It’s been a long, long wait of three years and eight months for the solo comeback of singer Jo Kwon from 2AM. But I’m happy to report that the wait was worthwhile. The jokester gets serious and is ready to melt your heart with three new tracks from his latest album, Crosswalk. From sentimental ballad to rosy love song, Crosswalk presents a new kind of emotional maturity and grown-up sophistication from Jo Kwon.
Track 1 – 횡단보도 (Crosswalk)
Simple yet melodic piano instrumental opens this emotion-filled ballad, Crosswalk. Jo Kwon’s sincere voice and the addition of low-pitched violin piece together a heartfelt and relatable image of hesitating at the crosswalk of love and separation. My favorite part of the song is the bridge, where Jo Kwon adds just a dose of R&B in his singing to enrich the flavor of the song.
Track 2 – 괜찮아요 (Fine)
Another ballad track primarily backed by clean piano riffs with basic drum beats added halfway through, Jo Kwon uses his airy vocals to deliver a relaxing tune that puts the listener at peace. Though Jo Kwon does a fantastic rob of ad libbing during several parts of Fine, the overall melody is not as impressionable as Crosswalk.
Track 3 – Flutter
Still erring on the side of a comfortable and calming mood, Flutter takes a sweet yet groovy turn with flirty acoustic guitar, lighthearted drum beats, and the occasional appearance of seductive saxophone. This mid-tempo R&B ballad accurately brings out that mixture of smitten and nervous feeling when falling in love.