The Killer Solo Debut of All-rounder Jihyo
Jihyo is killin’ us killin’ us good, as she finally made her solo debut on Friday, August 18 with a seven-track album titled ZONE. The leader and main vocalist of TWICE is the second member of the group after Nayeon to officially venture out and release a solo album. If there’s anything ONCEs and K-Pop fans know about Jihyo, it is her undeniable charisma and striking vocals. With ten years of training under JYP Entertainment and eight years of being in TWICE, Jihyo’s solo debut is a culmination of her hard work and star quality, and it further asserts her position as a multi-talented powerhouse of K-Pop.
ZONE tracklist consists of seven songs which are mostly written and composed by the singer herself, including “Closer” and “Room.” Among the songs are also collaborations with artists like R&B singer HEIZE and American rapper 24kGoldn.
Tracklist:
“Killin’ Me Good”
“Talkin’ About It (Feat. 24kGoldn)”
“Closer”
“Wishing On You”
“Don’t Wanna Go Back (Duet with Heize)”
“Room”
“Nightmare”
The lead single “Killin’ Me Good” is upbeat and bold, much like the soloist herself. Jihyo showcases her strong vocals through groovy instrumentals and polished choreography. The song itself is catchy but not repetitive, thanks to the Jihyo’s distinct vocal colors that shined throughout and made for a compelling listen. The lyrics of “Killin’ Me Good” reflect two different ways a relationship can be interpreted—as something that can make one feel good per the lyrics of the song: “Killin' me, killin' me good, good, good (So good, so good)/Feelin' things I never knew that I could, ooh, ooh, ooh-ooh/ You make me feel this way (So good, so good)” and as something that could literally be dangerous.
It’s no doubt that the main track is an exceptional hit but the same can be said with the rest of ZONE’s B-sides. Jihyo offers a different artistic side to her craft with every song. “Talkin’ About It” is an all-English song with a dance-pop chorus, “Closer” has an addictive afrobeat that makes you subconsciously move your body, and dreamy “Wishing On You” easily satisfies your ears. A standout from the album is the emotionally-charged duet “Don’t Wanna Go Back” with Heize. The duo teamed up on both the lyric writing and composition of the song. Jihyo’s rich vocal tones paired with Heize’s more soft and sultry voice are a match made in heaven. Many ONCEs can’t help but feel emotional listening to the album’s sixth track “Room,” which has lyrics that can be interpreted as a letter to a young Jihyo during her trainee days. Closing out the stellar debut album with a bang is “Nightmare,” a track that Jihyo has previously unveiled as a solo stage on TWICE’s world tour Ready To Be.
Jihyo has been patiently waiting for her own moment and it has certainly paid off. Whether as TWICE’s beloved member or a proven-to-be sensational soloist, Jihyo will undoubtedly shine brightly with her commanding presence and captivating vocals.
Watch the music video of her debut “Killin’ Me Good” below: