Album review: Lim Jeong Hee Vol. 3

Lim Jeong Hee (임정희) – Vol. 3 Before I Go J-Lim

01 . Before I Go J-LIM
02 . 사랑에 미치면 (Feat. 아웃캐스트 빅보이&J.Y.PARK "THE ASIAN SOUL") (Sarange Mijimyeon Ft. Outcast’s Big Boi & J.Y.PARK "THE ASIAN SOUL")
03 . 품 (Pum)
04 . 사랑의 반대말 (Sarangeui Bandaemar)
05 . 해요 (Feat. 미료 from Brown eyed girls) (Haeyo)
06 . LOVE (Feat. PDOGG)
07 . 그녀에게 가버리세요 (Geunyuege Gabeoriseyo)
08 . 안돼 (Andwae)
09 . 이런 사랑 저런 사랑 (Feat.J.Y.PARK "THE ASIAN SOUL") (Iri Sarang Jeoreon Sarang)
10 . 이별선언 (Ebyeorseoneon)
11 . 들어요 (Feat. K.will) (Deureoyo)
12 . 사랑이 끝나면 (Sarangi Ggeutnamyeon)

Often considered the Korean counterpart of Alicia Keys, Lim Jeong Hee has developed quite a fanbase in her recent years of work. Though she said she was going to pursue a career in the US, it seems that the songstress has returned a bit to release her 3rd Korean album. Before I Go J-Lim has continued where her first and second albums left off at and has continued her stable success in the Korean industry. The album also provides a nice set of collaborations from Outcast’s Big Boi to the man who started her career, JYP.

Sarange Mijimyeon is a great way to get into the album. Though not as strong as her previous first singles, the song contains J-Lim’s R&B vibes as well as her signature vocals. Husky, yet powerful, J-Lim is one of the best singers in the Korean industry these days and it is easily visible throughout this song. Hitting all the high notes right on, J-Lim also shows off her ability to control her vocals. But that isn’t all the song offers. The use of the acoustic guitar during the verses definitely allows the song to vibrate, while the added percussion in the chorus strengthen the song’s overall power. The background vocals are also a great asset (as with all Lim Jeong Hee songs), as they provide the foundation that allows J-Lim to launch her adlibs.

Like her previous albums, Before I Go J-Lim shows off beautiful ballads. Pum is especially great, as the ballad allows J-Lim to give one of her best performances. The sad, but mid-tempo melody also mixes nicely with the rather slow-paced music, which gives the song a somewhat, urgent feel that only heightens J-Lim’s vocals. The album also gives fans more than just depressing ballads, as there are also a few upbeat tracks. LOVE (Feat. PDOGG) is a great example of those, as both artistes’ vocals mix nicely together with the flowing R&B melody. Iri Sarang Jeoreon Sarang is also another nice upbeat track, as it is similar to something that an artiste such as Ivy might perform. The song doesn’t contain any powerful vocals by J-Lim, but uses the catchy melody and funky rapping by JYP to provide entertainment.

Before I Go J-Lim is an album for many as it is probably her most solid work yet. Much like her last album, this one contains more ballads, but has a lighter quality about it, which allows all the songs to flow nicely with one another. So, if you’re looking for a "singer", be sure to look out for Lim Jeong Hee. She might’ve debuted in 2005, but has definitely shown that she is no rookie in the music industry.

5/5

5/5 – Even if you’re not a fan of this artist/group this album is a must buy.
4/5 – If you’re a fan of this artist/group, you must buy this album.
3/5 – If you’re a fan of this artist/group, you might want to add this one to your collection.
2/5 – I don’t think a fan would even buy this.
1/5 – You might as well just flush your money down the toilet.

You can purchase this album by clicking on the album cover image above

written by Hitorijime