Vocolate: 6th Album Full Review

It took me a while to make a review of Wheesung’s official 6^th full length album.  I really wanted to know which songs will grow on me after listening to the entire album over and over.  Sometimes when you listen to songs quickly, you get first impression.  You also fall in love at first listen but there are songs that will develop it self to be a favorite later on (hmmm talking about how I came to like  차안남녀-Chaanamnyeo a little late).

The first track attracted me just like how I get attracted to the 1^st mini album’s Perfect Man (of course not considering Real Slow Gotta Go as full song) and 5^th album’s Love Hero.  Over U was my instant favorite in Vocolate.  It was the song that stood out that very moment I listened to all the song.  The beat is so pleasant to the ears… it’s a groove song for me.  This song leads you to believe that Wheesung is just within the league of contemporary R&B royalty Craig David or Neyo who sings well both in upbeat and slow R&B.  I especially like the way Wheesung throws that I’m so over you line. If there is such thing as love at first sight, I consider this as love at first listen.

사랑..그 몹쓸병 (Sarang…Ku Molsseulbyeong – Love…That Terrible Disease) is also one of the bests to listen to in this album, something that I can include in my Best of  Wheesung Play List.  I can imagine this song as OST to a drama maybe because of its supple beat and soulful rendition.  I can almost picture in my mind which scene will it can be played.  At 2:31, I just love how he hit that short high note (that what seems to sound as ‘go’ in the lyrics) and the period between 2:25 – 3:33 the song was the most climactic portion.  Wheesung did a lot of rough falsettos in this song not the typical one you would hear from 다쳐도 좋아 (Dachodo Choa – Even If It Hurts) or even with the carrier single of the song.  Rough in the sense that it’s instead of the smooth one, his falsetto was rather ringing in voice.  I would like to think that this doesn’t strain his voice much.

Admittedly, 주르륵 (Chureureuk – Trickling) is not an instant favorite but it’s neither something that I don’t like.  When I get to listen to the album first time, I just told my self this one is good but it wasn’t like Over U that I instantly liked.  Nevertheless, this being the carrier song of the album was a good choice.  When I saw Wheesung comeback performance, I then realized it does complete the whole essence of the goodness in this song… the concept of an orchestra playing nailed it enough for it to earn a 5 star performance review.    Then the MV came out, it was expectedly sad but just the same it was complimentary to the whole concept of a song that speaks about hurting and tears in relationship that turned bad.  Wheesung style also added elegance in this song, he looks so polished but stylish in his comeback stage something that I always look forward to when he performs.  Wheesung just made this song too lovable overall so it grew on me naturally… love to this song gets developed in due time =)

The 4^th song in the album is reminiscent of days when Wheesung was still with YG.  For some reasons I can think of Se7en performing this song with him.  Rose sounds old school to me. It’s a song that I wouldn’t typically listen to if not for the good voicing from Wheesung.  Listening to it, I thought this song can be a gift to a boy band coupled with some dancing.  Again, the saving grace was Wheesung’s elegance in singing it.

네 심장이 쉬는 날 (Ne Simjangi Swinun Nal – The Day Your Heart Rests) is the killer ballad in this album. It’s not the song that you would use as carrier song but it’s something that represents the usual Wheesung love song.  Just like다쳐도 좋아 in the 5^th album or Luv Shine in the 4^th, this song seems to unravel, peaking every second.  It started low and slow but it slowly picks up to high with a little progress on the beat/rhythm, so does his voice.  This lands as one of the bests to listen to in this album.

Have you listened to Boyz II Men’s Throw back album?  Alone seems to be a track that can be added to that album. The song is flowing and light.  Listening especially to 1:09 to 1:11, it’s so Boyz II Men to me.  The song is easy to listen to… soothing and perfect for setting a light happy mood.  I also classify this as old school R&B but I like this more than Rose.  This is pure Wheesung melodic voice…the type that doesn’t strain his voice.  These types of songs shows how good a singer known for voice power can be, if they can sing mid range songs and listeners still enjoy listening to it. If this song has an MV, I can think of Wheesung wooing a girl, dancing slowly around her while looking cute.  This will land on my driving song play list.

I am not music professional but ‘Show Me Girl’ sounds House to me.  The beat and singing style gives me the impression that it is a House Music.  It doesn’t have much of the electronica and synthesizers but it feels completely House to me.  The one that is more with jazz flavor mixed with R&B of stronger basslines.  When clubbing, this song can probably be played just as when alcohol begins to settle down.  I am not a big fan of House Music but I appreciate how versatile Wheesung is when he sings songs out of his comfort zone.

