Dear

Artist: Mad Soul Child
Album: 아저씨 (The Man From Nowhere OST)
Genre: Ballad/OST
Release date: 16th December, 2010

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Rating: ★★★★★
Dear by Mad Soul Child is the theme song from the 2010 movie 아저씨 (The Man From Nowhere). I actually came across this song on Facebook from a friend who had posted a fanmade video of this movie with it playing in the background. Mad Soul Child’s vocalist Jinsil is known to be featured in Tablo’s song 나쁘다 (Bad).

The song starts off with a series of broken chords and a low sound of strings accompanying Jinsil’s melancholy tone as she hums softly, and as the music proceeds it also seems as if the sound of the piano and the strings in the background too are starting to sound heavy-hearted and sombre. The accompaniment pauses at 0:24 and holds on one note, dragging it slightly and creating a sudden loss of movement, adding on the heavy atmosphere of the song, and the first line of lyrics appears at 0:27 as Jinsil sings in a hushed voice, emphasizing the melancholy ambience that was created. The accompaniment continues for a large of the song as broken chords played on a piano and a dense sound of strings, but it is built up when lead to the chorus at 1:20, when percussion and a faint sound of an acoustic guitar is bought in. The emotion builds up here, but sinks down slightly as the chorus ends, though not as much as before. A sorrowful tone is still maintained, but the second verse holds a slightly different - perhaps a more uplifting flavor that before. The atmosphere dies down and starts to conclude at around 3:30, and the regular sound of the strings can be heard. The piano plays single chords instead of broken chords now, which diminishes the mood even more and signifies the end of the song, but the overall aura resembles the beginning. The accompaniment drags itself out even more, and finishes off with the strings.

Overall I give this song a 5 out of 5. I think Jinsil’s voice portrayed the emotions of this song extremely appropriately, as she sings about an abrupt wave of loneliness that crashes into her due to the loss of a lover. The lyrics of this song are simple and straightforward, and it matches with the honest, sincere tone of the vocals, highlighting the sentiments that were intended. Jinsil sings with a muted voice during the verses, almost as if she was whispering her sorrows and feebly calling for help, and instead of portraying this in a desperate way, it is almost giving a sense of ceasing to continue. This song is both soothing and powerful with emotions, creating a perfect corresponding between voice, accompaniment and lyrics.

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꼭 이만큼만 (Just This Much)

Artist: Casker
Album: Tender
Genre: Soft electronica/Indie
Release date: 21st October, 2010

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Rating: ★★★★★
꼭 이만큼만 or Just This Much is the newest title from Korean electronica duo Casker’s album Tender. This song is quite slow and has a consistent beat, simply made up of a keyboard and a drum kit. This song has a very coffee shop-esque feel to it, which is why it sounds laid-back and soothing.

The first second of this song starts off with captured live sounds of a busy street, and then the music starts straight after at 00:02. A plain, unaffected keyboard sound starts us off, with a somewhat faint sound effect of a telephone accompanying it. A sudden pause at 00:08, leaving only the busy street sounds mentioned before, and then re-enters at 00:10 with a beat accompanying it. Vocals enter at 00:18, and they sound somewhat manipulated, or as if the vocalist was singing through a telephone. This time, hi-hats were added to the drum beat, increasing the tension and catchiness of the song. A bass sound enters at 0:34, adding depth to the music, and the vocalist’s voice pulls away from the “telephone” effect. It is quite difficult to spot where the chorus starts, so I assume it starts at 0:49, as the vocals are slightly raised as well as the atmosphere. Up till now the same keyboard pattern is repeated over and over again in the background. Faint ‘oooh’s can be heard in the background starting at 1:06. Chorus ends at 1:18, and the atmosphere drops as the bass and drum kit stops, leaving only the keyboard sound. Again a sudden pause at 1:20, and everything re-enters at 1:22. The affected “telephone” voice can be heard again, and ends at 1:30 where the bass is added once again. Chorus re-enters at 1:45, raising the atmosphere again. Instrumental solo begins at 2:14, and this sounds somewhat a jazz style, with the same keyboard pattern in the background, drum kit, and an instrument that sounds like a trumpet/sax. Vocals re-enter suddenly at 2:33, and all instruments stop at 2:34, leaving a faint electrical hum accompanying the vocalist. A faint violin sound can be heard at 2:41, and at 2:48 the drum kit and bass and everything else re-enters, and the chorus is repeated. Everything stops at 3:02, leaving only the keyboard pattern and the faint sound effect in the background. This only lasts for a few seconds because everything re-enters at 3:05, and at 3:10 the vocals stop, leaving only the keyboard pattern, the faint sound effect and the drum kit playing. The affected sound of the vocalist enters at 3:14, and the song ends, abruptly.
I gave this song a 5 out of 5. From typing the process of the entire song out I discovered that, this song does not only have laid-back style, but it is also very interesting to listen to at the same time. There is a lot going on; lots of effects, affected sound etc., even though the music itself is very plain and simple. Sounds keep coming back, popping up randomly and suddenly stopping, which makes this song such fun to listen to. The vocalist has an amazingly smooth voice; her voice sounds simple and yet is able to bring out the emotion within this song.

