차안남녀 (Man and Woman in Car) Live

I never thought I would be able to watch a live performance of 차안남녀 from the 5th album but I did.  I am so loving this song and it was almost unexpected that Wheesung did sing this song last time when he was promoting his 5th album.  This is fast becoming my most favorite song from Eternal Essence of Music.

The first song was 다쳐도 좋아 (Even if it Hurts).  I think this is one of those difficult performances from Wheesung.  I can sense how he is grasping his breath to hit those high notes of this very challenging song.   There were even points when his voice seems to shake.  Good thing he has a very successful operation, i heard him sing the same song in MNET program when he dated and it was far from this performance.

차안남녀 on the other hand was sung so well even with his cystoma.  At 6:29 to 6:44  i couldn’t help but admire how he sings, i love his facial expression when looks in pain singing.   I love how he look in the 5th album who definitely looks like a guy that you would love to present to your mom and dad.

I am so glad to stumble upon this video.  Thanks tomokomary for posting this in YouTube.  I LOVE IT — 2 thumbs up.

Wheeshow Clip

I think this performance is the one from Busan with such stage.  Only until the Insomnia fever, I seldom see video clips of Wheesung’s concert so this one I consider a rare find.

I get a little distracted looking at his chest… the outfit is revealing some sexiness.   I like the outfit…the hair oh everything actually.  It just hit me.. I wonder if I would ever see a performance of Love Is  (Sarangeun) from Wheesung.

Credits to papi8225 for the video.

Back to ‘My Way’

Another old performance but something new for me.  Obviously a performance during his 5th album promotion.    The outfit looks familiar *searched for tons of Whee pic in my files*  charaaaaaan:

I only saw him perform this song in one of the music awards in 2007.  I could feel the stress that he is giving to his throat at that time when he sings. 

This is definitely one of the freshest sound from Wheesung.  The song was perfect for his ailing voice at that time.  I am glad he is back in tip top shape.

Credits to RealX360 for the video.

Try Touching with Younha

Wheesung is so damn good when he raps!  만져주기 (Manjyeojugi) or Try Touching is one of my favorite songs from his 5th Album Eternal Essence of Music.  This live performance was for a Christmas Eve special of Mnet. 

Funny how Wheesung seems to be punching (or I should say touching Younha’s face in a very slow manner) Younha at 3:15.  She is like a little sister to Wheesung and I find it cute.   There is also a fancam of the same performance:

Younha is cute lip rapping while Wheesung does the real thing.  Clearly she knows the lyrics of the entire song and not just her part.  She is a bit conscious with her bangs touching it often as she sings and Wheesung glances at her like a a bother watching over her sister… nice performance indeed.

credits to 2ubD for the videos.

Song Review: Dachyeodo Choha – 다쳐도 좋아

If there is a new 안되나요 (Andwenayo) for Wheesung, I think this is it.  This 2nd single released from Whesung’s Vol 5 Eternal Essence of Music album has been used as the theme song for the Korean period movie Lust Caution. 

I have seen several English translations of the title but actually seem to have the same meaning, It’s Okay Even If I am Hurt or Even if it Hurts.  The song is the same genre as that of 안되나요, it’s a ballad with a hint of R&B (maybe because of Wheesung’s voice).  I must admit this isn’t my most favorite song from the album (it’s got to be Love Hero of course) but this is one of my most played songs of Wheesung.  This reminds me of the power ballad that 안되나요 is, it displays Wheesung’s vocal power.  The starting hum is already a wonderful way to open the song moreso it’s that amazing voice of Wheesung.

The song is a little playful with its high and low notes but you can feel how he smoothly transitions.  I love it the way he stresses 다쳐도 좋아 (Dachoyeodo Choha) during chorus.  I guess he intentionally made it choppy but  (voice) full of feelings…he is able to put across the emotion in doing that.

The last part of the song is very Wheesung, this is when he belts most and in some of his live performances he was really a bit forceful (that i almost thought his voice would crack there were falsettos that were short too) no wonder he had to undergo throat surgery by February of 2008.  Promoting this next song is really too tiresome for him but nevertheless the high notes are reached. I want to hear him sing this song live once more when he comes back.  I know he could give more for this song just like how he continuously sings 안되나요 beautifully even now.

This song is 4

Watch Wheesung perform the song.