Another House Music?  I thought One Kiss is another but more than anything else I almost thought I heard Super Junior’s Big Brother singing a better half of their Sorry Sorry song.  The synthesized drum beat is responsible for such feel.  Good thing that ridiculous sounding lyrics are not present in One Kiss, so the song is pretty decent and good to play for dancing.  I am curious as to how Wheesung will perform this song live. He will probably show off some great dance moves while doing stuff that he is really very good at – singing of course.

If you liked 커다간… 너무커다간 (Kodaran..Nomu Kodaran) of the 4^th album or 나락 (Narak-Hell) of 1^st mini album, then you will love 사랑해 (Saranghae – I Love you).  This song is of the same league with the first two songs I mentioned.  It’s almost kinda acoustic so you would literally hear more of Wheesung’s beautiful voice in this music.  I also think this just another display of voice control for him.  It’s not something that I will probably put in my Best of Wheesung play list but it’s definitely one of the songs from the album that I would like to hear when I shuffle play ‘All Wheesung Songs’ in my iPod.   Maybe in the future this can be another Chaanamnyeo to me.

Time Machine is like a modern day Beatles to me.  If Wheesung did not sustain those notes longer, I might think of this song as 100% Beatles inspired. 왜…this song is so lonely despite the relatively fast beat.  Among the 12 tracks this is probably a bit out of genre.  In my opinion this song is what I can classify as filler.  This is in the point of view of the overall concept of the album’s featured music genres.

Another song I like in this album is this one 눈물 쏟고 또 쏟고 (Nunmul Ssotgeo  Ddo Seotgeo – Tears are Dripping and Dripping). It gives out the same feeling as that of Insomnia to me; of course the beginning is totally different though I like its softer melody at the beginning.   I gave its beat and rendition a thumbs-up…another driving song.

So what can I say overall?

This album is distinctively fluid amongst all the previous albums.  All the songs are carefully polished in terms of Wheesung’s singing style.  I thought of this album as a blatant display of elegance in Wheesung’s voice.  Closing my eyes and listening to every song makes me hear a more mature way of singing from Wheesung.  Comparing it as when you write a composition, his voice sounded more structured, playful but sticky to the whole feel that the album wants to bring… that is the bitter sweet emotions you can cull out from love.

I have not seen the physical album but if I would have to choose between the initially released Vocalate album title and the official title Vocolate, I may retain Vocalate instead. It does mean the same coined term Vocal + Chocolate plus it does sound more like vocalization.  It can figuratively mean vocalization.  Of course this is not a big deal in deciding to buy the album.

If there is something that I wish for this album, aside from recognition and good sales, I wish there was a song that resembles that collaboration and smooth rhythm of 사랑은…(Sarangeun – Love Is) from the 3^rd album.  This is old school R&B too.  It’s one of the sweetly sung R&B songs I ever heard and it would have been a compliment to the entire feel of the album.  Nevertheless, overall, it’s still an album that one should not miss as it offers a variety of rhythm and great singing.

Wheesung Shines with Luv Shine

Speaking of Wheesung’s 4th album Love Love! Love? which is one of his albums that i have totally abused playing over and over,  I saw this video post at You Tube.  In one of his radio tours, he sang Luv Shine.

This is one of those songs that I like to listen to in that album along with 왜 나만 (Wae Naman – Why Only Me), 커다란 너무 커다란 (Keodaran Neomu Keodaran – Great ,So Great), 일년이면 (Inyeon Imyeon – A Year Passed), Goodbye Love etc.   I like how he played with his voice in the rendition of this song.  The softness and mild curls (and some light huskiness) of his style is so pleasant to listen to. 

Normally songs heightens up during  chorus but this one got its climax towards the end, at 3:52 of this video he gradually delivered it. I really like 4:10 to 4:16 i noticed form the songs that I like there are portions which has a similar feel as this one.  It’s like when you close your eyes and listen to it, your mind is totally blown by that portion of the song.  Looking at how Wheesung is singing at that point — I felt like hugging him (oh well i lways wanted to hug him anyway).   I think that makes me like Wheesung a lot, in every song he sings there is this portion that will touch your senses. 

In my opinion (and preference) the 4th album does not have the song that is too popular or too outstanding compared to his hit songs from the rest of his albums. BUT its the album that you can listen to from start to finish without itching to go on the next song.   This make the album outstanding for me, it is a collection of really nice songs and Luv Shine contributed to that.

Credits to RealX360 for the video.

Another Collaboration – Lee Hyun Do this Time

I am truly missing Wheesung as day passes, a single mention of his name from articles that I am reading in the internet gets me excited…expecting some info on his comeback or possible performance.  I know he still probably resting right after that vocal chord operations but I really want to see him back or know something about him now.

(credits to Krnloop.WordPress.com)

He actually did another collaboration with artist named Lee Hyun Do (Koreans forgive me for I don’t know him) with a newly released digital single. The song is included in the latter’s single project which is a compilation of his collaboration with various artist. The song is entitled ‘We’re not Crazy’.  Of course I would be most interested on the song where he collaborated with Wheesung.