Overall, if I had a coffee shop in Korea, I would play this song for sure.

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얼음요새 (Ice Fortress)

Artist: Dear Cloud
Album: Dear Cloud (Album)
Genre: Indie/Soft-rock
Release date: 8th November, 2007

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Rating: ★★★★★
Having listened to Dear Cloud for quite a period of time, they have developed a special place in my heart with their music style and the sense of belonging and satisfaction I get when I listen to them. This song Ice Fortress was their most popular song, even starring the actor Kim Jae Wook in their music video.

The song starts off with a soft continuous electric guitar, and keyboards are added at about 0:14 playing some soft arpeggios-like pattern. Vocals enter in a mellow manner at 0:27, and the keyboard can still be heard in the background, playing the same pattern. The soft electric guitar re-enters at 0:49, and drums are added at 0:52, which adds onto the mood as the verse is repeated, but with a stronger sense of emotion. The soft electric guitar and drums gradually build up and becomes more and more obvious, as if trying to take over the vocalist but not exactly doing so. Guitar strumming can also be heard at this point. Chorus at 1:20, and the emotion and overall atmosphere of the song is very strong and overwhelming. The vocals adds to this by singing at a higher octave, building and reinforcing the mood of the chorus. The atmosphere of the song calms and quiets down at 1:47 as the verse re-enters, leaving only a keyboard and perhaps a soft electric sound in the background, accompanying the vocalist’s mellow tone. Drums re-enter at 2:00, slowly building up the atmosphere once again. Chorus again at 2:13, and the mood rises up to a high point again. Chorus is repeated at 2:40, and this time the vocalist does her own changes to it. Instrumental begins at 3:07, and the atmosphere of the song drops slightly again, leaving only the keyboard and soft guitar sound playing. Another electric guitar and the drums enter at 3:19, raising the mood of the song slightly. Vocalist re-enters at 3:33, and the mood of the song is raised again. Vocals fade away at 4:00, leaving behind the electric guitars, keyboard and drums. Change of chord at 4:13, instrumental continues, and then the song finally pulls to an end.
I gave this song a 5 out of 5. I didn’t think this was a particularly “good” song at first, and I thought that it didn’t really catch my eye (or ears rather) when I first listened to it, but as time passed this song became a memorable song in terms of all the masterpieces that Dear Cloud had produced. This song gives me an extremely soothing and laid-back feeling, especially the music video and where it was filmed. I had mentioned and complimented before about the vocalist’s voice and how it has a subtle masculine edge to it, and this song only accentuates this, thus allowing the vocalist develop her own style while singing live. The vocalist’s voice is extremely appropriate and fits well with the lyrics of the song, which describes the worship and luminous feelings for what seems like an ice princess, beautiful but cold and difficult to reach.

Overall, I think that this song is a must-listen for all Dear Cloud fans or for those who are willing to try out their music, as this song is their most famous song. The vocalist’s voice is very unique and soothing, appropriate for a relaxing afternoon.

