Zion. T doesn't fail to channel his inner creativity as he produces another addictive sound that is catchy yet different from the rest. His latest album titled 'OO' features a lot of smooth, easy-on-the-ears tracks that will not only hypnotize you but also have you raving over his original style - especially with his promotional track "The Song."
01. Cinema
02. The Song
03. Comedian
04. Sorry (feat. Beenzino)
05. Bad Guys
06. Complex (feat. G-DRAGON)
07. Wishes (2015)
08. Cinema (Inst.)
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"The Song" has a more lively sound and showcases Zion. T's familiar but lovable vocals. With the upbeat and evident piano melody and his whacky way of singing "La la la la la" after the refrain, "The Song" can easily become an earworm. The concept is unique as it opens up and explains his methods for creating music and how he struggles for it to remain unpopular or at least not lose popularity drastically like other songs. Give it a listen down below!
I give Zion.T props in regards to the messages behind his lyrics, but overall I wasn't necessarily impressed. While saying things like "I hope this song doesn't become popular" and "I hope no one remembers the lyrics" is a funny request to hear from any artist, I prefer something less... cliche-hipster (in other words). Still - his classic style shines through in this song and becomes enjoyable quite fast.
The MV appears to pursue an odd Willy Wonka effect as Zion. T is seen sitting in a bathtub filled with random accessories. The hot pink and deep purple neon colors accompanied by an eerie, faded fluorescent blue lighting make the set quite moody and pleasing to the eye.
Again, Zion. T seems like a mad scientist or similar to the Mad Hatter as he continues to frolic throughout the MV and explain his methods of creating music while acting giddy around a rather oddly dressed girl.
The creativity and imagination are all effortlessly done, very appealing and doesn't distract the listener from the music. However, the lyrics are rather simple to begin with so there isn't much to distract from. The MV provides some depth to the song but I feel Zion T. created better tracks on his album.
"Cinema" opens up the album nicely and effortlessly. Going for an indie, French lounge effect, Zion. T blends together synthetic effects with live band acoustics that creates a mesmerizing melody alongside this music fusion.
The jazzy strumming of the bass and the light melody of the guitar accompanied by Zion. T's hypnotic "La la la la" makes "Cinema" a feel-good track you can't pass up.
"Comedian" is slow but still somewhat edgy and impressive. While I am getting tired of Zion T's consistent "La La La" at this point, I still appreciate his carefree and somewhat lazy approach to singing. It is casual, laidback and completely chill. "Comedian" doesn't contain crazy noises, odd changes in tempo and easily soothes the listener's body and soul.
"Sorry" is by far the shiniest piece of gold in this gold mine of music! The song is compiled with every ingredient that makes a perfect song. It is a delightful, mid-tempo song consisting of nice, R&B sound, soulful ad libs, an upbeat chorus and unique use of the electric guitar alongside a steady instrumental with some clapping and snapping in the background.
From the mid-tempo beat to the light melody accompanied by Zion. T's gentle, whispery voice, there is nothing to dislike. Hit rapper Beenzino is also featured on the track and complements the song quite well which makes "Sorry" an absolute winner in my book!
"The Bad Guys" is nice, but doesn't live up to the power of "Sorry." However, it doesn't make it any less enjoyable. The song offers up a funky style with its repetitive refrain and jazzy instrumental. The plain instrumental alongside Zion. T's conversation-like singing enhances "The Bad Guys" overall sound nicely.
Probably one of the most anticipated tracks on the album, "Complex" features Big Bang member G-Dragon and, like the previous tracks, has an irresistibly funky style! G-Dragon and Zion. T blend together so nicely that having one track isn't enough to satisfy us. The song consists of a lot of ad-libbing, rapping and odd breaks and pauses within the instrumental which makes the song ironically complex. G-Dragon's rapping is well incorporated and doesn't out stage Zion T. either, making them a great combination on this album.
Lastly, the album ends with an authentic, acoustic-like ballad titled "Wishes (2015)" which emphasizes a nice piano melody, guitar, and even some whistling. In comparison to the rest of the lounge styled songs you'd hear at a cafe in Paris, it is beyond refreshing to hear Zion T. put in more effort lyrically and singing wise through this gentle and sweet song. 'OO' ends on a great note with the addition of this strong ballad.
Overall, Zion. T has not failed to impress us by creating some fine music. 'OO' is a real enjoyable album and fun to listen to on repeat. It effortlessly soothes the listener and melts away all your stress - the sole purpose of music in my opinion. If you are looking to find that refreshing difference in K-Pop nowadays, look no further than Zion. T.
Score
MV Relevance..........7
MV Production.........7
MV Concept.............7
Album Production....8
Album Concept.......8
Tracklisting..............8
OVERALL...............7.5
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