Niel – ‘Love Affair’ Album Review

Nearly two years after his solo debut, Teen Top’s main vocals Niel is back with his second mini album, Love Affair, containing seven R&B inspired tracks with the title track of the same name featuring Unpretty Rapstar Season 3 participant, Giant Pink. Get ready to fall in love with the sentimental side of Niel as he sings his emotions out through this Love Affair.

Track 1 – On My Way

Love Affair opens with a relaxing yet enticing piano instrumental titled On My Way that also features water drop sound effects and some breathy ooh-aahs in the background, making it a great way to kick off the album.

Track 2 – 날 울리지마 (Love Affair)

Love Affair is a hip hop R&B inspired track with a smooth and hooky melody that you can pick up instantly. The groovy guitar and synth combination brings a bluesy vibe. Niel’s emotional falsettos and beltings further decorate this mid tempo song. Giant Pink’s rap, though noticeably short, definitely added a sprinkle of needed spice as well.

Track 3 – Heart Monster

Heart Monster is an emotional acoustic ballad and the perfect conduit to showcase Niel’s vocal range. This dreamy number contains a melody of pure sweetness despite its lyrics. Heart Monster would have received a higher review if it didn’t follow another laid-back track, which made it less memorable in comparison.

Track 4 – 나 열나 (Fever)

Dominant and energetic piano chords welcome us to this uptempo feel-good track. Fever is the breathe of fresh air I’ve been waiting for since Love Affair has been on the mellow and relaxed side thus far. Fever gives off enjoyable and happy vibes with its cheerful ooh’s in the backtrack.

Track 5 – 신호등 (Signal)

The mood changes drastically as a wistful ballad with gloomy piano, dramatic violin strings, and subtle beat makes its appearance. Signal is a really heartfelt song where you can feel the emotions and the message that the song is trying to signal during the climatic chorus.

Track 6 – In The Rain

In The Rain is a mid-tempo easy-listening urban R&B hip hop track. Niel’s sweet voice really stands out here against Snacky Chan’s low-pitched weighty rap. The high notes are no joke when Niel sings his heart out in this well-composed track.

Track 7 – 그런 날 (On That Day)

Another winding piano and light synth combination opens the final track On That Day with added finger snaps to define key beat breaks. Niel’s half-air, half-sound voice blends so well with this slow jam. Though there are some parts in the verse that sounds a bit out of place, it’s a consistent ending to this overall groovy album.

What Do You Think?

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.