VIXX’s Ken Makes His Solo Debut with EP Greeting.
VIXX’s Ken has made his solo debut! As the next VIXX member to release his own solo work, Ken gifted fans with an EP titled Greeting. Although Ken is the next VIXX member to soon enlist for his mandatory military service, it comes as no surprise that he would unleash a beautiful and emotional debut album for fans to cherish while he is away.
Tracklist:
Just for a moment
To us who have to endure feat. Monday Kiz
With all my heart
Meteor Shower
So Romantic
Just for a moment (Instrumental Version)
”Just for a moment”
As the lead single off the album, “Just for a moment” is an emotional ballad that speaks of longing and wanting to return to the moments of being able to be in love. But at the same time, all things have to come to an end, where parting is inevitable. Ken pours out his sorrow as he sings of recalling past memories but also wondering why this particular relationship has to end. The first lines of the song alone hit straight to the heart as he sings about wanting to say goodbye as if nothing between him and his lover ever happened as well as speaking of how the past year of their relationship must have meant nothing in the end as they are breaking up.
The music video features Ken and his supposed lover, but the twist is that he’s stuck in a constant loop of recalling memories with her through watching on his TV. As a viewer, the music video will definitely pull at heartstrings as you see Ken constantly on the verge of tears. Separation is the theme of the music video, as there are multiple occasions of Ken parting ways with his apparent lover. It’s a simple music video but tastefully done with warm colors despite the sad tones of the song and story. Ken is exceptionally handsome as well and has this huggable quality to him as he goes through the gauntlet of heartbreak and sadness.
The Album
As this is Ken’s first mini-album, it comes as no surprise that the album would feature primarily ballads on the tracklist. As he is the main vocalist from VIXX, he was definitely not going to miss out on the opportunity to fully showcase his velvety smooth vocals. Most of the releases that happen during the spring/summer season tend to be very upbeat and bright, this mini album brings a refreshing break in this year's releases. Sometimes we all need a good ballad album to slow us down from the chaos that is our busy lives and sit back and relax.
While Ken does a brilliant job with his effortless ballads, the true gems of the album are the songs “With all my heart” and “So Romantic.” These two particular tracks happen to be the upbeat and happy tracks off the album. “With all my heart” is the acoustic ballad that gives off the coffee shop vibe thanks to its minimal yet smooth sound. For those who are very much into acoustic ballads, “With all my heart” will be the song that will be stuck on replay. For Starlights new and old, fans can rejoice as “So Romantic” was written and composed by fellow VIXX member Ravi. Although we have not gotten a VIXX comeback in some time, it’s nice to see other members featured in some way or another on the other members' projects.
All in all, Ken makes a beautiful debut with his first mini-album. The album is a solid listen through and through and fans of the vocalist will not be disappointed. Although Ken is soon to enlist, this album serves as a wonderful parting gift to fans with the promise of his return from his military service.