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가장 아픈 사랑 (The Most Painful Love)

Artist: Fanny Fink
Album: 가장 아픈 사랑 (Single)
Genre: Indie/Soft-rock
Release date: 24th January, 2011

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Rating: ★★★★
This song is an indie/soft-rock song by Fanny Fink, an indie band from Pastel Music. They debuted with the albumMr. Romance, and unfortunately their former member Young Bin left the group in 2010 when they came back with the digital single Snowdrop. This song is a soft, mellow song from their newest single 가장 아픈 사랑, or The Most Painful Love, telling a painful story of reminiscence.

Starting off, we can hear vaguely in the background a soft sound of the outdoors and some water running. The music starts at 0:18, and Myoi’s faint, mellow vocals are accompanied by chords played on a piano and more background noises. The clean guitar and drum beats enter at 0:44, and this adds a stronger tint to the verse, contrasting to how soft and calm it was before. Chorus begins at 1:10, and Myoi spells out the soothing melody with her smooth voice, and soft electric guitars also enter. The range clearly widens in the chorus, as high notes start to appear. Chorus ends at 1:58 with an short instrumental, and the verse reappears at 2:04. The song returns to its mellow, relaxing self. Chorus re-enters at 2:59, this time with the backing track slightly stronger and louder to create a high point and to contrast with the verses. Chorus ends at 3:47, and the song returns to a lower point as the volume of the guitar, drums and keyboard decreases slightly. Myoi re-enters at 3:52, concluding the song with her pure and soothing voice. Guitar fades away, and only drums and keyboard can be heard.
I gave this song a 4 out of 5, and this is because I have been looping this song a lot, and that made me a little sick of hearing it, but nonetheless this is a beautiful indie track. The lyrics of this song had been written in a very melancholy and very beautifully, with a theme of reminiscence and the patient lingering of the heart for a lover, and all these feelings and emotions in the lyrics match extremely well with Myoi’s mellow, artsy style of singing.

Overall, I think this song is a must listen for people who want to try out Korean indie, and also for people who are new to Fanny Fink. This song is a light listen that conveys strong emotion with a mellow style.

하루하루 (Day By Day)

Artist: 김보경 (Kim Bo Kyung)
Album: the FIRST DAY
Genre: Pop-rock/ballad
Release date: 24th January, 2011

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Rating: ★★★★★
‘Superstar K2’ contestant Kim Bo Kyung recently released her debut EP ‘the FIRST DAY’consisting of 5 beautiful pop-rock/ballad style tracks. 하루하루, or Day By Day is her title track; an ear-warming song full of expression and soul. The music video is also a very beautiful one, as a light story between Kim Bo Kyung and a boxer-in-training traces their only connection to this world - a forged ambition and a mysterious ring.

The song starts off with light sounds of a clean guitar and keyboard playing a riff, followed by drums and vocals coming in at about 0:15-0:16. Kim starts off rather softly, and then when proceeding into the first chorus, raises her volume a little, creating a slight high point. Electric guitars and a bass appears at 0:44 with the chorus, and her first high note is at 1:06 when she sings ‘I can’t let it go’. Chorus ends immediately after that at 1:13, and back into a second verse where the mood is lowered down again. The chorus after the second verse brings a slightly higher point compared to the first chorus, but the overall tone and speed of the chorus is the same. High note at 2:06, followed by an extra line “Haru haru” and the bridge at 2:14, which is the overall high point of the song with Kim’s impressing vocals. A sudden dip of mood at 2:35 when the first bit of the chorus is repeated, vocals are effected, and the overall tone is much more softer, but the mood suddenly picks itself up once again at 2:41 with a slight modulation and adlibs, creating another high point, but nothing else is changed in terms of structure of the chorus. Mood drops back down at 3:12 as the song proceeds, and ends.
I gave this song a 5 out of 5, not just because that this song is my favorite out of the five Kim has released, but it is also a must-loop song on my playlist. I absolutely adore the highs and lows of this song, as they can have such overwhelming contrast. Kim’s vocals is extraordinarily smooth and gives the song an overall flow and completion. She knows how to use her voice well to create contrast and mood between parts of the song. Voice effects are used well in this song as it is not used too much, but just slightly to compare with the rest of the song.

