As I pointed out before, the main vocal Kim Junsu possesses incredible musical abilities: His clean vocal control, the sense of responsibility where he would understand a song before performing it, and the different vocal styles he uses with respect to each song. I think this is the source of the phrase that I coined through twitter a while back, “using the entire body to sing”. This talent of Junsu has been confirmed through various types of performances and also been shown to the audience through his albums. Since solid vocal ability is a necessity for musical performances, this aspect of him is certainly reaffirmed; and so there’s no need to hold doubt towards it. Now, what we need to talk about is his first solo album!
The topic throughout his first solo album, Tarantallegra, is perfection. How much depth can Kim Junsu show us? Or rather, how could he break away from his preset image until now and show the audience new results? Thus, he needs more than perfection. If he couldn’t handle the ideas well, the creativity will have loopholes holistically; and to this, Kim Junsu certainly felt a lot of pressure. However, after listening to the entire album, I found that Junsu altered this pressure to fate that artists endure. It’s like a piece of handmade craft, where Junsu’s presence can be felt from every little element. Tarantallegra means a spells that makes people dance, but I feel that it may be more suitable to call it a spell that makes people feel the different emotions instigated by music.
While listening to the album, one thing really surprised me: it seems that Junsu is exploring various styles of music with “deviating from what the audience is used to” as his goal. From this, one can see his vision of not limiting himself to the styles that he likes or is good at, but rather within this frame called music. Interestingly, this variety that Junsu presents us with is mostly created by himself. When I first heard “Tarantallegra”, which was the first track released, I drew the conclusion that it will create a sensation. This song, composed and arranged by Junsu himself, has the perfect harmony between beats and various instruments and sucks the audience into its black hole. In addition, Flowsik’s baritone/bass rap furthered this feeling wonderfully. The choreography and Junsu’s charisma, as seen in the music video, also became factors that stabilized the song.
“Set Me Free” is the result of a challenge of mixing the new fad European genre of Hands Up Electronic and woofers as well as guitar. Even though the sound created from this combination is very luxurious, it can be a little heavy, which juxtapose with each other and creates a wonderful contrast. This unique atmosphere will become the main distinguishing factor of Junsu from all the other artists. Furthermore, there is a clear progression within this song, which creates a drama-like feeling, and thus it is able to have a very solid structure.
“No Gain”, the song that Kim Jaejoong gifts Junsu with, is a song that describes Junsu while standing at the forefront of popular music. It carries a very Pop-like beat which brings along the melody of the entire song and showcases the charm of Junsu’s voice. Undeniably, because it is a song from someone who deeply understands Junsu, “No Gain” is extremely special.
“I Don’t Like Love”, just like what I said a while back, is a song from which one can extract all the various colors possessed within Junsu’s voice. This song seems to be able to find the lost sensibility in the audience, so I think whenever later on he decides to talk about his vocal abilities, I might add it to the playlist for the ease of convenience.
Although “Even Though I Turn Around and Around” and “Fever” emits unique atmospheres, the songs I think makes the listeners pulse increase are “Intoxication” and “Lullaby”. If “Intoxication” is a sexy song that doesn’t lack sensation and tension, then “Lullaby” is a song that uses nostalgic sounds to achieve tension. Specifically, “Lullaby” is a song that uses retro sense as foundation to achieve the best sound structure; it really reminds the audience of the nostalgic wave within pop music. From the angle of completion, I think he spent a lot of thought on this song, and also makes his music talent evident.
The last song, “The Tree Covered in Dew”, is a product with excellent structure. If the album’s brilliant structure is to be able to mesmerize the audience, then this song best expresses a perfect conclusion. In such a song that possesses a strong pop-like feeling and slow tempo, Junsu lets the audience understand what “sensibility” means; I would like to call this “sensibility” as the best result from a combination between natural talent and perspiration. In addition, “Breath”, a song with a lot of explosive force that can be heard as an extension of “Mission”, and “Even Though You Already Know”, a piano-based melody that stimulates the gate of memory, are both worthwhile pieces.
To be honest, Tarantallegra is an album that took on a lot of risk. Because of the large variety of musics and explorations, it may be considered as a collection that is difficult to understand and interpret. However, please try to listen to each track slowly, and you will understand what stands behind all these attempts are Junsu’s firm attitude towards music and his effort to make music a medium of communication. What he has to offer cannot be found among regular artists. Junsu has his way of understanding and presenting music. We shouldn’t impose the phrase “idol evolution” onto Junsu, because since the dawn of time, he has been closer to an artist than an idol.
