Growing Into Yourself: Sungjin’s 30

There’s something to be said about saving the best for last—DAY6 leader Sungjin’s debut 30 is certainly a testament to that.

The release comes as the final installment in the solo series of the four band members, and perhaps the most anticipated. 30 is an album that has been long in the making, and as one of the more private members of the group, fans have been eager to see what a solo venture would hold for one of the most unique voices in the K-music industry.

In “Check Pattern,” Sungjin lends his talents to a soft rock ballad: a perfect fit for his emotive, husky vocals that lets them shine to their full capacity. The song is mostly driven by its heavier sound, but the almost haunting transition from the verses to the chorus, where Sungjin’s vocals lilt in a way that feels almost hypnotic, brings much needed dimension to the song. This allows the otherwise classic rock ballad to ebb and flow in a way that’s overall representative of the album itself.

The video for “Check Pattern” follows a man and a woman as they move through different scenes throughout their lives, mirroring the lyrics of the song as they repeatedly meet (in a check pattern, as opposed to parallel lines running alongside each other, never to cross). In the concept, Sungjin acts as the director of the show. It’s a simple story, but one sure to tug at anyone’s heartstrings, especially with Sungjin singing the background music.

30, which marks the start of Sungjin’s 30s, begins with “Covered in Love,” an easy listening pop-rock track that sets the cozy and introspective tone. Following “Check Pattern” is “I don’t wanna do anything,” a track that pulls influence from the shoegaze genre and was an instant favorite for me. “Nowhere You Are” feels similarly melancholy, almost bluesy even in the use of guitar. “as always” strips the instrumentals back to a more acoustic set, sounding the closest to something from his band (though the 6/8 time signature overlaid in the second verse is an unexpectedly great touch). DAY6 fans will recognize the short and sweet “Wednesday Night” as one of Sungjin’s unreleased songs—finally able to be officially enjoyed on loop. “EASY” kicks up the pop synths, upping the tempo without sacrificing the warm aura of the album thus far, while “You Wake Me Up” slows things all the way back down as Sungjin leans into R&B territory with his vocals. “I don’t wanna lose” is easily the most emotional song on the album, with Sungjin delivering a gut-punch of a chorus that only he could. Like a quiet end to the day, the album ends with “Memories” as Sungjin softly sings against a piano, his vocals sounding every bit heavenly.

Upon just one listen, it’s clear how much of himself Sungjin put into this album. Each song feels incredibly personal, and somehow exactly like what you’d expect from the singer, and yet also so much more. It’s so wonderful to see Sungjin come into himself in 30 and I can’t wait to see what his future years hold for him too.

Check out the video for “Check Pattern” below and be sure to support Sungjin on his solo journey.

Edited by Bryn Claybourne