JYJ is back with their latest album 'JUST US' after a hiatus of 3 years! In this second album, we get to hear the evolution of their music to a more mature and sexy sound.
I was actually surprised that they came back with a mellower sound compared with their previous album, where songs such as 'Get Out' and and 'Mission' are more fast-paced dance songs. Even 'Unnamed Song' was particularly different because it was written to express pent-up frustrations.
The title song 'Back Seat' is a sexy R&B song that shows that JYJ are now 'officially' men, no longer sweet poster boys. Personally I like this song very much, although Engrish is all over the place. That's JYJ for you!
The music video is equally sexy as well, and I think they shot it that way since they knew it wouldn't make it past the Korean broadcasters anyway. Why waste time when they can please all their global fans? I particularly think the video is fresh especially the light show part at the end. It's like as if they have broken free from box sets (ahem... which a certain agency favours for music videos) finally.
My other favourites off the album are '2.30AM', 'So So', 'Dad, You There?', and 'BaboBoy'. I love listening to their harmony in '2.30AM' although the song is so sad, since it's talking about not being able to sleep because of an ex. Though I can't sleep after listening to it in the wee hours in the morning too...
'So So' is a ballad littered with many English phrases that is quite easy listening. I find it quite uplifting, though it's actually talking about loving someone without much dedication... hence the title, 'So So'. I love how the English phrases gel with the Korean lyrics in this one very much.
'Dad, You There?' is a song written by Yoochun for his late father. It's a mellow song but instead of making me sleepy, it actually gives me a chance to unravel after a long day. I can totally listen to this song all day. Their voices in this song will definitely melt your heart!
'Baboboy' is actually a mid-tempo dance song, and I didn't really like it till I listened to it a few times. I died when Yoochun whispered 'Hello beautiful, is anybody home?' :p Too bad they don't have a music video for this song, but you should check out the fancams of their performances in their concerts. Hip trusts way to go!
Each member's solo songs also have shown evolution since their last album. Junsu's solo is musical-inspired, Jaejoong's rock-inspired and Yoochun's hippie-inspired. Just joking!
Yoochun's '30' is as fresh as his previous 'Unnamed Song' since this round he is addressing the worries (and gratitude?) in turning thirty. I think they will forever stay young in my memory although they have reached thirty... But anyway, he slow-raps in the song, almost as if telling a story by talking. He inserts bits and pieces of people who have been special in his life (eg. Junsu, Jaejoong, Yoohwan and Dong Hee), which I think was pretty clever :D
I have never been disappointed in a JYJ album so far and I wish it will stay that way. They will soon enlist in the military once they finish their world tour, and I will still be waiting for them even after that. Always Keep The Faith, yo!
The author is happy yet sad that 'JUST US' signals the impending military enlistment of the members. This album is definitely precious to all fans!
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