JAEHYUN Debuts With Hit Album, J - The First Album
It is here! It is here, everyone! Adding to the list of NCT members to have their solo debut, JAEHYUN has dropped an album we will never forget. J - The First Album, is exactly what we expected for JAEHYUN. The seven songs are a mixture of R&B and pop, creating such a breathtaking sound that you can’t help but repeat the full album.
J - The First Album Tracklist:
“Smoke” (Title Track)
“Roses”
“Flamin’ Hot Lemon”
“Dandelion”
“Completely”
“Easy”
“Can’t Get You”
“Smoke (English Version)
Title Track: “Smoke” / “Smoke (English Version)”
WOW! That is the first word that came to mind while listening to this track. JAEHYUN definitely did not come to play. The title track “Smoke” is so good. Have you ever heard a song that makes you instantly bust a move? That is exactly what this song is. A mixture of Korean and English, the track starts mellow with a groovy beat. We then get to the pre-chorus and are blessed with JAEHYUN's smooth, skillful voice. Then, the chorus. OH MY GOD! That beat drop changes the whole trajectory of the song. Compared to the vocals we were getting previously, the chorus is striking, and the words are spoken, not sung. You can’t help but sing along to the lyrics as they are so addictive: “(Smoke) Hold up, you’re too hot, too hot. Smoke coming out the boombox. (Smoke).” This song is for the people who love music with heavy R&B influence. At the end of the album, there is an English version of “Smoke.” Just like the title track, it is so much fun to listen. Having two versions is like a gift. We get two different versions of an amazing song.
The music video is so artistic. The color scheme in the beginning reminds you of those older movies. The older styling of the hotel adds an extra touch to the video. Then we are transported to a more vibrant area. The new scene shows JAEHYUN and dancers in all black surrounded by the bright orange and yellow coloring of the sky. It is beautiful to see and is a change of scenery. We are then back to the hotel where we see JAEHYUN banging on the door, and in the room is himself. This interesting movie styling helps to make the music video very unique.
Stellar Album
The rest of the album is jam-packed with songs that range from R&B to pop. Before the release of the album, we were given magnificent gifts in the form of “Roses” and “Dandelion.” The connected videos start super sweet. “Dandelion” is an upbeat pop track that brings a smile to your face. We are then transported to “Roses.” “Roses” is the type of song that will get you in your feelings. I have been listening to this track on repeat. I was grabbing at my heart and screaming the lyrics. “I’m six feet deep, oh, when I see Roses, Roses.” Both are so good and have their special aesthetic to them.
Are you ready to bust a move? If so, the songs “Flamin’ Hot Lemon,” “Easy,” and “Can’t Get You” are the songs for you. All three songs are upbeat, and the tempos are perfect to dance to. Each is addictive as well with lyrics like, “My flamin’ hot lemon, as amazing in that denim. She’s sweet like watermelon.” My favorite line in “Easy” is in the chorus: “Easy come, easy go. You just want whatever you like (whatever, whatever you like).” And then I just can’t get enough of “Can’t Get You,” with lines like, “I can’t get you out of my (can’t get you out of) out of my (can’t get you out of) out of my system.” Listening to these songs will definitely get stuck in your head, and you will have them on repeat.
Everybody make some noise, there is a ballad! “Completely” is a beautiful song. Between the piano and JAEHYUN’s voice, it creates a lovely piece. This is a track that will be added to many dream wedding playlists. I heard this song and felt like crying. His vocals are perfect and hold such emotion behind them. There is a story being told in this song, and JAEHYUN does just that.
I recommend for everyone to check out this album. JAEHYUN really went all out for this release, and he did not disappoint. So, listen to JAEHYUN’s debut album J - The First Album, and see which song is your favorite.