Essentially two and a half years after Secret's Song Ji Eun released her single, "Going Crazy", she is back with her first mini album! This album consists of three songs that I would classify as R&B.
1) Vintage (feat. Zelo of B.A.P.)
A mid tempo-upbeat piece that starts off with off beat (syncopations) and what starts like a DJ swerving a turn table. It's a pleasing song that doesn't sound like it's pushing Ji Eun's vocal capabilities. Zelo, a fellow idol from hip hop boy band B.A.P. raps in certain sections, but I can't say that his rapping suits my taste. Overall, it's a nice song to listen too, but I don't find it to be memorable.
SCORE: 6/10
2) Hope Torture
The title track for Ji Eun's album. This song is simply musical bliss for my ears. (When I first heard the intro of the piece, it kind of reminded me of Secret's Daddy Long Legs, for it had a similar opening with the guitar). This slow-mid tempo R&B piece has a wonderful instrumental track. The classical guitar can be heard throughout the piece, which I think gives this song a very soulful touch to it. I have to say that her vocals are flawless in this piece, and the same goes with her English. The final chorus contains a lot of her ad-libbing that demonstrates why I consider her as the Mozart of the Kpop world. I akin her voice to a crystal ball, pure sounding and clear.
Perhaps, one of her best works to date!
SCORE: 10/10
3) Date Mate
Upbeat piece with an electric guitar introduction. Song Ji Eun played a part in composing and creating the lyrics for this piece. What sounds like triplets, really help set up the piece for the chorus. When the chorus hits, I am ever amazed again to her clarity and power that exists in her voice. She may not be an Ailee or Hyorin in terms of power, but she did more than a satisfactory job in my belief. Overall, a great upbeat piece!
SCORE: 9/10
ALBUM AVERAGE SCORE: 8.3/10
A solid score for Secret's Song Ji Eun's first mini album. Despite my lack of interest for the first song, I believe this album has three strong tracks. This underrated singer has once again impressed me with her clear vocals and my current favorite piece from her: Hope Torture.
The only gripe I have with this album is the album cover.
They could have used an image, say like a teaser pic
credits: http://onekpop.com/i/2013/09/song-jieun-releases-nd-image-teaser-for-hope-torture-comeback_oeojr_1.jpg
But they instead, decide to use this...
credits: http://pop1gasa.files.wordpress.com/2013/09/307985.jpg
It's like they ran out of money to produce a nice cover for her after spending it on all those outfits for her music video.
Anyways, overall, great work from Song Ji Eun! For those who aren't too into Kpop, I think this album is a good start! For Song Ji Eun fans, it's a must listen!
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