In fact, the epithet ‘idol’ is a double-edged sword. To someone, it could be a real ‘idol’, but to someone, it could be a subject to prejudice. The idol fever that swept the whole world traces back to the 80s. On August 1st 1981, the pop music world changed as a lot of idols with fine appearances started to pour out when MTV, a station that airs music videos for 24 hours, was founded. Of course they each had star qualities and singing abilities, but it was true that somehow their appearance attraced more attention. This kind of prejudice is still valid. In many cases, for an idol, people expect a lower level of musical ability. However, as a lot of talented idols showed up, the twisted attitude is slowly disappearing, and ‘TVXQ’ is one of the artists who contributed largely to this situation. All of the members produced high quality, classy music. Eventually they gripped the whole Asian markets, and also guided the idol groups to the right path. In a bigger picture, they created a new methodology for singers to benchmark.
Their fans must have been more sorry for what had happened to them because of these reasons(he’s talking about the lawsuit). JYJ is still the most talented among idol groups in existence. This is becuase the collaboration of Jaejoong, Junsu, and Yoochun, who possesses singing, performance, and entertaining ablilities, is on the basis. They could target the worldwide market with their first album [The Beginning] because they were confident of their abilities. Isn’t it proved that their possiblities to compete in the American market was confirmed, as the best hiphop producer Kanye West lent his voice without hesitation? There are three points to focus on [In Heaven], released in this kind of situation, when even spatial constraints are collapsing. Whether a Korean album-not an English one to target the worldwide market-can appeal as a hit keywod, if they can compete with only their music without enough appearance on TV, and if the music is good enough to cover three members’ singing ability. When you listen to all the songs of [In Heaven], you’ll get an answer of these three points easier than you thought.
The first thing we must focus on is that the members participated in every song in the album, taking a step forward to an musician. The single fact that they directly participated in the album and showed their leadership is a part that should be highly appreciated. It is a nice evidence that they are making an effort to be accepted as artists. In addition, since the members demonstrated their sense of trend that they felt during the tour, it is needless to comment on their possibilities. ‘Get Out’, produced by Jaejoong and Yoochun, is a trendy pop dance song. The lively composition and the texture of the sound makes the members’ charm stand out even more, and furthermore, as shocking shouting vocals were added, it became a nice song with a strong feeling. You can feel JYJ’s Asian sensitivity in ‘In Heaven’, ‘Fallen Leaves’, and ‘Boy’s Letter’. Especially the appeal in the climax of ‘In Heaven’, the nostalgic sensitivity of ‘Fallen Leaves’, and the unusual composition of ‘Boy’s Letter’ are outstanding. Because these songs have both the nostalgia for the past and the goal of present, you can meet the longing feeling and the delight at the same time.
Different from the former songs, ‘Mission’ and ‘I.D.S’ shows future-oriented aspects. ‘Mission’ with the powerful beat, and ‘I.D.S’ with the auto-tune technique, both has the trendy American sounds. Especially the addictive sound of ‘I.D.S’ is very high-leveled, and in my opinion it would recieve favorable responses even if it is released in the American market. ‘You’re’ and ‘Pierrot’ are pop dance songs with medium tempo, better if you watch the performance. Especially, ‘Pierrot’ refreshes the listeners’ logic by the ironic composition with pretty shocking lyrics, craving for freedom, and a bright melody. ‘Nine’ is a retro-stlye song, also a song that you must listen to. It is hard to define clearly, but ‘Nine’ kind of shows the old sound from the Britpop scene, and is a well made song that can gain sympathy from a whole generation. If [The Beginning] showed a beat centered sound with the American trend at the basis, [In Heaven] has a character capable of gripping domestic and Asian sentiment, emphasizing melodies. Their goal changed as they went through an ablum, but the quality is still high. The innate talent and musical instruments they have is unchanged, even though their target has changed.
I want to say JYJ’s new album is a ‘raw’ thing. The most honest stories and the most honest sounds of the members are realized in the album. In addition, their own songs, composed with understanding of various genres, are quite good in quality. Even though there are points lacking slightly in the overall composition of the album, I feel no need to mention it, since it is not about the quality of the music. Their musical ability is already beyond the highest level. The musical possibility that these men, JYJ who macthes with the term artist rather than idol, can show has just started.
Source: Noh Junyoung’s Blog
Trans by: @With_Junsu
Shared By: JYJ3
❤
wow im so proud!!
