After a busy 10 years of being an all-in-one idol, model, and actor, JAY B released special album Seasonal Hiatus on February 15, 2023. In true JAY B style, this follows his discreet announcement of enlisting for his mandatory military service. Although it’s farewell for now, fans won’t have to wait for long, as it was also revealed that he’s serving as a public service worker from February 2023 to November 2024. 

JAY B trained as an idol after being scouted by JYP Entertainment in 2009, but moved to H1GHR MUSIC in 2021. The following year, he decided not to renew his contract and joined CDNZA Records where he continued as JAY B. He is also known as Def. in the R&B soul crew ØFFSHORE. From starting small with JJ Project, being the lead in Dream High 2, to further building his career with JUS2, a GOT7 sub-unit, and resuming with GOT7 after winning the name rights against JYP Entertainment, and even being an active philanthropist, JAY B has achieved many accomplishments throughout his career. So, whether you know him as an idol or an actor, let’s cheer him on as a soldier next!

Tracklist

1. “One Moment”

2. “Whiskey”

3. “Wonder”

Written by 1of1, Akira, Def., and Holynn, “One Moment” depicts JAY B in a way we rarely see him. This calming track shows his emotional side following his distress and low moments in life. Although a short moment to some, one bad moment could spiral and last for a while in someone’s head. When you compare your history to your future, life may feel like it has rushed by without stopping. When everything you know suddenly stops and you have to do something you’ve never done before, life gets even scarier. How will he cope? Who will he meet in this new place? The track shows JAY B’s concerns that some fans will never understand, but if you ever feel left behind, remember that he’s thinking about you in those low moments too — this is a song just for you.

“Whiskey” is the perfect song if you just want to relax, written by Def., iHawk, and WOOGIE. With a steady beat, the rhythm makes you sway subconsciously. If you don’t listen closely, you’d probably believe the song was really about being addicted to alcohol. But fear not, because JAY B’s just describing being drunk on a little something called life. Sometimes familiar things start to get blurry, but you still feel that comfort that perhaps an actual drink would give you. Even if tragedy strikes, life carries on — and that’s also called life.

While “Whiskey” makes you sway, “Wonder” has a habit of making you actually want to. The track was written by Cho Yunkyung, Def., En, and Kim Michael Sangmin. With a bit of synth and JAY B’s perfect harmony, the track creates the perfect relaxation scene for when you want to do nothing but chill. But if you’re the kind of person who is constantly doing something, add it to your task playlist instead. Delving deeper into the lyrics, JAY B wonders who he truly is as he looks in the mirror. Does his confident side appear as he congratulates his achievements? Does he see the bad-boy image that he wants to convey to a potential crush? Or is it the opposite? Perhaps he wants to leave that life behind him, curious about the life he could live. What’s certain, though, is that confusion is key when your mirror starts talking to you.

My favorite song from the album would have to be the one and only “Wonder.” Most people understand the concept of wanting to change your life but doing a complete 360 instead. Even if you don’t set those New Year goals, you’d constantly think how different your life would be if you chose different friends, had a different style, studied a completely opposite course, even down to “what if I walked left instead of right?” But the fact is, it’s hard to change. That’s not to say it isn’t possible, but there are many things you can’t undo that may lead to regret. Is my life better now than what it could’ve been, or did I make a mistake?

All-in-all, JAY B’s album Seasonal Hiatus is full of R&B and soul, with hints of funk and jazz. There’s no chance of getting bored as the tracks uplift any bad mood. If you want a soft guitar melody, “One Moment” is the song for you. “Whiskey” fits a sensual mood, and “Wonder” lures you into philosophy. The three tracks are perfect for any slow dance, study, relaxation, or chore, and each conveys a different message perfect for each and every person. 

When times get hard, it’s better to go through the stages of “One Moment,” “Whiskey,” and “Wonder” in song than to commit to those in real life. Thankfully for us, JAY B put his thoughts and heart on his sleeve to make sure we stay safe. He asked questions that many of us are still wondering about, and let us know that it’s okay not to have an answer as long as we carry on. It’s the perfect goodbye for fans without having to be emotional for too long.

Seasonal Hiatus is available on Spotify and all other major streaming platforms.

Edited by Vivian N.