Wheesung Ends Album Promo

Oh no… I was posting from different forum asking what will be Wheesung’s activities on the coming months and it seems there will be less and probably none.  I just learned he officially ended the album promotion and activities for Eternal Essence of Music.  He has been very visible in so many variety shows in the last quarter of 2007, made appearances on the following programs:

• Ya Shim Man Man Episode 235 – guesting along with GDragon, Tim, Hyunbi, and Taesung, unfortunately there isn’t any english sub except on cuts for GD which can be found over You Tube.
• Star King Episode 37 -  guested opposite Lee Seunggi singing the latter’s song in his style
• Come to Play Episode 165 - i have not seen this video

He also performed in INK Gayo, Music Bank etc.  This means I would be seeing less new video posts of Wheesung via You Tube *sigh*

Below is the news on the conclusion of his Vol.5 album activities…

<credits to krnloop.wordpress.com> 

Last January 15, Wheesung ended his 5th album activities in the recording of KBS “Yoon Do Hyun’s Love Letter.”

Can you guess one of the things he did to commemorate the end of his 5th album activities? Well, he did a vocal impersonation of the 2007 Presidential candidate Huh Kyung Young.

“I have an IQ of 430. An IQ of 100 is not for politics. Just with my look, I can heal the sick,” Wheesung repeating Huh Kyung Young’s famous words, which had the audience laughing.

During the recording, Wheesung performed with Younha his 5th album song “To Touch” and Black Eyed Peas’ “Let’s Get Retarded.” He also performed “Savannah Woman” with Verbal Jint Kim Jin Tae, “Is It Not Possible?” and “Love is Delicious ♡,” his encore song.

“It’s sad but I’m happy that activities ended well. I’m going to rest for a while and prepare for my next album,” were Wheesung’s parting words.

This episode aired on the 18th.

SINA Interview Confirms It!

I was looking at the JUST WHEESUNG discussion threads and came across SINA Interview translation.  I think this is written in Mandarin, thanks to fangorn for the transation to English <credits reikanorakuen.wordpress.com>.  Why am I posting this?  Well I just made an album review of Wheesung’s Vol 5 Eternal Essence of Music just recently (since I only knew about him December of 2007) without reading about this post or any related article.  I was trying to figure out why it was named Eternal Essence of Music, straight from Wheesung:

Excerpt from SINA Interview:

It’s been 2 years since Wheesung had his album released, earlier this month (September) he finally released his 5th album “Eternal Essence of Music” and he topped the online charts on the first day.His new song, “Love is Delicious” has reached No.1 in the online download ranking and sales ranking. At the same time, he also topped CYWORLD’s Top100, MELON, JUKEON (multiple songs in the charts).Since the new album is doing so well, his happiness naturally reflected in his face because of this. However, the reason is more towards achieving his expectations of this album. It’s not difficult to sense this by chatting with him.Wheesung (W): Hello to SINA users, I am Wheesung, Happy Mid-Autumn Festival (he said it in Chinese). (back to Korean) Hello, I am Wheesung.

SINA (S): Let’s discuss your new album.

W: I included many style of songs in the album. Overall, it is more upbeat.

S: What’s the significance of this album to you?

W: After having worked through this album, I realised that it helped me prepared myself for the future challenges. It has a very deep meaning for me.

S: How it is different from your previous albums?

W: I have too many songs (on my previous albums) that dwelt on sadness (sad love songs), they were more popularize (*1). The songs on my new album focused more on the happiness side of love, less sad songs, more focused on different style of vocal singing and different style of music.

S: When we talked about Wheesung, a lot of people will immediately thought of Wheesung’s style of music (*2). What do you think of it (the style)?

W: I always like R&B, and also think that my vocal suited more to R&B. At first, I thought I have to definitely build my own confidence, therefore I tried many black artists’ style of songs. From now onwards, I want to utilise on my stronger aspects, want to be able to challenge different musical styles, wants to better / overcome my original style, wants to be a singer that makes other people feel (when they listens to my songs).

S: You wrote songs for other singers but in your album but why you didn’t write any for yourself (in this album) ?

W: When I worked with Younha and Lyn, I experienced different feelings.That’s because they themselves have different styles – either their choice of songs or their recording styles. They each have their own charisma. I felt it was meaningful when I put into writing what I felt inside and watching them performing what I have thought. I didn’t write any songs for my album because there’s a lot of good lyricists and composers. And also I felt that I have yet to fully understand songs (*3), therefore I let more mature lyricists to complete the songs.

S: Any aspects that you have to be careful (or take care of) when producing / composing for other singers?

W: The most important thing would be the singer’s current status. You need to pay attention to their singing level, hidden abilities, etc. Only when you have consider all those aspects then you can produce/compose for them.

S: How do you get your inspiration when writing songs?

W: In the beginning, it is a blurry image in my brain, then slowly it will form a clearer picture / concept. After I talk to the singer, my concept will take into shape.

S: Any interesting/funny things to write about when you are writing the songs?

W: When I am writing songs or lyrics, I will try to find things that are common and new to everyone.

S: As a singer, what’s your goal(s)?