I listened to the song and it’s another different Wheesung singing (I am still surprised on with his rendition of Love Seat).   One wordto best describe him… versitile.  His voice sounded unusually rounded in this song but he made his signature style in some parts so that would make you realize its Wheesung singing (1:35 of the song).  It a different taste of Wheesung’s singing plus the rhythm of the song belongs to a very familiar genre that he sings –R&B.  Get to listen to the song from this link.

Bravo Wheesung!  There might be few news about you but you filled the gap with wonderful singles while you are away.

 

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.

Like a Movie – A Review

Finally I have the first album of Wheesung which was released 6 years ago.  I know this review is very late but nevertheless since this is my first time to hear the entire album, i still would want to give my piece about it.  For the longest time I only have 안되나요 (Andwenayo – Can’t We) in my iTunes.  The song that made Wheesung who he is right now…and who will not fall in love with that song.  While I have other songs i like in this album I guess 안되나요 deserves to be the carrier single. 

The album cover was simple with Wheesung’s sign on top.  Obviously the songs in the album are actually inspired by some best movies of all time.  There are 2 more other songs which I love most in this album, 하늘에서 (Haneul-eso *my translation* From the Sky) and 전할 수 없는 이야기 (Chonhal Su Opnun Iyagi *my translation* A Story I Cannot Pass-on).  I give these two songs 5 and 4 stars respectively.  하늘에서 has great musical arrangement, to me it sounds more of a pop jazz than a ballad something that you can sing in hotel lobby while guests are having dinner.  Wheesung’s rendition gave the song an R&B touch.  전할 수 없는 이야기 has a nice rhythm and I love how he sang the song… there wasn’t much belting but he sounded so fluid (effortless).  This is the type of song you will usually hear being played as a background of a movie or drama.

아직도 (Ajikdo- Even Now) and 후애 (Huae – i don’t know if this is a Korean word or it simply means the impression whoa) are also worth listening.  The first is ballad while the other is R&B and reminds me of boy band songs.  Singing ‘Incomplete’ gave a glimpse on how comparable he is with other American R&B singers – minus some of the the pronunciations, Wheesung is very qualified to be along the line with Sisqo.

Overall, i think the Like A Movie album was a pretty good debut for Wheesung and he is already reaping what he initially sowed.  Three songs from this album landed in my Best of Wheesung iPod playlist, but the album is definitely not a bore to listen from start to end.  

Love Seat – Wheesung’s New Digital Single

Wheesung has released a digital single entitled Love Seat just before he had his vocal cord operations last February 26.  The digital single as mentioned in the Yonhap news, which I happened to understand as it was translated in English by Krnloop, has been released last April 01, 2008 (what a date its April Fool’s Day). 

I was too excited to listen to this song and nevertheless I am once again surprised by Wheesung on his singing abilities.  When I thought the Eternal Essence of Music is a proud showcase of the different music genre that Wheesung can sing… there can be more to look forward.  This is a totally different Wheesung.  Love Seat is so refreshing to my ears.  I am also a fan of jazz and hearing Wheesung sing this kind of music makes me smile.   This is the type of song that you would love to listen to while having a long drive or attending cocktails.

The album cover also features my favorite boyish shot of Wheesung who looks equally refreshing just like this music.  Ssangyong has made the right choice in having this music played on their commercial.  The rhythm is so smooth which can make you think of an enjoyable ride.

Got this info from krnloop.wordpress.com, translation of Yonhap news in English is in this site:

Today, April 1, Wheesung’s last recorded song before having a vocal cord operation in February was released as a digital single entitled “Love Seat,” which was written and composed by Humming Urban Stereo’s Lee Ji Rin.

According to Orange Shock, Wheesung’s label, the song is a fusion of fresh acid jazz style music with Wheesung’s sweet vocals.  Wheesung said that he felt awkward singing the song because it was his first time to try this genre but was satisfied with the results.

Meanwhile, the song will be used as the theme song for So Ji Sup and Lee Yeon Hee’s OCN short film “U-Turn.” It will also be used as the background music in the Ssangyong Motors Actyon commercial.

Source: Yonhap

Can’t We – Andwenayo (안되나요)

When you hear the name Wheesung (휘성), it will be impossible not to remember this song that made his name in the Korean Music Industry.  This is his first hit single and is very well remembered by people who knows him.

Admittedly, this is not the first song that I like from Wheesung although when I got to know him while searching for Korean R&B singers in Wikipedia, a link on the YG website leads me to him and this song was given such great highlight along with ‘With Me’. 

Andwenayo was given several English titles (translation) differently, most of what I read is ‘Can’t We’ while some translated it as ‘Isn’t it Possible?’  The song is really sad, the lyrics and the beat says it all. It’s about the bitter feeling when someone who leaves you and that someone seems to be happy with her current situation.  It also expresses having to want that someone back in your arms.

