Grade: B
JUNSU/JEJUNG/YUCHUN (also known as JYJ) are three members from K-Pop boyband, DBSK. DBSK recently ceased group activities due to an on going lawsuit between these three members and their Korean management, SM Entertainment. JYJ, however was granted permission from the courts to continue their solo activities and formed this trio in Japan under their Japanese label, avex. Their first mini album is called "The..." and it contains four new songs. (It also includes live versions, remixes, and instrumentals for each song, but I'm not going to review those-- only the original songs.)
The first song on "The..." is called いつだって君に (Itsudatte Kimi Ni) and is a midtempo pop ballad that was first performed at THANKSGIVING LIVE IN DOME concert which is also part of the DVD combo for "The..." いつだって君に is a nice, warm ballad that feels really heartfelt and has a nice arrangement. First thoughts after hearing this are simply that it's so great to finally hear something new from at least part of DBSK. (These three happen to my bias, but I supported both "sub-groups" entirely.) The best part of this song is definitely the opening. Jejung's voice is so soothing and sounds absolutely lovely backed by a nice piano. Junsu sounds really good too and Yuchun's use of English is sure to make you smile~
The second song on the mini album is called Get Ready and when I first listened to it, I didn't think I'd like it much. At first, it feels like it lacks replay value, but it quickly became my favorite song from "The..." It's really fun and everyone sounds really great here! I especially love Yuchun's voice in this song, even if Jejung will always be my favorite member. haha I love the use of the word "Okay~!" in the lyrics!
Long Way is the third track from "The..." and it's a really pretty track. It's another midtempo pop ballad-ish song and feels like a "falling in love" kind of song. I had the same kind of feelings for Long Way as I did for Get Ready, but it quickly grew on me too. Jejung sounds really great in the verses and again Yuchun's use of English is really cute. My favorite things about this song are the arrangement, the uplifting mood it gives off, and the harmonies in this song are just beautiful.
The last song on this mini album is called W and was another song that was played at their THANKSGIVING LIVE IN DOME concert. (Actually, the other two songs might have been as well. I didn't see the whole concert so I'm not totally aware.) W is an absolutely heartbreaking ballad. Everything about this song is drenched in emotion. The first time I heard this song, I was literally moved to tears. W's lyrics are really saddening are about the separation of JYJ from the other two members of DBSK, Changmin and U-Know. Yuchun makes use of English again in W like he always does, but with a message to U-Know and Changmin; "You're everything" and "We love you both." The most moving part of this song is definitely the bridge where all three members keep singing the line "Aitakute~" (lit. 'I miss you.') (Note: The song is called W because of something to do with DBSK's official fanclub.) The whole song is just really touching and is the one song you must listen to from this release.
Over all, "The..." gives off a bittersweet feeling. It's great to finally hear something new from JYJ but at the same time this release also reminds us that DBSK is still disbanded and may remain so for a while. This release's biggest downfall is the fact it only featured four new songs. It should've had at least double that amount. Here's to hoping for the best for all the boys! Give "The..." a listen and keep yourself updated on DBSK!
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