NakJoon used to be known as Bernard Park three years ago. He was the highest scoring contestant on Kpop Star season 3. Then he signed with JYP entertainment for his debut. I checked out his debut mini album back then because I was feeling up to listening to new artists. I still am if its not an idol group…. Only the title track hooked me while the rest of his album felt like it came from a rookie singer. With the low sales of his first album, I'm sure that he wanted to start fresh. He now performs under his birth name, NakJoon while singed to JYP entertainment's sub-lable; Studio J.
01. 탓 (Feat. 창모) Blame (Feat. Changmo)
02. 니 얘기 (About you)
03. Marry Me
Blame is his first single after his three year absence. The song feels like he finally found the musical direction he wants to go in. Blame's musical arrangement feels more geared toward a pop/RnB style. Not a mainstream feel of Kpop but a indie Korean music vibe. Studio J is truly the best fit for Nakjoon and other artists who want to create an artistic musical expression outside of mainstream Kpop. Studio J is all about the music over there. I like the playing of the drums accompanied by the piano in Blame's instrumental. It gives off a raw sound perfect for emotional storytelling. Blames lyrics fill in that space easily as NakJoon sings about blaming a girl for their relationship going bad. The chorus is catchy in itself because of the upbeat transition in the instrumental and the repetitive use of one word being sung a few times. Marry Me and About You are a more up to date versions of songs from what a Bernard Park sophomore album would have sounded like if he had stayed with JYP Entertainment completely. These songs are doable but not amazing in any way.
Nakjoon reminds me of John Park when he sings ballads. Lets just call him mini Johnny! Ok Ok, I'll stop that now…. Both singers have a deep richness to their vocal tonality. John's music seems a little more secure while NakJoon is trying to that same point now.
Blame is a great song. I hope that he takes more risks with his sound in future releases. The other two tracks felt too safe for me. You have the freedom to be more daring with your music on Studio J. Get to it!!! Blame was a step in the right direction though.
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