Overall, I would say this song is a masterpiece for a rookie, and it could definitely win over the hearts of many people. It is a title track that I would say has been chosen wisely, so please support Kim Bo Kyung’s debut.


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Nothing Better

Artist: Brown Eyed Soul
Album: The Wind, The Sea, The Rain
Genre: Ballad
Release date: 5th November, 2007

Rating: ★★★★★
Brown Eyed Soul is a 4-member South Korean group that debuted in 2003 with their album Soul Free. This song Nothing Better is chosen from their second album The Wind, The Sea, The Rain that consists of 19 tracks. Brown Eyed Soul is originally an R&B group, but their large amount of musical talent and flexibility allowed them to offer their fans versatility in their music styles.

Nothing Better is a famous ballad number sung by many Korean singers. Jonghyun of SHINee’s cover is a particularly well-known example. The song starts off with a gentle piano melody, and vocals come in at 0:26. Vocals throughout the song are very soft and slightly mellow, thus bringing a sweet tint to the mood. The chorus appears at 1:35, but no high points have been brought out just yet. 2:04 is where the high point starts; the vocalist takes a turn and rose an octave higher, increasing the strong romantic and mellow atmosphere in the song. The chorus starts once again straight after a short piano solo at 3:00, slowly developing its way into the high point once again at 3:29. The high point is repeated a few times straight before slowly ending and fading away into the piano sounds.
I gave this song a 5 out of 5. This song was put on repeat while I was sleeping, just so I could slowly merge into the mellowness and the softness of the atmosphere. The vocalist Na Ui Yoo has an extremely wide and varied range, which allows him to sing many different styles of songs. His voice in this song is extremely soothing, but at the same time is capable of highlighting critical points throughout the song.

Overall, I think this is a very magical and romantic song. It is sung and covered by many artists which proves this song’s popularity and place in people’s heart.


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Siam

Artist: Dear Cloud
Album: Grey
Genre: Indie/Soft rock
Release date: 28th October, 2008

Rating: ★★★★
Dear Cloud is a 5-member indie rock band who debuted with their full length album Dear Cloud in 2007. Their music are mostly an indie style, or a soft rock style, and their songs are very soothing and pleasant to the ear.

Siam is a soft, indie-style song with a unique structure. It starts off with a mellow-sounding introduction, like bells which are repeating an arpeggios pattern. Vocals kicks off at around 0:15. The vocals sound extremely dreamy and soft. The first chorus starts at about 1:20, but although it is a chorus, the high point has not been created yet. The second verse starts at around 2:04, with more stronger bell sounds echoing in the background, and a soft drum kit is added at 2:34. Second chorus starts at 3:06, and the soft drum kit vanishes, mellowing the overall atmosphere of the song once again, resulting in the second chorus to be calm and soothing. The chorus is repeated again, but this time the background instrumental appears to be growing stronger and more defined, and at this point electric and clean guitars can be heard, as well as the drum kit being added back in. A pause at 4:04, and the instrumental begins at 4:08, but with a drastic change of atmostphere, as electric guitars are added in to form a powerful rock emsemble. The instrumental continues until 6:09, and the soft vocals reappears once again. This is the low point of the song, creating contrast between the strong instrumental. The song ends eventually with everything fading away, and disappearing.
I gave this song a 4 out of 5. It is again not my favorite song from this album, but I love it very much because it is extremely soothing and calm, but can also be strong and powerful. I like how there is a large amount of contrast in this song, such as the intrumental, and then the low point near the end of the song. Jang Hee Yun’s vocals in this song are particularly soft and mellow, and for those who are familiar with Dear Cloud’s music, the vocalist is often mistaken to be a male, instead of a female.