Tarantallegra is an outstanding work that proves why he became the most anticipated artist or the most praised main vocal: he never stopped evolving. Moving forward, I’m sure he will not stop such progress and will continue to give his best in order to express himself through music. Tarantallegra included everything. But the music abilities that Junsu can show us doesn’t end here.
Original Source: Roh Jun Young, 노준영의 Billboard Beat via Naver Blog
Chinese to English Translation: g.fanns of JYJ3
Korean to Chinese Translation: jrw8008 weibo
Shared By: JYJ3
Tagged: Junsu, Review, Tarantallegra, XIA Tarantallegra 1st Asia Tour Concert in Seoul
Reblogged this on dreamalexia.
Love these two lines:
“using the entire body to sing”
“since the dawn of time, he has been closer to an artist than an idol”
No artist could ask for a more positive review.
I love my album “XIA Tarantallegra” so much ! It’s have good design , good photo book , good songs , Special & New Image of our Junsu !! It’s over value than I expected ! I love it so much ^^
I replay the songs again & again in whole day , I believe that I will fall in love to each song finally !!
I’m waiting for the DVD of Tarantallegra’s MV & No Gain’s MV (Jaejoong said he want to make MV of this song ) , I think he will make it become true when he is not so busy !!
I hope to see it too ^^
^^ V@_^V
thank you for the review .
I’m looking forward to see some of JYJ3 readers own reviews on the album in the GAAP .
A wonderful review for Junsu – I’m so glad for him. Frankly the review on SeoulBeats pissed me off and left a very bad taste in my mouth and I sort of decided that I wan’t going to read any others but I’m glad I read this one.
@LILI
My dear, I wonder when are you going to do your own review on “Tarantallegra”. You have the knowledge and the experience necessary to do an excellent one. It would be incredible to have our own review by an oustanding member of our family and a resident of JYJ Republic 🙂
I agree !
Received the CD yesterday. In all it cost me over $54. It was totally worth it. Living in the US, the cost of shipping from Honk Kong isn’t cheap. Especially if you want it sent faster. I used the money my parents gave me for my birthday. Best birthday present I’ve ever received. By the way, today is my 54th birthday. I am 53 years young and enjoying life more now that JYJ has entered my life. I have enjoyed listening to their wonderful voices since they were with TVXQ. They don’t need SM or the Korean media. They have YouTube, Twitter and all their international fans. We love you now and forever.
Happy birthday! ^__________^ enjoy Our Junsu CD!
@chafin559
Oh, you’re a KID compared to some of us! 🙂 And happy birthday!
@chafin559 Happy Birthday!!
Happy B-day. Enjoy your gift to the fullest.
@chafin559
Happy birthday 😀
Happy Birthday @chafin559 🙂
@chafin559
Happy Birthday and congratulations for continuously celebrating life with JYJ 🙂
nice meeting you too!
Congratz and enjoy spazzing on Xia.
🙂
@chafin559 Happy Birthday! I’m close in age to you too. I feel a new energy with JYJ in my life. I hope we’ll all continue to be their fans for some time to come 😀
@chafin559
Nice to meet you and HAPPY BIRTHDAY to you 🙂
AHHHH At Last…… A wonderful review that looks at the music and the man in CONTEXT.
Here are the parts that resonated with me:
“……To be honest, Tarantallegra is an album that took on a lot of risk. Because of the large variety of musics and explorations, it may be considered as a collection that is difficult to understand and interpret. However, please try to listen to each track slowly, and you will understand what stands behind all these attempts are…”
“…Junsu’s firm attitude towards music and his effort to make music a medium of communication.
THIS>>>>>> What he has to offer cannot be found among regular artists. Junsu has his way of understanding and presenting music.
AND FINALLY THIS>>>>>We shouldn’t impose the phrase “idol evolution” onto Junsu, because since the dawn of time, he has been closer to an artist than an idol.
“SINCE THE DAWN OF TIME HE HAS BEEN CLOSER TO AN ARTIST THAN AN IDOL!”
This for Kim Junsu has to be the ultimate acknowledgement of his talent.
