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On The Hunt: Lee Gikwang Returns with Predator

After quite some time, Highlight member Lee Gikwang has returned to the music scene as a soloist in his first-ever full album. Titled Predator, Lee GIkwang brings a total of 12 new songs to his repertoire. If you have been following him since his days as AJ (Ace Junior) before he even debuted as an idol group member, you know that he has come a long way since then and has blossomed into a great and seasoned artist. 

Tracklist: 

  1. “Predator” 

  2. “Favorite” 

  3. “I Can’t Do This” 

  4. “Anxiety” 

  5. “I’m Not You” 

  6. “Out of Control”

  7. “Universe”* 

  8. “Jealous”*

  9. “Goin’ Down” 

  10. “Religious” 

  11. “Blind” 

  12. “Dive”

*Author’s Favorite Pick 

“Predator”

“Predator” is the title track for this album, and the song itself is sexy, sultry, and alluring. If you were expecting something high-energy and fast-paced, this comeback is not the one. Instead, it slows it down to an R&B, almost trance-esque type of song that is on the darker side. It’s evident that it’s a much more mature sound coming from the veteran artist but again, no surprises there. If you thought that Lee Gikwang was the predator in this song, think again. It’s actually his lover that he is being hunted by as he has fallen prey to them in this relationship. As much as he tries to run from it, he simply cannot escape knowing that he’ll just end up coming back. 

To match the dark and moody sound of the song, the music video also features Lee Gikwang donning different dark outfits in various dark sets. As Lee Gikwang is well-known for his dancing prowess, the music video also highlights the choreography for “Predator.” There is this smooth quality of not only the choreography but the music video altogether that makes it sweet and jaw-dropping, and will leave fans and new viewers wanting more. 

As it is his first full album, and considering the darker concept of the album overall, Predator features more R&B types of songs among the tracklist. That said, there is a sprinkle of happier, lighter sounds that gives a nice break and a refreshing take within the album, such as “Jealous” and “Goin’ Down.” Overall, listeners will find themselves grooving along to Predator,and it’s so great to have another release from Lee Gikwang!

Edited by Vivian N.