I think this song is really more of a ballad with a touch of R&B.  What made this song really popular is the heartfelt rendition from Wheesung.  He sang it full of emotions not to mention that the arrangement was vocally challenging.  I have seen him perform this song in different instances and he was consistent in putting across that heavy feeling of longing to be with someone.  Just like most of the best songs I have heard, Wheesung started this soft, showed some voice power during refrain and ended smooth.

I specifically like this last part of the song:

안되나요 나를 사랑하면 조금 내 마음을 알아주면 안되요
아니면 나를 그 사람이라고~~생각해도 되요
그대만 내게 있으면…그대만 있어 준다면….

andwenayo nareul saranghamyon chokeum na maumeul arachumyon andweyo      animyon nareul ku saram-irago ~ saeng-gakhaedo dweyo                                           kudaeman naege issumyon…kudaeman isso chundamyon

This is where Wheesung hit the high notes of the song.  I love it when he display his voice power and transitions from husky to soft singing style.  This is very Wheesungsshi.  So far, I think this is the best rendition of this song, from the Big 4 Concert last December 2007.   He looks so different here from his Eternal Essence of Music launch and promotion.

Love Is… (사랑은…) — The Best Collaboration Song

If I have to choose my most favorite song from Wheesung ‘Love is’ is definitely one of it. This ties up with Love Hero as my all time favorite song from Wheesung or maybe I should say my most favorite Korean song.

I consider ‘Love Is’ as the best song of Wheesung from his ‘For the Moment’ Album and it features a very talented singer whom I had 2 misconceptions:

• That Big Mama was like a code name or screen name (it’s a group name afterall)
• That Big Mama who is Lee Ji Yeong (이지영) is a man

This song has been one of the most frequently played song in my iTunes and iPod second to Love Hero.  For the longest time I thought this song is collaboration with another man although I find it funny that a song with such meaning be sung by two men.  Until I researched for other songs from Lee Ji Yeong who is Big Mama.  I found out that she is actually a member of a non-traditional girl band from Korea who are described to be extremely talented but they are, as the name goes ‘Big Mamas’. 

To date, I consider this as the greatest collaboration that Wheesung did with another singer at least for songs coming from his album.  Because of the quality of Ji Yeong’s voice I almost thought that she is a he with a powerful voice.  To me, this is the finest Korean R&B song.

Listening to the song is soothing to the ears, the arrangement is so nice –something that you would like to play to relax.  Complementing the nice musical arrangement is of course the rendition from Wheesung and Ji Yeong plus the nice back up vocals.  Similar to Love Hero… this song was sung in great harmony.  Ji Yeong was the perfect match to Wheesung.  Not much of the Wheesung Style (voice character that is heavy, forceful –like throat scratching and powerful )… all you hear  in this song is the soft, swaying (heart melting style) and vibrato from the amazing singer. 

Like in his most collaborations, Wheesung never overshadowed a singer in his performances and even in his own albums.   I think this is the essence of being a true professional singer, the ability to blend well with fellow singer during duets or group performance is very critical to create that harmonious melody. 

Most R&B songs used lyrics culled from the heart.  They are mushy or at times bold but it speaks of what can’t be said directly — from plain to awkward situations.  The lyrics of this song is about an unspoken love for someone you like but is in love with someone.  It expresses wanting to protect and take care of a person who keeps of getting hurt from loving another person.  My imagination is taking me somewhere   maybe the guy is a friend to a girl who is inlove — he could not offer his love directly so he just patiently listen to her and gives her comfort when she is hurt. 

The song is good to the ears from start to finish but I really like the part after the second chorus.  This is right after Ji Yeong’s part where they started to duet, must be the refrain portion up to the third chorus.  While Ji Yeong is probably more heard, listening to it carefully — Wheesung was softly throwing lines in melody.  In fact, initially I was a little confused with their voices because of the harmony.   The back up vocals did a great job by making Wheesung and Ji Yeong’s voice float with their wind-like supporting voices.   I just notice that Wheesung always have good back up vocals.

I am sad that this songs seems to be underrated.  In most sites where Wheesung is featured, they never mentioned of this song as if it was never contributory to his 5 great albums.  Its’ really disheartening to think about this. I actually researched for any videos or performance that features this song and I never found any even in You Tube.   Am I the only one who thinks that this song is too great to listen? Oh well ~ good thing I learned about it.

Writing music review for Wheesung will challenge your vocabulary.  He can be very flexible and could actually sing differently from time to time.  This is just the second song review I made for him and there are upbeat, rap and danceable songs from his various albums that displays his singing style.  I really wonder what will be next.  What will be in his 6th album.

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.

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.