Yoo Kihyun has officially (and finally) entered his rockstar era. On March 15, the MONSTA X member released his debut solo EP VOYAGER, a debut that has been a long time coming. The single album features three new tracks from Kihyun; title track "VOYAGER" and B-sides ", (COMMA)" and "RAIN." So, without further ado, let's get right into the album. 

For those who have been fans of MONSTA X for some time, the soft-rocker vibe Kihyun embraces with his debut comes as no surprise. For those who aren’t fans (yet), you may want to check out Kihyun’s cover of "Natural" by Imagine Dragons. You also can’t miss out on watching his cover of Bruno Mars's “Runaway Baby” that he performed back in 2016. There are countless interviews, such as with TIDAL or W Korea, where Kihyun mentions his love for rock music and desire for a solo project that you can also read up on. This knowledge makes this debut a bit more special since we now know just how important this debut is to Kihyun and, thus, to Monbebe.  

"VOYAGER" is a pop-rock track that shows off how well Kihyun's vocals fit the genre. He has always been known for his stable vocals, and this title track is no exception. Kihyun's voice is like velvet, full of warmth and passion as he belts out to the funky sounds of the backup band. The music video for "VOYAGER" shows Kihyun in various outfits and settings, looking cool and embracing the freedom he sings about. From running down a road (that gives us major "DRAMARAMA" vibes) to driving in a car, Kihyun's personality and artistry can't help but shine. It's quite hard to feel the energy and not smile as you watch him rock his heart out. 

The next song on the album, ", (COMMA)," sounds almost like a continuation of "VOYAGER'' as we continue with the pop-rock sound. However, the instrumentation also gives us an ‘80s retro sound, giving a nostalgic feeling as we listen to the track. And then, there is "RAIN," the impactful closer for this single album. The song showcases the very best of Kihyun's voice. From falsettos to an impressive low register that we don't get to hear often, it's a credit to his strong vocals.

VOYAGER further sets the tone that Kihyun may be one of the best in the industry. The album sets up a strong foundation for a solo career, and we have been brought new music that only Yoo Kihyun could deliver. Be sure to check out VOYAGER here. 

Edited by Rashelle B.