K-pop is not a genre typically associated with having strong rock roots.
But then again, Kim “Hero” Jaejoong is not an artist known for playing by the rules.
The former TVXQ member famously provoked the wrath of his former record label SM Entertainment, after he, Park “Micky” Yoochun and Kim “Xia” Junsu left their former band and label to form JYJ.
Back in July, SM Entertainment was asked by Korea’s Fair Trade Commission to stop their numerous attempts to sabotage JYJ’s career.
Jaejoong now is poised to launch a solo career (he remains an active member of JYJ), with his first full-length album “WWW,” due out October 29.
“Butterfly, “the debut single off of “WWW,” is a shot in the arm of the South Korean music scene, with a sound that is more headbang than Big Bang.
With soaring electric guitar riffs reminiscent of 1980s axemen like Slash and Randy Rhodes, Jaejoong has offered up four and a half minutes of surprisingly well-executed retro rock.
His vocals are passionate without becoming sickeningly sincere.
In his singing performance, the JYJ vocalist seems to be looking even further back, calling to mind arena legends like Paul Rodgers of Free and Bad Company or Steve Perry of Journey.
While no man alive (even Journey’s current sound-alike vocalist) can recreate the power that giants like those two singers achieved in their prime, Jaejoong simply seems content to work some solid rock and roll into the K-pop landscape.
And while there are occasional rhythmic flourishes that resemble a sound a bit too close to the horrid Nu metal sounds of 10 years ago on “Butterfly,” it is a problem mostly confined to the drum set.
With a musician behind the drums more content to simply lay into the pocket (see original Guns N’ Roses drumming powerhouse Steven Adler for an example of this) and a producer devoted to channeling the great rock sounds of years gone by, K-pop could have just found its newest, perhaps even its only, real rock and roller.
JYJ3 
great review.
But then again, Kim “Hero” Jaejoong is not an artist known for playing by the rules.
more :
K-pop could have just found its newest, perhaps even its only, real rock and roller.
thumbs ups.
That is right power and emotion a very deadly combination especially when you have total control over your vocals this song is a small piece of nirvana
” But then again, Kim “Hero” Jaejoong is not an artist known for playing by the rules.”
Yeah right, because KIM JAEJOONG RULES ! 🙂
Good review, not because it’s flattering but it gives some basic information and background of rock music.
5 stars for your comment! i am always learning new things or new viewpoints in these reviews ineterviews and fans’ comments even. and yeah, he rules his world ! so happy he shares so much with us.:)
proud of JJ oppa~~
It made me want to laugh out loud and say Suck That SM. Kim Jaejoong Rules and I just can’t wait for the whole album.
I’ve listened to BUtterfly until I fell asleep and I’am loving it to the core … JJ voice is awesome and the music is really catchy … I can’t get the tune out of my head …. help … Luv u JJ
Kick ass and take names, Joongie 🙂
WE LOVE YOU!!!!!!!
sorry…i’m a bit worrying…WWW is not on sale yet and CSJ hasn’t released the full video clip yet…so how can happen that somebody has already posted the audio song on youtube?…i mean a non official release 😦 …
The audio was release for sale officially in the main online stores for Butterfly and for Sunny Day this week and last week respectively. This is different from the whole album as butterfly and sunny day were released as singles.
…looks like this person got it from iTune…many views will be lost for CJES..
I think they are more concern of the sales of both singles rather than lost of view counts > A great business strategy to garner more sales/ money. Even when their songs was on top of the charts and many viewed them, they can’t attend any TV stations even radios to promote their albums. So there’s no point of having a MV at this early stage before the album is on sale. Furthermore, they will lost sales of the songs due to illegal downloads. My concern is more on how to promote these boys talents outside of our fandom….to entice people to listen to their voices, fall in love and buy their albums.
# but still as a fan I’m a little bit disappointed with ‘making video’ > a total misunderstanding of MV stand for or we are just being played/trolled by CJeS. LOL
Actually, they never said it was going to be an MV. I do not know why it was translated thusly. It actually said a video of some sorts, not specifically MV.
*CJES
thank you Rania sis for your explanation 🙂 … just wonder if CJES will release a full video clip for Butterfly…
though an 80’s girl, i can’t talk about rock & the names mentioned. (oh Journey^^ ) . thb, Butterfly is not the type of song i will commonly tune on, to ring my ears any time, but b’coz it’s Jaejoong, i have the urge to listen and personally the song is good. the tune has cute bubbly rhythmic pattern or progress, not noise as some rock songs do. if i want to pack my energy doing chores climbing walls & window grills, i’ll definitely plug the song in my ears 😀
For a rock lover, Butterfly is like a gift to me! *_*
Love it! I hardly like rock before, but once JJ introduced I/Y and Maze to me, I’m hooked on the spot. And Butterfly is just…… ❤
“Kim “Hero” Jaejoong is not an artist known for playing by the rules. Butterfly, “the debut single off of “WWW,” is a shot in the arm of the South Korean music scene, with a sound that is more headbang than Big Bang. Jaejoong has offered up four and a half minutes of surprisingly well-executed retro rock”
“K-pop could have just found its newest, perhaps even its only, real rock and roller”
YESSS, THIS IS WHAT I MEAN!!
Sunny Day is a sweet and beautiful ballad, easy to listen and very likeable (I like it very much too), but it lacks the “whoa!” factor to become a legendary song. It won’t generate serious reviews from music critiques like the ones received by “One Kiss”, “Mine” and now “Butterfly”. I’m so glad that JJ let himself explores his music and art freely without restrain. This way he certainly would leave his own mark in the music world, a long lasting impression and become one of a kind!
Reblogged this on murasaki 紫.
K-pop could have just found its newest, perhaps even its only, real rock and roller——- This!!! 🙂
You make me sooo proud JJ! Even though im a YC bias 😀 JYJ Rocks \../ \../ \../
love the review and love things JJ is teaching me about music! i listen because it is from him and i love what he has done.i need classy rock that has a good beat and goes somewhere instead of mindless rambling. not that i know much but i do know what i do like.
Only Jaejoong can make history！
song is good. there is definitely japan vibe, especially the first part of the lyrics which is heard like “iru ga”, na algo shippeo.. kekeke….
“hello… hello… follow…. follow…” part is very nice and cool. it has rhyme in the pronounciation, which is rare in these days’ korean lyrics… and last but not least, love the bass’s sound ❤