F.T. Island’s lead singer Lee Hong Gi has finally released his solo debut album FM302 after eight long years. I’ve always known him as a power vocalist with a unique voice that treads between husky and nasaly. But with FM302, Lee Hong Gi proves that he is much more than just a special voice and a pretty face. His creativity and talents as a composer and lyricist shine through the self-produced songs on the album. FM302 goes far beyond Lee Hong Gi’s usual playground of pop rock and successfully explores uncharted waters ranging from house music to synthpop.
Track 1 – Let’s Seize The Day
Album opener Let’s Seize The Day completely shocked me to say the least. I was not expecting a progressive house track with dreamy Nordic style synth sounds and a strong trance presence, let alone an all English track. I literally did a double take to make sure this addictive EDM song indeed came out of Lee Hong Gi’s album before commencing on to enjoy the addictive beat to the max.
Track 2 – 눈치 없이 (Insensible)
Next up, Insensible takes a sharp turn in mood from the previous song and leads us into a somber rock ballad number filled with dramatic piano and electric guitar sounds on top of a dark undertone. Lee Hong Gi’s explosive and emotional vocal conveys so much pain and sadness about not being able to forget his ex (played by Park Shin Hye) that it nearly brings me to tears while listening to it.
Track 3 – Kings For A Day
Kings For A Day yet again brings me pleasant surprise as an unusual alternative pop rock tune commonly found among American pop rock bands and super rare in the Kpop world. The whole song exudes upbeat optimism and positive energy from the jubilant guitar instrumentals, to the bouncy drum beats, and the carefree lyrics about enjoying life.
Track 4 – Be Your Doll
Here we have a distinctive and funky glitch hop song with static-sounding bass lines and lots of distorted sounds in the background. My favorite part of the song is the quirky and groovy keyboard riff during the bridge of the song. The back beat mix of Be Your Doll is refreshing and vivacious, and definitely more of a standout than the melody itself, which is a tad flat.
Track 5 – LOL (Loudness Of Love)
LOL (Loudness of Love) is a classic 80’s synthpop inspired track reinterpreted with more contemporary synths and beats. Coupled with Lee Hong Gi’s laid-back vocals, this retro mid-tempo song not only evokes quite a bit of nostalgia, but is also the perfect dose of relaxation.
Track 6 – 비가 와요 (In The Rain)
FM302 closes out with a sentimental ballad more typical of Lee Hong Gi’s past works. In The Rain has beautifully clear piano sounds and fantastical violin strings accompanying Hong Gi’s husky, emotion-filled voice. Though not as exciting creatively as the previous tracks on the album, it’s still a rather touching song that embodies much sorrow.