W: I don’t think I really have one because I don’t want to be limited by what I have given myself (*4). I usually looked at the situation and decide. What if suddenly I can’ sing? If I have set some goals and I can’t continue singing, wouldn’t it be very sad? I always think there will be an end; when you keep running and running, you may find a solution (to the problem) and may let you to continue walking. (*5)

S: Any plans for China?

W: I have yet to think of anything specific. I will have to first see the reactions of this album in Korea. Then I will plan the next step.

S: Finally, any words you want to say to your fans in China?

W: I hope everyone will continue supporting me. I really looking forward to hold concerts in China. Hope to spend some happy times with the fans. I will work hard to do the promotions for my fifth album. Hopefully we will meet in China soon.

Translation Notes based on fangorn’s analysis:

*1 – I think the meaning would be it is more commercialised or will receive well with most of the listeners.

*2 – Ehm, I can’t really explain what is Wheesung’s style but he demonstrated it in Star King Ep 37 (6th Oct 2007) lately when he sang Wheesung’s style on Lee Seung Gi’s song.

*3 – I guess he not just referred to understand songs but also the songwriting part. You know, how to express yourself in songs, etc.

*4 – I think he’s trying to say that goals will limit his achievements, he doesn’t want to be bound by goals. Hmm…

*5 – OK..this part is a bit vague…I’m guessing that he knows that there’s an end to everything but when he has a problem, he will still plod on (never give up) to find a solution to his problem. Maybe in the end, he will find a way and continue what he’s doing. This part really freaks me out because he implied something that I don’t want to hear/know about.

So he really wanted to let the people know he can sing in different styles.  I was just a bit worried about the lines with the 5th translation marking, is he talking about the throat surgery that he went through or is he going to go through it?  I read there were successful similar operation among singers in his league like I think one from Fly to the Sky and HyeSung but Wheesung is not discounting the possiblity that he may lose his wonderful voice.  This is really sad.  I wish for it not to happen, such talent will be missed…. He still sings that well in his album promotions.

Vol. 5 Eternal Essence of Music – An Album Review

This is Wheesung’s first album after leaving YG Entertainment last March 2006.  It features 14 songs each with distinct sound and rendition from Wheesung.  Overall i think this is the very reason why this album has been named that way.  What is the essence of music?  Much more, what makes it an eternal one.  If you have been listening to Wheesung for a long time or if you have been exposed to his albums in the past,  one can notice how he performed in different music genre in this album. 

Initially, I picked 3 songs from his album which captured my attention on the instant namely Love Hero, Love is Delicious and Eeron Situation.  I run through the album listening to the first portion of each song and selecting which I will enjoy playing over and over (i usually place the songs i like most in the best of wheesung playlist).  Knowing that I would not be able to make an assessment of the whole album if I don’t listen to it completely, so i listened to each track carefully even if I am itching to play Love Hero again and again.  Here is my observation on the album’s content:

The album displayed Wheesung’s maturity in his music.  It allowed Wheesung to display his vocal flexibility through different types of music that he can perform.  Being an R&B lover, I must say ‘Love Hero’ is a certified one. It was romantically sang and will surely melt you heart.  Sounding like a reggae song is ‘My Way’ and Wheesung transformed his rendition into what seemingly short  but stressed way of singing (falling a little behind the beat or tempo).  Pop-jazz must have influenced ‘Savannah Woman’ with a fusion of rap. 이런 시츄에이션-Eeron Situation is also a fusion of Rap and R&B.  Love is Delicious and Tick Tock on the other hand are very pop in sound, although the first one is danceable compared to the latter with a simple smooth groove (안녕히 계시죠 - Annyonghi kyeshijyo  and 이별 앞에 서서 – Ibyeol Ape Soso in my opinion have that smooth groove).  다쳐도 촣아 (Dachyodo Chowha)  is Wheesung’s trademark of soulful ballad rendition which is similar with his interpretation of Against All Odds originally performed by Phil Collins.  Rap was obvious in most tracks and in some cases it’s Wheesung who actually did the rapping.

On the Carrier Single…

I am not sure which is the carrier single for this album but it seems that it’s 사랑은 맛있다♡ – Sarang Mashitda or Love is Delicious.  It was the song that was used to heavily promote the album and I must say it’s the most played song in the album.  I was thinking that it should have been Love Hero  (biased for being an R&B fan) but thinking it over Love is Delicious is a good choice afterall.  It wasn’t my most favorite in the album but it honestly makes you move to the beat.  A song that you may opt to play for little groove while having a chat.  The song is full of life and sends a happy feeling to the listener, which is one essence that his music was able to achieve -the feeling of being part of the music while listening to it.

On the Best Song in the Album…

It will not take a genius to guess which song I like most…to me it’s Love Hero.  I actually made a review of this song and how addicting it is.  I loved Wheesung because of his R&B songs but the new album made me appreciate him more as a singer.  I just love the way Love Hero was romantically sang and  how the back up vocals successfully blended with Wheesung creating that irresistable harmony.  The beat is very R&B, one which I classify as easy listening and cool music.

