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Album Review: Kang Daniel — ‘Color On Me’ (Mini Album)

Ever since the disbandment of the global K-Pop group Wanna One, this artist’s debut had been one of the main talks of the fans. That artist is none other than centre of the said group: Kang Daniel, the overall winner of M-Net’s competition, ‘Produce 101 Season 2’. Being the first pick by fans on the said show, he was given the privilege to become the centre of the group that was also formed by it — Wanna One. Disbanding just this December 2018, the members separated paths and pursued on their own careers, which lead to their debuts and promotions. All, except one, and it was Daniel. His debut was delayed when an issue arose in the company he formerly belonged to. Now, he had left and started managing his own entertainment agency: KONNECT Entertainment. Right after establishing it, he released his debut as a solo artist just this July 25, dropping along mini album that consists of five different yet beautiful songs. Let’s get on to them, now, shall we?

First Track: ‘Intro: Through The Night’

The first track that starts the album as well as its intro. This song is only a minute long and consists solely of English lyrics, which is unusual for a K-Pop song. The song’s message is all about wanting to be with someone and wishing to be by their side at all times. The song starts in slow and steady pace, but slowly builds up tension as the song reaches its chorus and climax. It ends with a beat drop, wrapping it all up cleanly. This song, compared to the other songs in this album, is somehow different in composition, making it exceptional as the intro of the album as it contrasts to the whole genre of the album. I think this song was the perfect choice as the intro and starting song.

Second Track: ‘Color’

Right after the intro, we have the first whole-length song from the album, ‘Color’. The song is all about finding and searching where you belong and who you really are; to find your true colours. It also speaks out to remain strong and vivid even though trials might dull out your colours. The song is single-headed; it ends just like how it starts. It also has this mysterious and chill vibe that makes you want to listen further until you eventually finish the whole song without even realising it. It’s catchy in its own special ways. Personally, this song holds a deep meaning to me and it’s one of my most favourite songs in this album.

Third Track: ‘What Are You Up To?’

Next up, we have the title track of the album, ‘What Are You Up To?’, which means that it is the song that has a music video. To put it all simply, the song is all about waiting for someone who’s currently busy to call and reach out to you. It also depicts the feelings a person feels when they try to entertain themselves as they wait. The song circulates in an uneasy and giddy vibe, just like when you’re waiting for a call from someone. The song’s beat will make you dance involuntarily and its easy-to-follow melody will make you want to hum along. It’s like the song is pulling you to enjoy it; like a little bundle of joy. If you ask me, I think it’s very energising and it boosts my motivation whenever I feel drained.

Fourth Track: ‘Horizon’

Fourthly, we transition from a cheerful song to a slightly melancholic yet still upbeat tone, ‘Horizon’. The song’s lyrics is all about trying to achieve something that seems to be impossible to reach, but you still try to run after it nevertheless. It used the horizon as a metaphor of an unaccomplished dream that he’s still trying to know what’s behind. The song has a slightly spooky vibe that complements its lyrics well as it speaks about unveiling the unknown. Honestly, this was the first song that caught my attention when I listened to the spoilers, and it did not disappoint me.

Fifth Track: ‘I Hope’

Lastly, we have a song that’s lighter and brighter in mood: ‘I Hope’. The song’s message, as said by its title, is about positive thinking. It is about hoping for the best for someone and wishing for lifelong happiness; a good way to end the album that tackles different genres and problems. It also incites hope and inspiration to the fallen and peace to the troubled. The song has a soft and mellow tune overall, which makes it all even better. For me, I think this song is very comforting, fuzzy, and warm, like a ray of sunshine after a great storm.

The Whole Album:

All in all, I think that this is a very spectacular album. Considering that this is only the beginning of his journey as a solo artist, it’s somehow promising and assuring that he’ll be making even better songs and albums in the near future. I already know that he’ll be a successful and influential artist.

Everyone, let’s support Kang Daniel on his dream and let us help him fulfil it. Thank you for reading my review~

[givenjoashmatheson-blog]

Movie Review: “Strobe Edge”

This one is titled ‘Strobe Edge’, which I totally don’t know what means or what its connection to the movie is. I honestly just added this to my watch-list because Fukushi Sota was the male lead, and he did not disappoint me. The other actors and actresses were good too. Now, for my evaluation. The movie is your typical cliched high school love story where a girl falls in love with a boy who doesn’t like her back and a second male lead likes her too, but the first male lead soon realises that he actually likes the female lead back and gets her. This is, like, the most generic plot I’ve ever seen. BUT! I can say that it was wonderfully, carefully, and comprehensively made. The acting, cinematography, transitions, background scenery, music used each scene, and dialogues were very awe-strucking. It’s like eating a cake with a very beautiful design and outer appearance but in all honesty, it actually just tastes like any other common cakes. Still, it shifted my attention from the whole cliche vibe and kept me watching despite being very predictable. I guess I can say that it was healing and refreshing. I’m giving it a grade of 8/10. At least I got to give my aching heart a rest from all those heartbreaking dramas I’ve watched beforehand. If you’re into that typical high school love story, then this movie is for you.