Overall, I think this song is a unique indie number which brings back a lot of memories and gets me thinking. It is quite an appropriate song for sleeping in with, as the first part is very mellow and soothing, but I advise you to turn your volume down as the last instrumental at the end can be a little shocking, especially when you’re half asleep. I have had countless of experiences like such with this song.

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겨울 나무 (Winter Tree)

Artist: SG Wannabe
Album: SG Wannabe 7 Part.1
Genre: Ballad
Release date: 12th October, 2010

Rating: ★★★★★
SG Wannabe is a Korean ballad trio that debuted in 2004. They have a unique way of promoting their albums; declining to appear on music shows and their own promotion videos, as they have decided that they wish their audience and listeners would pay more attention to their music rather than their appearance.

겨울 나무, or Winter Tree, is SG Wannabe’s title track from their new album which was released recently. This song is a sad orchestral ballad number, consisting of violin and piano sounds. Vocals start at about 0:20, with only a soft piano accompaniment. At about 0:47 a soft acoustic and drum kit is added in, followed by a flute sound at 0:58. Chorus starts at around 1:13, where the pitch of the vocals are raised, though at 1:40 the atmosphere in the chorus is slightly decreased, but it is still counted as part of the chorus. The atmosphere is slightly picked back up at around 2:14, a few seconds before the second chorus, before preceding and maintaining the high point of the song. An instrumental is introduced at about 2:47, another high point of the song. Here the violin part is defined and can be heard clearly. The small pause of instrumental at 3:00/3:01 creates a twist and a big lift, making the chorus a little different and a little more exciting.
I gave this song a 5 out of 5. When I first heard this song I knew I had to have this in my iTunes. I’m not a big SG Wannabe fan, but this song gave such a strong bittersweet vibe, and is yet another tearjerking ballad. I love the tone of SG Wannabe’s vocals in this song, as there is a significant contrast. In the verses, the voice is soft, but during the chorus and high points of the song, the voice is strong, sturdy, a little husky, creating the touching mood and tone in the song. I searched for the translation of this song, but I didn’t really understand it because it seemed really deep :/ I particularly like this line: ‘Engraved on the separation of the deep snow in the spring to come to this step is cleared’, so I assume that this song is written in a very poetic way.

Overall I think this is a very soothing ballad number, excellent for sleeping in with. I swear I listened to this song and ended up crying in my sleep. The bittersweet in this song had reached my subconscious haha.

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1:03

Artist: Nell
Album: 4집 - Separation Anxiety
Genre: Soft rock/indie
Release date: 25th March, 2008

Rating: ★★★★
Nell is a 4-member Korean indie rock band formed in 1999. Separation Anxiety was a great hit in South Korea in 2008, ranking number 1 in various music charts. This time I decided to review the sixth track of the album, 1:03.

1:03 is a soft-rock song including good uses of both acoustic guitars and electric guitars. There are quite a lot of instrumental parts throughout the song, where there would be guitar solos. Vocals start at about 0:36, where the louder introduction part quiets down with soft beats and acoustic in the background. The song proceeds into the chorus, where the electric guitar joins in; vocals increases volume as well as it is the first high point of the song. There are a couple of other high points, for example the guitar solo that starts right after the second chorus ends, at around 2:40 - 3:20, and the song quiets down again, leaving only the acoustic guitar at the background, and then picks back up at 3:29.
I gave this song a 4 out of 5. It is not my favorite song from the album, but definitely an all-time classic. I must compliment on Kim Jong Wan’s silky, milk-like vocals. I loved how his voice is able to transmit so smoothly between low and high points of the song. This can be a great jamming song, but slight pauses/low points throughout the song are able to give the listener some breaks. I couldn’t find the English translation for this song, so I will not be able to comment on the lyrics.

Overall I think this is an excellent song, and is suitable for jamming or traveling even. I would not recommend this song for listening while sleeping, as I myself have had a few cases of getting startled by the electric guitar sounds, but it is an excellent song nevertheless. I would recommend you to also check out the rest of the songs from Separation Anxiety, as it is an all-time classic and I will definitely be doing reviews of other songs from the album in the future.

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