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This post is by guest writer Jara Rowe.
2PM‘s very own Jun. K released his first Korean solo album at the beginning of August, Mr. No Love, stylized as Mr. No♡. This mini-album debuted at number 9 on Billboard’s World Albums Chart. These eight tracks allow Jun. K to expose all of his talents: from his songwriting, to his producing, to his amazing vocals, all the way to his rapping skills — and they don’t disappoint.
Track 1 – Mr. No Love
Mr. No Love kicks off with sultry drums for a soothing R&B number. This track is very jazzy with soulful vocals, including scatting. There’s a strong mix of English and Korean lyrics in Mr. No Love. Jun. K uses this track as an introduction to his unique and fresh style.
Track 2 – Think About You
With a style that is not too familiar in the Kpop scene, Think About You is from the Future R&B genre. The track has a great marriage of synthesizer and drum strikes where a hint of EDM trap picks up in the chorus. Think About You has great rise and fall with clear and deep vocals that have fantastic runs.
Track 3 – Better Man
Better Man is a ballad that showcases Jun. K’s passionate vocals. The ballad was first released in Japanese and remastered for the mini-album with Korean lyrics. Better Man has a simplified, acoustic feel with a solid balance between guitar and vocals. Jun. K sits in his comfortable range and has an emotional vocal delivery that is suitable for the instrumental.
Track 4 – Young Forever
Full of swag, Young Forever is a 90’s R&B-inspired track with more hip hop elements than previous tracks. Jun. K is able to display more of his rap skills in Young Forever. This track is playful but still remains very soulful, with a nice groove to sway along to.
Track 5 – Surfing
Surfing sticks with the swagger in a slightly chilled way. There is a strong sense of summer while listening to this light ditty. In Surfing, Jun. K discusses memories swaying back and forth, similar to waves. Although the vocals still sound great, there isn’t much to differentiate this track from previous ones. The uniqueness does creep in with more powerful vocals in the chorus, but this track still slightly misses the mark.
Track 6 – My House
Hearing Jun. K sing this solo, one can definitely tell he composed this track. This version is much sweeter and more dynamic than the 2PM version even though it’s stripped down. The instruments and vocals become silky smooth during the chorus which is nice to hear. This version of My House is a sensual bop with great dynamics when needed.
Track 7 – Don’t Go
Jun. K teamed up with Baek A Yeon for Don’t Go which is a remake of the 2011 version. The wispy vocals carry a deep emotion about a breakup over the acoustic guitar. The track adds a little more flavor with drums kicking in at the halfway point. The limited backtrack and effortless vocalists makes this song easy on the ears.
Track 8 – No Love Part 2
The album returns back to the Future R&B genre with No Love Part 2 and the assistance of San E. This track is the sequel to the 2014 release, No Love. San E brings a smooth and flavorful rap that helps highlight this track. No Love Part 2 is a stylized R&B song that is full of swag with synth sounds and 808 bass. Jun. K’s vocals, with unchallenging belts, are on full display in this closing track.
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