JYJ is still the most talented among idol groups in existence. love that…the highest level baby the highest level…
Needless to say…
Luv his view on our boys effort and also talent in this industry where nowadays K-POP thing is lack of talent and just using their dance ability to perform..and forgot about the “singing well” part *sigh
Our boys JYJ is one of the few “SINGERS” in korea that have both and also beyond that :3
how much proud we as their fans can be?
so many good reviews of our boys lately and it just makes me even proud being their fans from a long time ago :’)
thank you JYJ for giving us good songs and also good performances to watch
we’re waiting for you guys to spread your wings even more…JYJ Saranghae
“Their musical ability is already beyond the highest level. The musical possibility that these men, JYJ who macthes with the term artist rather than idol, can show has just started.”
THIS!!! I LOVE THIS! It’s great that fans and critics, alike, can enjoy what JYJ has put out. People can no longer say that fans are being biased because even non-fans acknowledge JYJ’s talents. I fell in love with these boys because they were a breath of fresh air from the repetitiveness of k-pop and i have never regretted this decision. I will always be a JYJ fan who will support them in all of their endeavors because everything they do makes me proud! ♥
word i love most is” has just started” this is just a start jyj have so much more to show
@ilovekimjunsu
Those were the lines that leaped out at me too. You can’t get much better than that review.
Thanks to Noh Junyoung.
Agree:)
I just love this review!!!!
OOOO..I like MR so much …he is good ^______________^not only he though about album, but the way he critic…I am double, tripple…no…more than that…HAPPY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Absolutely agree to this.
Thank u! I bet the boys must be really happy they get positive review for their album. Indeed, JYJ is the best idol group. Their did not have any lack at vocal, dance, music and heart as artist ^^
So so PROUD of our 3 boys.(* sniffles & a little teary*)
I’m glad that a critic has pointed out some of the rawness in this album. It isn’t perfect (what is?) yet it is a real album made from the efforts of three excellent musicians. I feel (and the critic seems to agree) that they have even more space to improve and this truly is a new beginning for JYJ. As a fan I couldn’t be more proud.
MTE.. ❤
proud fan!!!! hmm girls..why so quiet today… tha get out mv will release tonight or tomorrow??
Woooaaaaa! A REVIEW OF A MUSIC CRITIC!!
It´s really great to read, specially when it gives a profesional feeling (he knows about music!)
I love it! 😀
I´M SOOOOOOOOOO PROUD OF OUR JYJ!
” JYJ is still the most talented among idol groups in existence ”
TOTALLY AGRE!
*AGREE
“I want to say JYJ’s new album is a ‘raw’ thing. The most honest stories and the most honest sounds of the members are realized in the album. In addition, their own songs, composed with understanding of various genres, are quite good in quality. Even though there are points lacking slightly in the overall composition of the album, I feel no need to mention it, since it is not about the quality of the music. Their musical ability is already beyond the highest level. The musical possibility that these men, JYJ who macthes with the term artist rather than idol, can show has just started.”
This is the kind of review I have been waiting for, someone who is a professional critic. This person sees the strengths and shortcomings, and puts them in balance. I like that the critic recognizies the “new album is a ‘raw’ thing, because that is what it is. It is their very first completely self-composed, procduced album. The guys are using their still raw talents at producing, and putting out material that still outshines what seasoned pros in the Korean music industry are putting out. The mere fact that the mix of songs contains material where each one is different from the other, alone deserves a high-five.
Thank you Noh Junyoung for giving JYJ’s ‘In Heaven’ an honest, professional critique. When you say the musical possibilities these young men show is just starting, I whole-heartedly agree. Their futures are boundless. 😉
@Butterfliess…
My Sister. I agree. And at last we have someone who can and does objectively evaluate the MUSIC. Look what he says here…
“If [The Beginning] showed a beat centered sound with the American trend at the basis, [In Heaven] has a character capable of gripping domestic and Asian sentiment, emphasizing melodies.” He gets it.
What I like most is that he can see the album for what it is based on where they are in their experience at this point in their careers. He objectively says It’s “raw” yes, but even its raw state it rises HIGH above all the rest.
JJ, Junsu and Youchun are Artists. An Artist takes a thought, an idea or a concept that they have in their mind and makes it real and tangible for others to experience. Because they can create their own music this makes JYJ different from all other K-pop Idols and such a threat to the K-pop culture. They don’t have to wait for a management company to provide music for them, telling what to sing; how to sing it and when to sing it. They’ve left behind the K-pop Zoo where trained monkeys wait for the keeper throw them one banana a week as a reward for doing as they are told. (Sorry I’m ranting….)
This statement.. “JYJ is still the most talented among idol groups in EXISTENCE.”
(People this is why SME has spent 2 years trying to keep JYJ down. SME knows this fact and it scares the living daylights out of them.)