[givenjoashmatheson-blog]

Movie Review: “Love Phobia (Lizard)”

This movie is titled ‘Love Phobia’, but in Korean, it’s ‘Lizard’, which you’ll understand when you watch it. Now this... this movie is a masterpiece! I took a whole hour looking for this movie around the internet because it wasn’t in Kiss Asian. But heck, it was totally worth it! The plot was slow-paced and steady; not too obvious yet not too discrete as well. It will make you think but not suspect; it’s comprehensively wonderful. The story was extraordinary; on the first half, you’ll think it’s this Sci-Fi related fantasy romance movie, until the other half unveils the truth and slaps you full-on. They used the dialogues very resourcefully and wistfully. The music they used were on-point; it was a melodious harmony of emotions. The mild comedy also adds flair and impact to everything. Now, the best thing I liked about this is the ending. THAT. FREAKING. PLOT TWIST! AND THE VISUALISATION WAS FREAKING SPECTACULAR AND MIND-BLOWING! Once again, this movie is a masterpiece. 50/10. I cried a lot, and that’s something. If you’re looking for a movie that will make you bawl your eyes out, I would highly recommend this.

[givenjoashmatheson-blog]

「Rainfall」 ☔

Drip drop, drip drop

Tip tap, tip tap

Knocked the poor widowed raindrop

Seeping through the windows' gap

Rain is falling from the sky

And water is flowing continuously

As if the sad heavens cry

Drowning the world down below ruthlessly

It was also like this

When the two of us first met

Raindrops giving the world a kiss

Blessing it until it's wet

. . .

I stood alone at the bus stop

Waiting for conveyance to come

Like a seemingly lifeless prop

Waiting for a role to become

There, I saw you in one corner

Trapped, as if you're surrounded

By a hunded enemy soldiers

And a wrong move would mean you're dead

Mindlessly, I approached your nook

Offering my umbrella to share

Which you hesitantly yet needfully took

Giving me a smile and a glare

We rode the same bus

Heading to the same destination

We chatted and buzzed

And friendship bloomed upon our notion

Ever since then

We would go home together

No matter if the sky was sullen

Or if the sun shone for the better

But one unknowing, gloomy afternoon

An unsuspected tragedy happens

When the clouds covered the skies like cocoon

Raining relentlessly since who knows when

You were on the other side of the road

Waving at me to catch my attention

Shouting that you'll come to my abode

To watch some movies and to study a lesson

So I waited for you to cross

Watching you look from left to right

Being careful when to go across

Waiting when the time was right

You started to walk in a fast pace

Looking at me as you went through

With a smile plastered on your face

Not noticing what was beside you...

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You were then suddenly tossed

As you were hit by a car

The world seemed to have paused;

The time locked in a jar

Your body lifelessly fell to the ground

Like a raindrop that fell from the sky

Leaving me shocked and astound

A teardrop falling from my eye

Why did we meet if you'd only leave?

Why does time fly so insensibly fast?

Why do we become happy if we'd still grieve?

Why does it rain if it won't last...?

. . .

Drip drop, drip drop

Tip tap, tip tap

Knocked the poor widowed raindrop

Seeping through the windows' gap

Rain falls from the sky

And water continuously flows

As if the heavens cry

Drowning the world down below

It was also like this

When the two of us first met

The only difference now is...

You're not here anymore to fret. . .

Disclaimer: The artwork I used above is not mine. I only take possession of the poem. The art belongs to its rightful maker~

[givenjoashmatheson-blog]

「As Fireworks Explode」 🎇

I sat at my usual place

On top of the hill, waiting

For it to take place:

The fireworks' blooming

It was a memorable night

A night of New Year's Eve

A time when the night sky's bright

As the old year takes its leave

Looking at my watch

It was already 11:55

Just five minutes left to catch

Just a few moments until the jive

I hear the people cheering

Starting their countdown

On my own, I started counting

Chanting along the town

The closer the time ticks,

The louder their chant also become

“Ten! Nine! Eight! Seven! Six!

Five! Four! Three! Two! One!”

Bursts of light soon filled the sky

As the crowd’s cheers roared

Leaving me dazed; struck by

The ephemeral beauty that was stored

It wasn’t long until I felt my heart flutter

Indicating that the time was near

My time in this world is over

Now I have to vanish and disappear

I breathed in deep

Tears escaped my eyes

I looked down the cliff that was steep

And a breeze brushed by, cold as ice

“I’m ready”, I made myself believe

Though to myself, I know

That I still don’t want to leave

To continue living on and so

Taking a step closer to the brink

I looked up the firework-lit sky

Making me ponder and think

About the things I’ll leave behind

A certain person crossed my mind

Making me smile unconsciously

Reminiscing our moments; rewind

When we were together happily

“Sanggyun...” I mumbled to myself

As I felt a pang in my chest

Of all things, why did I have to be an elf?!

Why do I have to take a rest...?

Finally convinced, I stood before the edge

Telling myself that it’s only temporary

I’ll come back soon, I pledge

Letting go of the guilt binding me

As I jumped, I started diminishing

Along with the sparks of the firework

The promise of return withholding

Reminding me of my final work

And I was no more...

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...for now.

Disclaimer: The artwork I used isn’t mine. Only the poem belongs to me. Credits to whoever made that beautiful artwork~