Album review: Kim Jong Guk – Vol. 5 - Here I Am

Kim Jong Guk – Vol. 5 – Here I Am

01 . 고맙다
02 . 그리운 날들
03 . 오래 오래 (feat. 마이키)
04 . 어제보다 오늘 더
05 . Forever (feat. Mighty Mouth)
06 . 이보다 더 좋을 순 없다 (feat. 시진)
07 . 그 집 앞(序曲)
08 . 그 집 앞
09 . 사랑에 취해 (feat. 주석)
10 . 이별의 정석
11 . 이제는 안녕
12 . 사랑해 널 사랑해 (feat. 창따이)
13 . 어떤 사람 어떤 사랑
14 . 우리 둘이서

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After fulfilling his army duties, this album is a long-awaited comeback for fans. Having not heard an album of his before, I can’t make comparisons, so I just go on what I know of his distinctive voice.

Track 4 ‘어제보다 오늘 더’ (More than yesterday) is the first single from the album, a truly excellent pop ballad and choice to promote this album. Having seen the MV and heard this track before the rest of the album, it’s certainly good encouragement to listen to more.

‘고맙다’ (Thank you), the first track, is a mid-tempo ballad that starts with a simple arrangement of piano and voice and escalates to strings and percussion. A good start to the album which continues with the upbeat ‘그리운 날들’ (Longed For Days), and catchy ‘오래 오래’ (A Long Time), that features Mikey. Track 8 그 집 앞 (In front of that House) is a slow-tempo ballad, once more initially keeping the arrangement simple with piano and vocal, and its appearance stops the album from becoming too mired in bright electronic catchy pop. From the rest of the album, I rather liked track 10 이별의 정석 (Thought of Separation), which had an interesting beat and arrangement, giving it a dramatic feel, and the final ballad that rounded the album off nicely.

Whilst Kim Jong Guk’s high-pitched vocals and pop style might not be to everyone’s taste, it’s worth giving the album a try, even if it’s the only album of his you might buy.

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