B-Sides: A Ride with JJ Project
“Our song will make you forget everything,” sang JJ Project in their debut single as the duo made their grand entrance into the industry in 2012. The well-known duo consisting of GOT7 members JB and Jinyoung has stayed inactive most of the time; the pair made their first comeback in 2017, almost five years after their debut and haven’t returned to the scene since.
Despite the infrequent promotions, the pair has always had a special place amid the fans. The members are known for their renowned music compositions and lyrics, blessing their listeners with few yet notable tracks that stay fresh in the playlist. This week we will suggest a few b-sides to celebrate the group’s eighth anniversary.
“Hooked”
“Hooked” from JJ Project’s debut EP Bounce is a blend of rock and pop. “The moment she looked at me, I was hooked,” begins the track as Jinyoung takes up the role of an enthusiastic rapper in the duo while JB graces the verses with his ever adored vocals. The lyrics sing about a boy getting hooked on a crush and being excited to ask her out. As for the sound, the track sounds more familiar to a rock band easing the fans to dance along. The song shines light on the duo’s younger selves as the members bubble with energy and passion of their adolescence.
“Before This Song Ends”
The then rookies got to collaborate with their senior Suzy for the dance track, “Before This Song Ends,” from the Bounce album. Similar to the genre of “Hooked,” the track is light and peppy with a rock influence. The collaboration was a perfect match as the members’ soaring vocals are beautifully coated by Suzy’s pleasant and refreshing verses. The lyrics are written in the form of a duet to express both the perspectives of a boy and a girl who like each other. As a perfect party song, this track can hook the audience with its rhythm and beat.
Looking back, it is evident that the style might not have been the duo’s niche, but we don’t mind seeing the pair bounce and shake it once in a while.
“Coming Home”
“Coming Home,'' was the first track after the long five year hiatus and features the duo’s more matured and pleasing side. Now as adults, the members have so much to think about uncertainty and loneliness. The R&B track penned by Joon Young Choi and Jinyoung expresses the anxious feeling of being lonely and the need for someone to rest on and call home. JB and Jinyoung flare with simple and elegant verses. Listening to the song can actually make the listeners find home in the members’ soothing lines.
“Find You”
The R&B track from the duo’s second EP Verse 2 sings about the regrets of letting someone go and being desperate to bring them back into their lives. The melancholic melody features the members’ potent vocals with soft verses and high-hitting chorus. Though the mood seems gloomy and dull, the song can please the listeners and bind them with the pair’s mellow vocals.
“Icarus”
“Icarus” is a breezy track focusing on the fighting spirit of the protagonist. Though the Greek mythology portrays Icarus as a failure in the tales, the members sing about flying high to reach the sky without giving up. “For the people who believe in me, I will prove it,” sings the lines, spreading such positivity despite the pressure piled up during the flight. Adding onto the empathizing lyrics and gentle instrumentals, the members beautify the audio experience with their heavenly harmonization and high notes. “Every time I wanna close my eyes, I’ll picture me standing at the finish line,” ends the song, remaining as a promise from the duo to hold every time they need comfort.
JJ Project, despite lacking in promotions and number of songs, have given us a few yet prominent ones to tune into. With much hope for the duo’s return soon, let us wish them a happy anniversary!
Which one was your favorite from the list? Let us know in the comments!
Lyrics Translation: lyricstranslate.com