We Are Looking at a Bright Summer With Kang Daniel
After closing his “color trilogy” with YELLOW a little over a year ago, Kang Daniel is finally back with his first full-length album. The Story is composed of 10 brand new songs, including the title track “Upside Down” and four complementing and exciting collaborations with Dbo, Jessi, sokodomo, and Chancellor.
Still not completely letting go of the theme of colors, this album tells The Story of Kang Daniel finding his true colors through turning into a teller of others’ stories instead of being the only protagonist. It’s the second half of a healing journey. Coming out of those dark moments of anxiety, mental struggles, and just life in general that his previous work was based on, this album is as relatable as ever, with a more upbeat and cheerful perspective. There is also just something in Kang Daniel’s voice that will put you at ease on its own.
“Upside Down” is a mid-tempo pop track that brings that desired brightness while still keeping things real. No matter what, we will have those frustrating days that just don’t go our way. That’s when you have to take action and turn things “Upside Down.” Although, please only take this as literally as Kang Daniel did with his b-boying moves in the music video if you can pull it off safely, otherwise stay with the metaphor and turn your mood and attitude around. “Upside Down” marks the comeback of b-boy Daniel, the first time we get to see him showing off his skills since Produce 101.
Although the complete album brings this laid-back, chill, and bright mood, The Story still has a variety in musical sounds. Besides the expected R&B, trap, and synth, Kang Daniel also plays around with Latin, gospel, and orchestral elements, experimenting with styles without losing the definite “Kang Daniel sound” we mentioned in our previous album review. As an overall conclusion, all we can say is that Kang Daniel always delivers, and this time he delivered the perfect summer album full of nice grooves and no skips.
Edited by Vivian N.