And his final statement says it all. “The musical possibility that these men, JYJ who matches with the term artist rather than idol, can show has just started.”
Longevity… for JYJ as musical artists the possibilities are limitless… AMEN
What I really get from the album is the fact that the guys made a conscious effort to make all the songs fresh, with a tweak here and there. ‘You’re’ was originally a ballad, now it’s a mid-tempo dance song. As people have noted, they’ve switched around who sings what in some songs. None of the songs have lost their ‘swagger’. Instead of them cutting the tracks exactly as they originally sung them, they have in effect, made them practically brand new.
THIS, too is what separates them from ‘old-school’ kpop. They are now the purveyors of ‘new-jack’ kpop – to paraphrase. 🙂 Imagine this…those management type producers are going to have to scramble now and try and keep up. Oh sure, this won’t happen overnite, but it is on the horizon. But the fun part is JYJ are now the leaders of the pack.
“This statement.. “JYJ is still the most talented among idol groups in EXISTENCE.”
(People this is why SME has spent 2 years trying to keep JYJ down. SME knows this fact and it scares the living daylights out of them.)” You said it my sister!
LADY KARMA, your faithful admirer is extremely grateful to you for all the hard work you put out for JYJ. You really know a good thing when you see/hear it don’t you? 😉
KARMA.. The Return of Order to the Universe…..
@ButterfliesAreFree
“But the fun part is JYJ are now the leaders of the pack.”
Love this line!
Normally in an album of almost every singer or idol group, you can find only few addicted songs. Even when they were TVXQ or THSK, there were few songs in every album that we didn’t like but for In Heaven, I must say I love all songs…really love to listen all the songs. This is JYJ!
Agree, with this album, I love them all.
totally love this preview :
‘JYJ is still the most talented among idol groups in existence. This is becuase the collaboration of Jaejoong, Junsu, and Yoochun, who possesses singing, performance, and entertaining ablilities, is on the basis.’ also “There are three points to focus on [In Heaven], released in this kind of situation, when even spatial constraints are collapsing. Whether a Korean album-not an English one to target the worldwide market-can appeal as a hit keywod, if they can compete with only their music without enough appearance on TV, and if the music is good enough to cover three members’ singing ability. When you listen to all the songs of [In Heaven], you’ll get an answer of these three points easier than you thought” and ‘.I want to say JYJ’s new album is a ‘raw’ thing. The most honest stories and the most honest sounds of the members are realized in the album. In addition, their own songs, composed with understanding of various genres, are quite good in quality.’ the most important point is ‘Their musical ability is already beyond the highest level. The musical possibility that these men, JYJ who macthes with the term artist rather than idol, can show has just started.”
i’m totally proud to our boys and this is just their first step or the beginning for comeback to Korean music industry……i’m never gonna stop for support them because i’m also want to watch them till the extent to which they will develop
Yes! This is what I call a profesional and not bias review. Thank you Mr. Noh Junyoung for recognized JYJ as artist rather than idol!
Great review. I think the word “raw” is what I’ve been looking for to describe JYJ’s sound on this album. And I think one of the most appealing qualities to their music is that it is so honest: it’s more than just songs, but an expression of themselves through music.
“Their musical ability is already beyond the highest level. The musical possibility that these men, JYJ who matches with the term artist rather than idol, can show has just started.” ~ this is what excites me because this truly is the beginning; they have so much potential and I can’t wait to see what else as artists they will create.
*A proud fan here*
Proud of JYJ^^
Their “In Heaven” is a beautiful gift from their own experiences.
They are in their early twenty , but they are ready and showing the secret of health for both mind and body.
Not to mourn for the past,
Not to worry about the future,
Not to anticipate troubles, but to live in the present moment wisely and earnestly~~~
😉 This I like, a lot.
@Cat95…. WOW! Deep words my friend!
Not to mourn for the past,
Not to worry about the future,
Not to anticipate troubles, but to live in the present moment wisely and earnestly~~~
I LIKE THIS. Are these your words or some other writer? Can I use it?
Who should I credit?
OH no! it’s not my words, Long story… There was a teacher during my summer camp, she taught one of her food for the mind quotes. Today, my reflection… I don’t know where or who has written yet? She is not with me but her spirits is still around.
@Cat95…
Hey there. I like your Hello Kitty Gravatar.
I sent you an e-mail. Check your e-mail messages.
Thanks
JYJ are leading the pack. Some day when idols have more guts & realize the power they have over their management company, they will “THANK” JYJ for giving them the courage to move on their own.
that’s a very nice review coming from a critic.JYJ never fail to make all of us PROUD.
i love all these positive reviews from credited critics! it truly is the beginning of the future for jyj. i am so proud of them! i am really happy they finally get to grow and expand their music abilities and prove by their own efforts just how awesome they are to the rest of the world, cause the fans already have tasted of their sweet talents!
