Park Jungmin: Not Alone
Arguably one of the best singers in SS501, Park Jungmin also became the first member to release his solo album after the group went their separate ways last year.
Note: SS501 did not disband.
One-fifth of the boy band, Jungmin said in an interview previously that he was not stressed when it comes to being the first to release a solo album. In fact, the other members were the ones who should worry, since he had already set a benchmark.
For people who didn’t know, SS501 is a five-member boy band consisting of Kim Hyunjoong, Heo Youngsaeng, Kim Kyujong, Park Jungmin and Kim Hyungjoon.
Kim Hyunjoong previously starred in the Korean versions of Boys Over Flowers and Playful Kiss, and is currently under Bae Yongjoon’s company KeyEast.
Heo Youngsaeng and Kyujong are with Lee Hyori’s B2M Entertainment. They held their first fan meeting late last year.
Youngest member Kim Hyungjoon recently released two singles Girl and Oh Ah, and is currently with S-Plus Entertainment.
The one thing I like about this album is how Jungmin explored vastly different genres in a mere number of three songs.
Album: Not Alone
Artiste: Park Jungmin
Company: CNR Media
Released date: January 20, 2011
#o1) Not Alone
I so love the stringed instruments when they open the song. It’s very reminiscent of ‘Love Ya’ from SS501’s Destination album.
The strong bass drum beat in the background gives the song a very angsty feeling, which I really like. The tune has many layers, such as the subtle clapping of hands.
I can almost imagine Jungmin giving nothing less than a highly-energetic performance this weekend at his showcase in Singapore. It’s a very good song to open a concert or showcase with. You’d have your audience jump with you in no time.
An added note though, the lyrics were written by Park Jungmin himself. Not his first composition, he’s written Kiss for then-DSP juniors Rainbow.
#o2) 넌 알고 있니? (Do you know?)
I guess if I had to choose, this would be my favourite song. It starts of as a ballad, before turning into soft rock. And, I’m a sucker for both genres.
The song opened softly with nothing but the piano as accompaniment for the entire first half of the song. Jungmin sings in a light tone, but sticks to sounding deeper than usual.
The chorus is my favourite part of the song. I like how Jungmin sang with his usual, higher voice. This song is easily my favourite song because it stirred something in my heart; I felt emotionally-attached to the song.
#o3) 내 하루는 매일매일 크리스마스 (Everyday Is Christmas)
Ah, I think Bossa Nova is a much untapped genre when it comes to pop singers/idols. You can’t just sing the genre because if it’s not good enough, it exposes your flaws during ‘live’ performances; since it had little accompaniment.
The plucking of guitar opens the song, setting a relaxed vibe. I could almost see myself lounging in a jazz bar, a cocktail in my hand. Children’s laughter during the instrumental bridge also gave the song a humane boost.
Hearing the song in the middle of the night, or after work — times when you need to relax and hide away from the world, not only is the tune suitable, the lyrics are also appropriate. It takes you away from ‘here’, wherever your ‘here’ is.
Verdict: For a three-track (mini) album, I think the album is a good one. If I had to complain about something, it’d be like picking a bone from an egg — not possible.
I’ve liked his voice since SS501 days; I think with the kind of voice he has, he can sing a wide range of genres and I think he’s proven it so in this album.
For SS501 fans, this album would definitely be a treat. For K-pop fans, who’d never heard a single song from SS501, Not Alone would be a good album to know Park Jungmin as solo singer.
SS501’s Park Jungmin will be holding his first fanmeeting and concert in Singapore over the weekend.
TripleS, you should be excited!
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