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Jung Yong Hwa, CNBLUE’s lead vocalist, is now making a name for himself in the Kpop music scene as he releases his solo debut album titled One Fine Day. Building upon the popularity of CNBLUE, One Fine Day will surely make you fall for Yong Hwa once more with heart-melting tunes. This colorful album features a diverse set of collaborations ranging from pop rock icon Yoon Do Hyun, to rap star Verbal Jint, and even international celebrities like mandopop king JJ Lin. When I listen to One Fine Day in its entirety, it really come off as an OST album fit for describing someone’s day. Yet the irony lies in the fact that despite its title, the album is actually made for those with a broken heart.
Track 1 – Intro
One Fine Day starts off with a smooth and sorrowful short solo violin performance that gives me an idea of what to expect for the rest of the album. It’s the first hint that the album will have many more heart-wrenching ballads to come.
Track 2 – 어느 멋진 날 (One Fine Day)
One Fine Day is a slow tempo emotional ballad that showcases Yong Hwa’s amazing vocals against a clean canvas of acoustic piano and violins melodies. If you’re having trouble falling asleep or if you just miss someone on a rainy day, then this is the song for you. The calming tune of One Fine Day makes it one of my top choices as a lullaby.
Track 3 – 추억은 잔인하게 (Cruel Memories)
Cruel Memories is a bit different from other songs on the album. It’s a power rock ballad with a strong beat and electric guitar combination. Korean rock star legend Yoon Do Hyun lends his penetrating voice to convey the hopeless pleading of removing the painful memories. I’d listen to this song on my way home after a long day at work to help let out some pent up steam.
Track 4 – 원기옥 (Energy)
It’s time to take a break from all the sad songs and up the mood with Energy via its cheerful rhythm and joyful acoustic guitar sounds. Verbal Jint’s low voice and amazing rap skill blend harmoniously with Yong Hwa’s charming voice. This alternative pop rock number is the ideal wake up song. As I prepare for the day ahead, this fun melody makes me want to face the day with positivity and a smile on my face.
Track 5 – 마일리지 (Mileage)
Mileage is a mid tempo tune that is surprisingly calming thanks to the injection of bossa nova in the background. It’s the first time that I’ve felt relaxed all the way through a song, even during the rap section. Yong Hwa’s laid-back vocals and the flirty guitar riffs make it a welcoming and warming song. When I listen to it, it’s easy to imagine that I’m sitting at a coffee shop, waiting for a hot cup of coffee.
Track 6 – Checkmate
The familiar pop rock rhythm, tempo, and guitar riffs in Checkmate are heard in similar styled CNBLUE songs when I was expecting something a bit more different. But the novelty is that this time, Yong Hwa chose to collaborate with top mandopop artist JJ Lin, which makes the song half Korean and half Chinese. Also, I do like the meaning of the lyrics that describe the hardships he’d go through for a girl.
Track 7 – 니가 없어도 (Without You)
Without You‘s mellow piano riffs and Yonghwa’s sweet voice put a smile on my face even though this is a bluesy ballad. I think that the whole song is so sweet. Though Without You is sung by a solo artist, its layered composition makes me think that it would be equally amazing to be sung by a group.
Track 8 – 마지막 잎새 (Last Leaf)
Last Leaf is a slow tempo sentimental rock ballad song that’s great for relaxing at night. Yonghwa’s smooth and sweet falsetto lures me to sleep. But I wasn’t that impressed with it because it didn’t feel as new. Last Leaf sounds like something I’ve heard before from other acoustic ballad singers.
Track 9 – Goodnight Lover
Goodnight Lover is the ultimate feel good pop song. Fun beat, festive synths, and cheerful vocals wake me up with a dose of optimism even if the title says goodnight. It sounds like the ending song to a rom-com movie played during the credits to remind the audience that they’ve had a good time.
Track 10 – 27 Years
In collaboration with world-class musician and producer, Peter Malick, 27 Years is a serene alternative pop rock tune with laid-back guitar riffs and breezy vocals. If you want to drive across town and reminisce about the past, then this is the perfect song for you. What I love about it the most is that the lyrics are extremely relatable as Yonghwa conveys his nostalgia towards his younger days.
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