Two weeks ago, Woollim Entertainment released a teaser video on their YouTube account posing fans with the question, "What is the next big thing?" After much speculation about a year-end release for Infinite H or the debut of their first girl band, the answer has finally arrived. Infinite's leader and main vocalist Kim Sunggyu is making his debut as a solo artist. No worries Inspirits, Sunggyu is still an Infinite member, but he is releasing a solo mini-album titled "Another Me" on November 19th. His solo debut stage will be on Music Bank that upcoming week, on November 23rd. The first single pre-released is "Shine," which is written and composed by Nell's leader Kim Jong Wan. Prior to the announcement, Sunggyu revealed a photo of himself and Jong Wang collaborating in the studio. Then, Infinite's official page released a raw clip of "Shine" and announced their leader's first solo attempt. A senior group from the same company, Nell is an alternative rock band known for producing meaningful and soulful songs. Think of them as the equivalent to the U.S.'s Death Cab for Cutie. It seems like Sunggyu's dreams are coming true- he has always inspired to work with his senior Jong Wan, and now he gets to release a solo album.
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| Nell's Kim Jong Wan & Infinite's Sunggyu in studio |
Sunggyu "Shine" (Raw audio) Teaser Clip
"Shine" is a really good start to Sunggyu's solo debut. It shows a more mature, laid-back side to Grandpa Gyu, and I like that he's exploring new music genres outside of Infinite's dance tracks. The song starts out well, with the electronic intro making one wonder if the song will be relaxed or gradually gather tempo. As soon as Sunggyu's voice enters, I'm instantly hooked. There's a wistful and mellow tone to his voice that only comes out in ballads like Infinite's "Only Tears," or on Immortal Song 2. However, the more upbeat tempo keeps the song from getting too emotional and instead sounds sexy and cool. It's the same Sunggyu voice that suggests he's closing his eyes and pushing his passion through to the audience. The chorus was unexpectedly soft, surprising since Sunggyu is known for belting out fierce high notes at the climax of most Infinite songs. Nell's Kim Jong Wan's has commendable compositional abilities, because even though "Shine" the raw teaser version sounds like another one of Nell's songs, (some even thought it was Jong Wan singing) the studio version's 'hybrid music' genre, comprised of electronica, pop-synth and guitar riffs, make "Shine" sound like a completely different, contemporary track. I would love if Sunggyu extends the "been there, done that" vibe to the rest of the album. Great start, Sunggyu!
Sunggyu "Another Me" Teaser (Piano Version)
Tracklist for "Another Me" mini-album:
1. Another Me
2. 60 Seconds
3. I Need You
4. Only Tears (Acoustic Version)
5. Shine
6. 41 Days
Comments:
The title song, "60 Seconds" suggests that falling in and out of love can happen in any one minute. It also took 60 seconds for me to recognize that Sung Kyu's distinct voice is more interesting than his title song. Though I enjoyed the sweet, soft start of "60 Seconds" until the chorus, I thought the rock-meets-ballad chorus itself sounded generic. After the release of "Shine," I was really hoping for something more alternative as a debut stage. Track "41 Days," co-written with lyrical input from Sunggyu, also carries out that alternative hybrid feel that sounds both new and catchy.
The music video for "60 Seconds" was not as emotionally convincing as its track. I'm sure L being featured in the music video captured everyone's attention, but it ended up distracting from the fact that it was Sunggyu's music video. In fact, the first time I watched it, I didn't even pay much attention to the music. Scenes of the leader and his emotional piano-playing were believable, but the love story scenes between L and the actress were very awkward. I giggle at the fact that L was trying to play a guy in love and experiencing its pain when he hasn't even dated in real life. I must give credit to the director- the scenes were beautifully shot as if in a hazy, romantic dream, and the storyline itself was cute... but I still couldn't take anyone seriously. Sunggyu would have done a much more convincing job acting out L's character- fire-engine red hair and all.
I can't say I love every song from the mini-album, but I do have some favorites. They all have a theme of melancholy and loss, but it's more the feeling of accepting that the relationship is over than harboring any ill feelings or wanting to reconciliate. The more mature outlook and sharp blazers outfits fit Sunggyu well, since he knows how to make alternative ballad/pop-synth genres work in his favor. I could've done with him closing his eyes a little less when playing the piano, but no doubt that's just his 'cool-guy' style.
Check out lives performances of Sunggyu's "60 Seconds" below:
Music Bank Comeback (121123)
Music Bank Backstage Interview English Subbed (121123)
Infinite + Sunggyu joking around (121123)
Music Core Comeback (121124)
Inkigayo Comeback (121125)
How does the Infinite leader feel about going solo? Read an (extremely cute and thoughtful) interview article Sunggyu did with 10asia here:
http://www.allkpop.com/2012/11/infinites-sunggyu-discusses-his-solo-debut-interview-with-10asia
It's really cute seeing the INFINITE boys showing support for their leader with twitter updates (right after his "Shine" pre-release):
Maknae Sungjong was the first to tweet, "Leader Gyu’s song is out!!!! o.o It’s the be~~~~~~st!!!!!!!! The early release song~ Listen to the song "Shine" a lot ♥♥♥."Shortly after, Hoya also tweeted, "Shine"… Sunggyu hyung’s solo album’s early release song!!!!!! It’s really good… I’m going to be his fan from today, kekeke."
Woohyun wrote a simple, "Sunggyu- shine," while L also left a short message, "Shine, congrats."
Sungyeol declared, "I will support INFINITE’s Sunggyu’s first solo activities for life!! Listen to "Shine" that was released early today. It’s just the best, if you listen to it, it’s the best! Sunggyu-god ♥♥ Fan-cafe chairman: Sungyeol."
Dongwoo included a selca (self-camera photo) and commented with the longest message, "INFINITE’s leader hyungnim Gyu-jiji. The master of emotions has finally had his solo invasion! The early release song is right next to me! I get refreshed just from the name "Shine." I’m going to spend this winter with this friend..☞☜ Hyung, the second oldest is next to you, fighting!!"
Sunggyu himself wrote the following, "Hi? I'm Gyu. My new song "Shine" was released today. Thanks to my
family INFINITE dongsengs for cheering me on and thank you so much to
Jong Wan hyung for giving me such a great song. I’m really excited right
now!!! Kekeke."Not many hours later, he posted a message with a picture of Infinite (short of one member) and holding a cake, "My dongsengs who came to cheer me on – except L." (Myungsoo is busy filming for rom-com drama "What is Mom.")
Woollim Entertainment really is the best as surprising its audience. They always give the most minimal hints about upcoming debuts, releases or comebacks, and only when it's very close to the actual date (the one exception being Infinite's comeback teaser video back in March, which actually revealed nothing about the details of their June "The Chaser" comeback). This is why so many people were led astray in thinking either Infinite H (comprised of Infinite's Dongwoo and Hoya) will release their sub-unit album early, or Woollim will finally debut its first girl group. Really, no one saw this coming. Infinite had joked about Sunggyu wanting to go solo, but there was never any serious indication of the sort, even when he garnered vocal recognition on Immortal Song 2. This makes me wonder if they'll actually debut their girl group, since possible members and rumors have been circulating since early this year. Still, I'm glad they're not debuting another dance group in 2012, because goodness knows there have been way too many new faces to count. It wouldn't hurt to prepare all trainees more thoroughly, especially since people are starting to identify the Woollim name with distinguished artists and quality music.
2012 Woollim Entertainment Teaser
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