J: The First Album Review
After years of anticipation, NCT 127 and DJJ member Jaehyun has finally made his official solo debut with J: The First Album, released on under SM Entertainment. Following the success of his previous singles Try Again, Forever Only, and Horizon, Jaehyun fully embraces his signature R&B sound in this eight-track masterpiece.
In his true cool, calm and collected fashion he named his highly anticipated debut album ‘J’ simple and classic. I can imagine people asking him why he chose that at the name and him replying “because it’s by me.” Another high quality gag and album from our favourite peach Jeong Jaehyun.
J takes us on a lyrical exploration in:
heartbreak - Roses “Im six foot deep when I see roses.”
love - Dandelion “Theres no place I’d rather be than when you're sitting next to me.”
lust - Flamin Hot Lemon “I love the way you taste.”
loss - Easy “Playin hot playin cold baby you gon have to decide.”
As a vocalist and member of NCT 127 and DJJ Jaehyun is no stranger to singing about love with both groups having a strong discography of R&B hits. Many of which contain bridges that Jaehyun’s sultry vocals have blessed, White Night, Back 2AM, Can We Go Back, Kiss and many more.
His first album feels like a healthy mix of songs we’ve heard him on before, further proof that he managed to curate an album full of songs he actually enjoys listening to. It’s safe to say this album is true to him as an artist and the perfect entry point for people who haven’t had the pleasure of hearing him earlier on in his earlier works. This is also your sign to unlearn the idea that NCT only makes noise music.
With writing and production credits from the likes of BabyFace and j.Que it is no surprise that ‘Cant Get You,' is one of my favourite songs from the album. It is literally perfect and fits Jaehyun’s vibe from the jazz orchestral arrangement complimented with the R&B lyrics and melody. Chefs kiss!!
I would've personally loved for it to be the title track but I understand why it went to Smoke. Even though I didn't enjoy the fit of the chorus for Smoke it has the perfect balance of the chill vibe of Jaehyun but still upbeat enough to perform at a music show. I know I’m not alone in the critique of Smoke’s chorus, I feel like the main issue listeners have is how simplified it feels following such a strong build up from the verse and bridge. Along with the low monotone delivery which is a stylistic choice that isn’t always up to people’s taste. The chorus seems to be guilty of “K-pop chorus”, a term I’d like to coin, where the chorus is short, easy to listen to and has more focus on a memorable choreo moment. In Smoke the chorus is such a short part of the song that it doesn’t completely ruin it hence why I scored it a solid 3/5.
Overall, I scored J:The First Album a 3.75/5 which rounds up nicely to a solid 4/5 perfect and well rounded debut from Jaehyun. Im looking forward to his next full body project, Unconditional was an amazing parting gift come back from the military service strong and healthy.
