this is one of the best albums I’ve heard in recent years. It breaks away from the usual K-Pop style of songs nowadays. The songs in this album are raw and beautiful. No auto-tunes/dubstep or any other song enhancers of the same kind were used. Only the beautiful melody, fantastic arrangement and JaeJoong’s unbelievably versatile vocals could be heard and that’s what made these songs even more amazing.
Below are the tracks from JaeJoong’s mini-album “I”:
MINE
This is the title track of his mini-album This song actually reminds me of the Japanese track “MAZE” that he released before when he was still with DBSK. This is the authentic Rocker Jae that we’ve all been waiting for. Again, JaeJoong’s voice is what makes this song amazing because I think his husky voice really suits the rock genre. The piano parts at the intro and middle of the songs were also great. It’s kinda anti-climactic (especially the middle piano part) but I think it also makes the song interesting because it somehow gives the song more drama.
One Kiss
What I love most about this rock-ballad is the melody, the instruments used as well as JaeJoong”s raw and husky voice. You can just hear the rawness of his voice when he hits the high notes – just stunning. Also, I love how he was in control of his low and high notes. The transition from low to high and then back to low is so smooth that he makes it sound so easy. This is my personal favorite in this mini-album.
All Alone
From Rocker Jae, we go back to Jae the Balladeer. This is another genre where JaeJoong excels because his voice is just as amazing when he sings these kinds of songs. “All Alone” is such an emotional song. I actually got teary-eyed listening to this track because it just gives you that sad and painful feeling. The way JaeJoong sang it also adds to the emotion the song gives off. His voice is so soothing and emotional that it would be impossible not to be moved when listening to this.
You Fill Me Up (내안 가득히)
Again, the melody and arrangement is amazing. It’s the most balanced song in this mini-album, in my opinion, because it’s not too rocker-ish and it’s not a ballad, too. And may I add that out of all the songs in the mini album, this is where I found JaeJoong’s husky voice to be the sexiest. :) This is definitely another favorite.
Healing for Myself (나만의 위로)
This is part of the OST of his movie “Jackal is Coming”. Another ballad where he proved how versatile his voice is. Those high notes towards the end left me in awe. I also love how the songs seems to be divided into two parts and my favorite is the 2nd part where the drums were injected in the melody of the song.
In conclusion, I’d have to say that “I” is beyond amazing. It’s so great that I’ve run out of adjectives to describe it. JaeJoong and the other people behind the production of this mini album are geniuses. I sound like a broken record but seriously, this mini-album is a masterpiece. I am so proud of JaeJoong for releasing an album that showcased talents and proved how much of a real artist he has become over the years. For someone like me who has been his fan for the years, I’m happy to see his improvements over the years and how he developed into the amazing artist that he is. He is such a talent – a gem that we don’t see that often especially nowadays where people (especially in K-Pop) gives priority to looks over talent. He is indeed perfect.
JaeJoong is visual AND vocal shock. Enough said. :)
*chaos under control* 