On Wheesung’s Vocal Performance…

This album certifies Wheesung’s qualification to be one of the BEST SINGERS in Korea.  Since the album is a mix of songs from different music genre, Wheesung is able to match each musical score with his vocal prowess.  He sure can hit the high notes and play with his voice on soft controlled but passionate manner.  Falsettos were beautifully transitioned and specially appreciated on Love Hero in the second chorus hitting it smoothly on the lyrics ‘…for you oh whoaa‘.  I think Eeron Situation is where his vocal power and thick voice is best displayed which is not necessarily belting but sounded so full, round and limitless.  Against All Odds clearly displays how easy it was for him to hit those critical notes in a song.   I specially liked the last part ‘…so take a look at me now…i still be standing here’ where he smoothly transitioned and hit the highest note with ease and passion.  I must say that he sings with good English pronunciation here with very minimal korish (borrowing a term from a Korean friend on the Korean way of speaking English), almost negligible to someone who is not a native English Speaker.  I understand there are sounds which Koreans find it hard to put more stress but at times could work to their advantage as it may sound British in accent.  I just noted that the stress on some lines were a little off like the line ‘when all i can do…’  Sound to the word I could have been prolonged so it would not sound as if ‘I can‘  is just one word.  Overall, Wheesung did not fall below what is expected of him in terms of his singing capabilities.

I would like to sound objective on my review  of the album but I can’t help but say that Eternal Essence of Music is a successful comeback album for Wheesung after Love…Love?…Love…! There were some songs which I would probably skip when listening to the album but looking at it wholistically,  the album cover says it all.  What makes it an album packed with Eternal Essence of Music?

• Experiencing a wide music genre in one album
• Showcase of equally wide vocal flexibility from Wheesung
• Musical arrangement and lyrics that makes you feel like a part of the song and vice versa (feeling that a part of you is in the song)

Love Hero – A Song Review

The first time I heard this song…I thought it’s the typical song that I usually avoid – those with narration or voice over.  I had an impression that songs with narration or ‘conversation inserts’ are trite.  The irony is this song is my MOST FAVORITE song from Wheesung’s 5^th Album, Eternal Essence of Music…maybe in his entire album releases. The moment I heard him sang the first lines of the song and listened to such smooth groove – I almost turned berserk.  I fell in love with the song and play it more than 5 times that same day.  In fact it holds the title of the most played song in my iPod and iTunes.

While I am trying to learn Hangul I can only understand few sentences and phrases so loving a foreign song that is not English would mean having the beat, rhythm and singing that I definitely like.  I heard all the songs in the album and I personally think that this is a certified R&B song in the album. I just love the musical arrangement of this song not to mention that great rendition from Wheesung.   I characterize such beat as something that makes you feel light or floating.  The soft controlled voice is key to a lovable R&B song without much of the unnecessary breath-like sound.  The back up singers is also commendable for it blended well with Wheesung specifically towards the last portion of the song:

Excerpts from the song that I find smoothest:

I need you to be my lady only you
Nae Salmi Da Haldaechi Nae Anaeso Sarang Yongwanhakireul
For You  (this is where Wheesung hit that smooth falsetto then faded out)
Saranghandan Mal Boda Do Choheum Maneul Chojaso  (perfect blending starts here)
Haru Chongil Chajodo Saranghandaneun Mal Boda Do Naeun Mani Opneyo
I Promise U baby
Pyongsaengtorok Kudae Gyote Naega So Isseul Kurago
I’m lost without your love…without you baby
Niga Isso Kumaptago Sara Ganeun Iyorago (commendable back up singers)
Kudaemanhan Saram Ichen Do Isangeul Optago
Sesangeso Kajang Yeppeun Yojado Nam Maneulo Chon
Niga Isso Kumaptago Dashi Uke Hae Chwoso
Sarangi Dahaejyo Onchen Kan He-ojyo
Dashin Bon So Optado Huhwi Opseul Kot Kata
I’m lost without you love
without you baby yeah  

I think this wasn’t the most vocally challenging song of Wheesung but the rendition is excellently performed.  I downloaded the lyrics it’s actually posted in the Lyrics tab of this site (thanks to aheeya.com). Just as I expected, hearing the English name Romeo and Juliet, I thought that the song speaks of deep love and I was right about it.  <Check out lyrics translation>  

The song is too addicting and infectious the feeling is comparable to the feeling when you are in-love, I couldn’t help but smile.  I normally listen to it while driving back home and it feels like driving with Wheesung on the passenger seat (I have never tried drugs hello!) 

Needless to say, for someone who love R&B this is a must listen. For that I give this song 5 earphones.