[Album & MV Review] Hyosung - 'Colored'

AKP STAFF

HYOSUNG - COLORED

Track List:

1. Follow Me
2. Find Me (Feat. D.Action)
3. Busted
4. So Good
5. Dear Moon
6. Hello

After a year off, SECRET's Hyosung releases her new album 'Colored.' She's been in the spotlight for 'Real Men's 'Female Soldier Special,' but now she's back, much to the delight of fans everywhere. On this outing, Hyosung is involved in the songwriting process, having written the lyrics for "Find Me," while D.Action wrote the raps. Let's find out how this stacks up, shall we?

The album kicks off with big brass, big beats, and big attitude in "Follow Me." There are some seriously sassy horns here, just perfect for this high-energy girl power anthem. Hyosung's normally soft vocals are turned on their ear for this track, as she delivers an in-your-face performance. It's all about being the best "you" that you can possibly be while facing the world confidently. And judging from the tune, Hyosung intends to lead the pack.

"Find Me" is the title track, with epic piano melody and addictive beats. Definitely the club-banger of the album, Hyosung's voice alternates between pleading and frantic, and by the we hit the chorus, the song is a foot-stomping march. Rapper D.Action of Untouchable enters with an okay delivery, little more than standard rapping. Oddly enough, his voice is muffled. It doesn't ruin what is otherwise a kickin' tune. It's about finding happiness and self-assurance.

The hook-heavy "Busted" is another club-banger, albeit different from "Find Me." There's a lot of repetition here, but there's some different elements, like a weird auto-tuned voice for Hyosung as a recurring post-chorus. It's almost jarring and there's a synth that runs alongside it, making the line an instrument in its own right. It's still a fun, bouncy track. The lyrics tell you that he's "busted" (caught in the act), and fallen for her.

Downpitched sampled vocals start out "So Good," before turning into a more conventional tune. There are some nice moments in this track, including a very singable chorus. We have Hyosung's silky voice lulling us before the chorus, giving it more punch. The song is about being with her bae. There are some references to anniversary cake, frosting on the nose, that indicate that this is about something more serious than a one-night fling.

"Dear Moon" is a ballad that starts out wonderfully raw and stripped down, only to fall into the standard ballad trappings (like orchestral backing) later on. Frankly, her vocal work in the beginning is superior to the rest of the tune, strained and raw with fragile emotion. The neo-classical guitar stylings help save this, though, as there are some blazing chord progressions that are all too rare. This song is written to a lover, who is only with her during the night like the moon.

The final song on the disc, "Hello," has a strong R&B influence. It's very smooth and seductive, and uses Hyosung's honeyed voice to great effect. The only drawback? There are a lot of "Shu Bi Ru Bas" and "Hoo Hoo Hoos" that tend to dominate the song, making the song seem shorter than it actually is. It's a pretty sentiment though -- an ode to a lover.

One thing I can say, this is definitely a spring-themed disc, not so much in the content but in the mood. There are a lot of vibrant, bouncy tracks here that break right through the mid-tempo glut we heard during the winter. Slow and pensive has its place, but I prefer bright and happy, fast and body-moving rather than slow burners. I also love Hyosung's voice, which is another plus. I'd definitely give this album a thumbs up.

MV REVIEW

They seem to like making interesting videos for Hyosung, and "Find Me" is no exception. In this MV, Hyosung appears to be lost or held captive, and is entreating the viewer: "Find Me." She makes appearances in the garden as well as the house, with some interesting effects. I'm not sure there's a lot of symbolism or plot here, but you won't get bored with the different scenes they show you.

The dancing scenes are fairly well interspersed with the MV, without being too short or too lengthy. They still cut away quickly, but the dance sequences happen often enough where it's not that jarring. She dances quite well here, whether or not it's with dancers or alone, and the moves look at least like they put some thought into the choreo.

The clothing is, of course, designed to accentuate the female form, and some of them are little more than lingerie and corsets, but they still do the job they're designed for. She changes at least three times, if not four, giving you some variation.

This is well-shot and well-produced. Every shot appears to have some reason behind it, even if it's merely to show off Hyosung's loveliness. Whether kneeling in an indoor pond, tied up in a chair, or leaving a reflection behind after standing in a mirror, this MV is a visual feast. There's a dream-like quality to it, too, that lends the whole thing an air of class. There are of course, the nods to sensuality, the longing looks over the shoulder, scenes cast in soft light, etc, but it all hangs together well. It's fun to look at, regardless of your reasons. Yes, it is a sexy concept, but I can't argue that they didn't do it well.

Score

MV Relevance.......9
MV Production.......9
MV Concept...........9
Album Production..9
Album Concept......9
Tracklisting...........9