Minggu, 25 Desember 2011

Single Review] Kim Hyun Joong (김현중) - "Marry You"

Credit: writer_girl on soompi


After “Break Down” and “Lucky Guy,” two high-energy singles, Kim Hyun Joong is back, challenging a more laid-back and acoustic-inspired track, in the form of his new release, “Marry You.”

Though a bit out of character, considering Hyun Joong’s previous solo releases, “Marry You” shifts Hyun Joong’s focus from image and performance to a more musical one. And surprisingly, he carries the shift rather well.

The good thing about Kim Hyun Joong is the fact that he actually makes an effort and tries to push himself musically, and he makes sure that it shows. That’s what ultimately made this shift smooth. Sure, there are a lot of other, better, singers than him in the industry nowadays, but "Marry You" shows his incentive to better himself as a singer. Talent is only half of the equation, effort is just as important, and Hyun Joong gets a perfect score for effort.

And in reality, "Marry You" is actually quite good. It’s not extremely stunning or anything, but it works as a pop song. It’s a no-frills song. It is what it is and what you hear is really what you hear -- there’s nothing hidden between the lines, nothing about to creep up on you, but ultimately the song’s biggest selling point is in fact it’s simplicity. There aren’t any extremely shocking parts of the song, and no major shifts in sound or dynamics, but it’s that consistency that ties the whole song together very well.

It's easy to listen to and it's very calming -- something you’d listen to to relax at the end of a hectic day. The guitars give the song a much-needed dose of character, but doesn’t disturb the calm feel of the song. The melody complements both the rest of the instrumental, and Hyun Joong’s voice, and the soft harmonies throughout are a nice addition.

“Marry You” is definitely worth a second, a third, a fourth, and maybe even a fifth listen. It’s easy on the ears, but it has body and it’s such a pretty song in itself.

Kamis, 22 Desember 2011

[News] Kim Hyun Joong's (김현중) First Fan Meeting of 2012 Tickets Sold Out in 30 Minutes

credit: KPOPFEVER.COM
Source: WStar News via Nate


Singer Kim Hyun Joong makes time together with the fans to start the new year.

Kim Hyun Joong will be holding ’2012 Kim Hyun Joong Fan Meeting in Seoul’ on January 21st, 2012 at the Jamshil Indoor Gymnasium in Seoul.

Kim Hyun Joong is planning to present colorful performances of some of the songs off of his first mini album ‘Break Down’ and the second mini album ‘Lucky Guy’ at the ’2012 Kim Hyun Joong Fan Meeting in Seoul’. Kim Hyun Joong will also spend some time together with the fans to feel closer to each other.

The Korean and overseas fans are already zeroing in and when the tickets went on sale for the fan meeting on December 21st, there were upwards of 10,000 people trying to connect at once resulting in all seats being sold out within 30 minutes. The requests for more dates from the fans who have not been able to purchase the tickets are pouring in.

Kim Hyun Joong’s management company, KeyEast representative relayed, “Kim Hyun Joong is really looking forward to the day to meet with the fans. Even with the busy year end schedule, Kim Hyun Joong is working hard to prepare for a cool memory with the fans. You can bet on it.”

After the fan meeting in Seoul, Kim Hyun Joong will release an official Japanese single and start promotions in Japan.

(y)