Red Velvet’s JOY Makes Joyful Debut!
At long last, another Red Velvet member has made their solo debut! Taking the helm, JOY debuts with her first ever album titled Hello - Special Album. What makes this album special is that all the tracks are remakes of 1990s and early 2000s songs by artists such as TOY, As One, and Kwon Jin Won, but in her own interpretation and style.
Tracklist
Title: Hello
Je T’aime
Day by Day
If Only (featuring Paul Kim)
Happy Birthday To You
Be There For You
“Hello”
For those who are looking for a song that brings the element of a summer breeze that is refreshing and cool, JOY’s rendition of “Hello” is quite the delight. Originally by Park Hyekyung, JOY’s spin on the 2003 song is a burst of energy that is described as a modern rock remake that gets one moving. Whether it’s the brass instruments or the guitars, “Hello” is a song that is perfectly suited for going on those spontaneous summer adventures or drives. But it is also all about how better days are ahead. “Hello” radiates positivity, with themes of saying goodbye to lonely days, pain and heartbreak and saying hello to the new day that is ahead and moving forward without any regrets or hesitation. This happy-go-lucky song is catchy and brings on a wave of nostalgia the more the song is repeated.
The music video starts off with JOY alone in a cluttered space reminiscing about things in the past, however she eventually makes the decision that she no longer wants to be in that environment. After cleaning up her space, she packs her bags and literally begins a new journey for herself towards something exciting. Along the way, she finds a girl who has lost her way and throughout the video it is the adventure of JOY and the little girl setting out for the little one to return home. In many ways, one can interpret that the little girl is a representation of JOY as she leads her younger self on a journey towards a brighter and happier path. On their journey, both JOY and the little girl meet kind locals who add to their adventure of finding the way home.
Plot aside, the music video primarily takes place outside, whether on the beach or in the forest, which adds to the adventurous and liberating themes of the video. The fashion is inspired by 1970s hippie fashion, filled with either loose, bohemian-type fashion or crochet articles of clothing. There is so much that goes on in the music video, it’ll take a couple of watches to capture the entire vibe and sweet factor “Hello” gives off.
JOY makes an astounding debut and is one that people of all ages will love and appreciate. It comes as no surprise that the Red Velvet member would top charts upon her debut’s release. From beginning to end, while it is a bold choice to debut with an album filled with remakes, Hello - Special Album is endearing and JOY leaves quite the positive impression.