S.E.S – ‘Remember’ Album Review

1st generation Kpop girl group S.E.S is reunited after more than a decade, treating fans with an album, Remember, to celebrate their 20th anniversary in the limelight. Debuting in 1997 as the female counterpart of H.O.T, S.E.S quickly gained major popularity under S.M. Entertainment. Let’s take a stroll down memory lane with S.E.S and see how the original fairies of Kpop have reinvented themselves with this sweet and musical-like album.

Track 1 – Candy Lane

Candy Lane starts the album calmly with sweet piano strings that is then joined by broadway-like jazzy trumpet strings. The overall effect quickly reminds one of the joyful Christmas season with layered harmonies that add to the immense sugary happiness. Though traditional and a bit out of place in the album, it definitely stands out among the contemporary songs that are usually infused with overwhelming synths. Just like lemonade on a summer day, Candy Lane is classic yet refreshing.

Track 2 – Remember

The first title track of the album that was released on the first day of the year, Remember is a pop ballad written by the members themselves. A combination of soft piano strings and jingle sounds fill the mid-tempo track. Remember is a calming track that’s quite representative of the spirit of S.E.S and the 90s music style, with no unnecessary high notes and fit for a relaxing evening.

Track 3 – 한 폭의 그림 (Paradise)

Paradise is a new jack swing ditty that’s somehow reminiscent of the 90’s when S.E.S ruled, yet modern and groovy like something you’d hear from SHINee. It shows a side of S.E.S that’s refreshingly new. This earworm will surely capture your attention with its danceable beat and make you fall in love with S.E.S all over again.

Track 4 – Birthday

Another upbeat track follows suit. Birthday is a jazzy disco track that will surely get you up on your feet to jump along to it. Though the beat and the melody is as fun as what the title implies, it isn’t all that memorable compared to the other tracks of the album.

Track 5 – 친구-세번째 이야기 (My Rainbow)

My Rainbow is a mid-tempo soft pop ballad track with a dreamy piano-filled melody. S.E.S’s vocals sound angelic and beautiful in this one, but other than that, this is a typical tune with no unique elements to make it stand out against the rest of the album.

Track 6 – Hush

While Hush is yet another pop ballad track, the airy harmonizations in this one are just plain amazing without having the melody and the beat drowning them out. The enchantment of the half-air half-sound vocals will just leave you wanting to listen to it again.

Track 7 – 산다는 건 다 그런 게 아니겠니 (Life)

A fairytale-like number comes next with string orchestra, jazzy horns, guitar riffs, and a bit of wind instrumentals. The start of the song tricks you into thinking that it’s a ballad by starting slow, but then builds up with cheerful beat, and turns into a full-on musical. It’s easily a fun favorite in the album.

Track 8 – 그대로부터 세상 빛은 시작되고 (The Light)

The Light is a song written by S.M.’s founder, Lee Soo Man, and a remake of S.E.S’s past single. The Light is an ethereal ballad accompanied by gentle piano and light beats, complete with powerfully and celestial high notes. You’ll hardly even notice the melody due to the captivating vocals.

Track 9 – Love [Story]

Love [Story] is another remake of S.E.S’s previous singles, I’m Your Girl and Love. This song will surely bring back nostalgia since it didn’t make any major tweaks aside from combining the two hit tracks. Maintaining its fun and preppy mood, the song will make you nod along in glorious memory of the 9os.

Track 10 – Remember (English Ver.)

Not Reviewed.

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