Jang Hyun Seung – ‘My’ Album Review

Jang Hyun Seung (JS) has enjoyed much previous success as member of veteran idol group Beast and half of popular duo Trouble Maker. But this time, he chooses to use his solo debut album My to tell the world what is his unique approach to music. Through the catchy hip hop and R&B tunes in My, you’ll find a Jang Hyun Seung that is a bit dangerous, a bit sexy, and a whole lot of confidence.

Track 1 – It’s Me

The album starts with a short intro track that’s essentially a self-proclamation of who Jang Hyun Seung is as a solo artist. It’s Me uses strong hip hop beats and seductive voice to bring Hyun Seung’s personality to life.

Track 2 – 니가 처음이야 (Ma First‬)

Title song Ma First is a refreshing upbeat song with distinctive funky synths sounds and flamboyant trap beats that complement Hyun Seung’s confident vocals quite nicely. This hip hop dance number is a total club banger and expresses his uncontrollable feelings towards a woman of interest, for the very first time.

Track 3 – 걔랑 헤어져 (Break Up With Him)

Break Up With Him is a groovy mid-tempo R&B tune featuring exciting synth sounds and rhythmic beats that easily make you rocking along. Though the melody doesn’t have significant variation, the layers of beat and the transitions between rap and vocal make it not boring at all.

Track 4 –  야한 농담 (Dirty Joke)

Next up is Dirty Joke. To my surprise, it’s a soulful ballad track mostly sung in an a cappella style with light keyboard instrumentals and finger snaps to keep tempo. The overall effect is that Dirty Joke comes off as if Hyun Seung is whispering to your ears directly and seductively.

Track 5 – 나와 (Come Out)

Here we have an interesting pop number that combines intense electric guitar backtrack, with light snare drum beats, and a mellow melody. As such, Come Out has an inherently dangerous vibe to it, as if something troublesome is brewing in the background. However, Hyun Seung’s nonchalant vocals contrast it with a sense of calm and reassurance.

Track 6 – 사랑한다고 (I Said I Love You)

My wraps up with I Said I Love You that shows yet a different side of Hyun Seung. Backed primarily by sentimental solo electric guitar riffs, this ballad track exudes a sense of loneliness and spite from having experienced betrayal. Though the melody can come off as a bit draggy, Hyun Seung’s tone of voice thoroughly channels what it’s like to have his pride hurt.

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