*cries cries cries of happiness *
please join ..
*group hug * *runs & pulls JJ Yc Su in* <3333
Me Too! 😉
hug..pushhhh!
*hug*
Do you know what pulled me toward DB5K back then? Of course, I like Changmin and Yunho…but Junsu Yuchun Jaejoong are the people who made me fall in love with DB5K…
It’s their love for music and their passion for it that really draw me in…
I like DB5K songs, some of them I constanly listen to… But, only a few that can really pull me in… However, I love all the song in this album so much, I keep playing it over and over…
Do you know why?
It’s because this album show us JYJ… Their passion, love, sadness, anger, dissappointment, hope, memories… It’s JYJ… And they r as beautiful as this album… Or even more beautiful coz as the critic says: it’s just a start… 🙂
i
I fully agree.
Like you, when I first heard DBSK sing ( in late 2010 , after I knew of Yu Chun in SKKS ) , I love the group immediately , But it was the voices of Junsu ( so much depth) , Yu Chun ( so smooth and sexy) and Jae Joong ( clear timbre ) who gave me goose bumps. Sorry,I am not music trained so I describe it as a layman who enjoys their singing . I didn’t know then they had become JYJ.
Imagine my sorrow if for some reason, one of the three boys had chosen to stay behind with SME. I would be inconsolable.
“I want to say JYJ’s new album is a ‘raw’ thing. The most honest stories and the most honest sounds of the members are realized in the album. In addition, their own songs, composed with understanding of various genres, are quite good in quality. Even though there are points lacking slightly in the overall composition of the album, I feel no need to mention it, since it is not about the quality of the music. Their musical ability is already beyond the highest level. The musical possibility that these men, JYJ who macthes with the term artist rather than idol, can show has just started.”
I have to agree with this 100%. This album, to be honest is not completely refined. It definitely has some rough edges that could have been smoothed out. BUT, to me that’s part of its charm. The songs itself are so raw, it digs deep into my soul and I’d get goosebumps every time I listen to them. Maybe because I know how much the lyrics and sound reflects onto their hearts, and their inner turmoil. The rawness of their music, alongside its tint of jaggedness gives me a feelings that defines who they are as artists right now. They have just started to walk on their own two feet after cutting the puppet strings that has been moving/controlling them for the past 7 years…They still have so much to show us, and so much to learn as both humans and as artists.
I’ve been with JYJ for almost 5 years…I’ve seen them at their highest, and I’ve seen them at their lowest. Now I’m seeing them at their truest and rawest. I can’t even imagine what they’ll show us in another years time.
Oh and
“JYJ is still the most talented among idol groups in existence”
THIS. This so much. ;A;
@sasa..”They have just started to walk on their own two feet after cutting the puppet strings that has been moving/controlling them for the past 7 years…They still have so much to show us, and so much to learn as both humans and as artists”.
sooo agree with you!!!!!
Such a nice review. I totally agree with him.
5555 He / She mentioned “shocking lyric” many time. Chunnie, your lyrics are so much contrast with your bight warm smiles.
And It’s sure that “Their music is beyond the highest standard” Our JYJ is the best
i am speechless!! i totally love this review~~~why do i have tears in my eyes??~~~maybe it’s cuz it was done by someone that knows and shows appreciation for our soooo talented, beloved JYJ!!! ^_~
Absolutely agree to this review!
I am going to repeat myself like a broken record: all and I mean ALL of the 10 songs from InHeaven are hits in their own right. If the world was a fair place, JYJ could promote each one of the songs until late next year; they are that good. I can’t choose my favorites, even thought I have been abusing You’re and The Boy’s Letter a little too much. But Fallen Leaves, In Heaven, Get Out, Pierrot, Nine, Unnamed Song, Mission, I.D.S. are equally amazing.
And I loved their album The Beginning maybe because my exposure to more American commercial music, I found that album really good. Also, The…is absolutely amazing. What a waste of talent not to be able for people to enjoy it fully. Damn this freaking world!
But I am happy that the critic said the sound is “raw” because that means that the boys are not completely “domesticated” by the industry who raised them, and it only natural a first composed/written/arranged/produced to have that feel.
Jeez, in IDS the boys voices are so addictive!
*two thumbs-up* for this critic….
this is a real article written by professional who truly understands music !!!