BRAVO KIM JUNSU! CONGRATULATIONS! My heart is so happy for you, I am in tears………
couldn’t agree more
@lisan
“couldn’t agree more”
Me either. 🙂
Am I the only one foolish enough to have read the SeoulBeats review? Boy, what a mistake that was. It was maddening, really it was.
No @LILI dear, you wasn’t the only one. Unfortunately I read it to and it left me a bittersweet taste both in my mouth and my heart. This one I love because it’s clean and clear and very fair to Junsu.
You’ve said it all. *nodding in agreement*
I just want to add one point to this review –
One can never find an album of this caliber in the biggest and most influential entertainment company in SK,
SM see what you did to Kim Junsu.
Everything happens for a reason, I’m glad the three men in JYJ are giving out the best in them amidst all odds.
I am happy to read this review-
very well said!
I am so happy for Junsu and admire him for his courage, not to mention his exceptional talents in singing, composing, performing…
– and all the efforts poured in by everyone who helped Junsu come up with this great and one-of-a-kind album
which broke the stereotypes in SK
Bravo Junsu! clap, clap, clap!
@jyj1214
Applauding right along with you, my friend…
xxoo
Reblogged this on luminarytriad.
I haven’t heard the album yet, I’m trying to keep myself unspoiled for when it turns up on my doorstep. so I’ve been concerned about some of the reviews that I’ve seen. This phrase reassures me:
It’s like a piece of handmade craft, where Junsu’s presence can be felt from every little element.
I think this is what some of the amateur reviewers are considering flaws. They are used to smooth, shiny, off-the-assembly-line products, but when something is being made by a person rather than a company it’s going to have some personality. It’s going to have some rough spots. And it is going to be something that can be cherished rather than just consumed.
Hm. A little melodramatic, but I don’t think I’ll edit it. I wouldn’t mind Junsu reading this.
Yes, exactly! Junsu put a stamp in all of those songs, and that makes them all the more special. They may not be what is mainstream nowadays, but they are “JUNSU”; he is no longer an idol, or a “product”… he has grown into an artist, who knows what he wants and is not afraid to show it.
“We shouldn’t impose the phrase “idol evolution” onto Junsu, because since the dawn of time, he has been closer to an artist than an idol. Tarantallegra is an outstanding work that proves why he became the most anticipated artist or the most praised main vocal: he never stopped evolving. Moving forward, I’m sure he will not stop such progress and will continue to give his best in order to express himself through music. Tarantallegra included everything. But the music abilities that Junsu can show us doesn’t end here.”
–> I agree. Even in their DBSK days, Junsu has shown great potential. Now, he is breaking out of the stereotype and trying new things. He keeps evolving and changing and getting better and better. I’m so proud of him! I will always be your fan, Junsu!!
@Eliza
” It’s going to have some rough spots. And it is going to be something that can be cherished rather than just consumed.”
You ROCK, girlfriend. And you’re exactly right. If you listen to Junsu’s album and “don’t get it”…. listen again. It’s YOU, not the album.
The man is a wonder.
That is so true! junsu always think of how he makes his fans and audience understand his music by putting himself in every songs he performs, he’s songs are all his, i don’t see anybody that can sing his song better than him! He’s so precious, that’s why he is well loved and admired by so many people! Junsu’s songs inspire me and makes me laugh and cry at the same time and most of all makes me happy! LOVE HIS SONGS, LOVE HIS DANCE, LOVE HIS SMILE, LOVE HIS CUTENESS, LOVE HIS DORKINESS, LOVE HIS CRIES AND SADNESS… i love EVERYTING about him! Whatever they say!
hope 2 hve 1.
congrats…amazing JUNSU:-)
I liked this review; it was fair and complimentary without being fawning. This reviewer really seemed to understand what Junsu was trying to accomplish with his music; breaking out of complacency and exploring other music genre. Junsu is so fearless with his exploration. I just want to be along for the journey.
Reblogged this on That Blue Door I Choose...
BRAVO!!! This guy is really exploring every possible sides of the songs, and phrases every sentences so sensitively! I love this review! He seem to have sat down and listened to every single notes in Junsu’s song! I admire how musically sensitive he is!! Thank you!! I shall go back and reflect while listening!
>>>>>Undeniably, because it is a song from someone who deeply understands Junsu, “No Gain” is extremely special<<<<<
eu kyang kyang~~~~~~,,,,AGREEEEEEEE~~~~~!!!!!!!!