“JYJ is still the most talented among idol groups in existence. Their musical ability is already beyond the highest level. The musical possibility that these men, JYJ who macthes with the term artist rather than idol, can show has just started.”
so so so agree with this…. ^^
i love JYJ getting positive reviews!!
i hope korea and their somewhat corrupt music industry can see the talents of these boys
it’s fustrating to see that because of others greed and narrow-mindedness that such amazing capabilities are currently gettig overlooked
WHO’S EXCITED TO SEE EATYOURKIMCHI REVIEW “IN HEAVEN” TOMORROW!?
more ppl need to listen and review In Heaven album and JYJ so they need the media attention they more than deserve and have long been denied!!!
will they??? ok i want to see too!!!!!!!!
at the end of my prev comment
“get” instead of “need”
“Their musical ability is already beyond the highest level. The musical possibility that these men, JYJ who macthes with the term artist rather than idol, can show has just started.” I’ve realized this, and never stop anticipating their bright future. That’s why I’m a proud fan of JYJ. They always keep me interested.
About In Heaven, I think one aspect that makes up the rawness of this album is that JYJ don’t rely too much on technical sounds and instruments, their voices are prominent in all the songs. Their voices are showcased in ways to prove each of their vocal abilities. The other thing is the raw emotions conveyed in each songs. Despite the language barrier, when you listen to them or watch them perform, don’t you unconsciously feel like you understand what they’re singing and feel what they feel?
Usually I don’t have the patience to listen to all the songs in an album in one go without skipping some tracks. But for In Heaven, one song after another, it’s so smooth and so good that in the end, I barely realize that yes, I’ve gone through all 10 songs in a row.
I’m absolutely in love with this album. I agree with Mr. Noh here, and I hope more critics will write reviews about In Heaven. If unfortunately JYJ still can’t properly promote this album, the fact that it receives favorable responses from music critics can be considered as a form of promotion itself.
i am so loving this critic *thumbs-up
proud proud proud of JYJ!
To be honest, every single time when someone mentions about JYJ’s abilities I fell I a proud mum lol.
Not Only just this critic is very positive towards JYJ but I also agree with every single words he described about the IN HEAVEN.
It’s the fact that if someone say bad thing about JYJ, I feel bad but I don’t have any prejudice if what they say is something I kinda agree with. But this review is showing that at least ONE PEOPLE love JYJ and really see their real talents behind their gorgeous look. Really nice review, feel so good and damn proud of you JYJ. LOVE YOU GUYS!
JYJ = artiste —-> musician…actor….director… performer… model… lyricist… producer….composer and as a bonus to all that traits
JYJ = philanthropist
how can someone hate them!!! I certainly CANNOT… Not even if I died and Live Again
“Their musical ability is already beyond the highest level.”
¡¡THIS!!
Well said, Mr Music Critic!
JYJ will amaze U even more in future~
I would prefer to listen to self-composed “raw” music than overproduced and manufactured songs anytime.
So proud of you ………
They don’t fit to be called idol! They are an artist! They performed art! Please keep flying higher JYJ! We love and support you!
I like how he pointed the strength of this album but honestly pointed out also what’s lacking, “Even though there are points lacking slightly in the overall composition of the album, I feel no need to mention it, since it is not about the quality of the music. Their musical ability is already beyond the highest level.”
Thank for acknowledging JYJ’s potentials as musician. The fact that JYJ has no formal or university degree in music (writing and composition) but still they have been able to produce this exceptionally amazing In Heaven album is an achievement worthy to have the highest appreciation.
“I.D.S’ with the auto-tune technique, addictive sound ,very high-leveled, and in my opinion it would receive favorable responses even if it is released in the American market” – I’m so proud that he likes IDS too, I thought I’m just one of the few liking this song, this is my favorite from their ME songs, I’m not into autotuned songs but IDS is an exception, so sexy and the sound is something new plus I can imagine JYJ’s sexy choreography (and Jaejoong falling down from the stage, quickly went up and continue singing just like nothing had happened, lol)
Oh gosh a remember that fancam off jj falling and etting back up during ids.
Another unbiased music critic review, thank you sir!
this just made my day! (woke up at 4:30am)
“The fact that JYJ has no formal or university degree in music (writing and composition) but still they have been able to produce this exceptionally amazing In Heaven album is an achievement worthy to have the highest appreciation.”
this.
and the fact that jae didn’t even go to the university(if i’m not wrong) but he composed most of the tracks in In Heaven
*sigh* our boys are musical genius
(in reply to @kris)
I don’t like Kpop much, in fact I hate it. But when JYJ appears I really love them especially because of their voices! The only Kpop music I heard is only from JYJ that I favor the most.
proud of the boys…its needless to say that their extreme levels of talents can never fails to amaze even the critics..saranghe JYJ <33333