K-Album Review: Hello by JOY (Red Velvet)

Writers: Khushi Sharma (Delhi, India) and Ankita Panda (Kolkata, West Bengal, India)

Editor: Ankita Panda (Kolkata, West Bengal, India)

2021 was an exciting year for the K-pop solo industry. Many new artists made their solo debut under different labels, including members from some of the most popular groups. This gave us an insight into the versatility of the K-pop genre. One of the long-awaited debuts was Park Soo-young (박수영) of Red Velvet (레드벨벳), widely known by her stage name Joy (조이). She is one of the main vocalists of her group and became the second member to debut solo after Wendy (웬디).

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A New Chapter for Joy

Joy is known for her graceful and exquisite voice. She actively participated in the soundtracks of many K-dramas, such as “Hospital Playlist” and “The Liar and His Lover”, which were widely appreciated by the audience.

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After seven years as a member of Red Velvet, we finally got to see a new side of Joy with her debut special album. Released on May 31, 2021, Hello brings positive energy and a feeling of a fresh start for the listeners. 

Introducing Hello

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The album is special because it is an EP consisting of six remakes of classic South Korean songs from the 1990 to 2000s. It takes us back to a time when a lot of music was created on the magnificent confessions of love, and Joy celebrates this by covering these songs with various respected musicians of the industry. The album features tracks produced by Kenzie, Park Moon-chi, Lundi Blues, Hwang Seong-jae, Hwang Hyeon, and MinGtion.

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All the original tracks were embraced and recreated in a way that best suited Joy’s voice, and she shone in every song while maintaining the original essence. The album ranked #4 on the Gaon South Korea album charts and successfully topped the Bugs and Genie music charts as well. It also reached number one on the iTunes Album charts in 26 different countries all over the world. The achievements are yet to be done, as the album continues to garner worldwide attention. 

Hello

All 6 songs on the album hold are collectively harmonious, yet have their own identities. The title track “Hello (안녕)” is a modern rock remake of the song with the same title. It was originally released in 2003 by Park Hye-kyung. It’s the perfect jam to start a new day. The upbeat arrangement with sanguine lyrics tied by Joy’s cheerful voice assures your happiness level for the day. 

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The music video showcases a storyline of going from glumness to jolliness. Feeling listless and miserable, Joy sets out on a journey and finds a kid who is lost. As they look for her home, they meet different people and fill everything and everyone with happiness on their way.

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The story shows that in finding the little girl’s home, Joy finds herself again and regains her happiness. The video is shot in the realm of nature on Jeju Island and showcases the local people of Jeju, their activities, and their kindness. 

Je T’aime

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Ahead of the album release, on May 26, the digital b-side track “Je t’aime (쥬뗌므)”  was pre-released as a single. The track is a must-listen for people who are in love with versatile classical arrangements. This song goes back to the era of 2001 as it is a remake of the same-titled song by singer Hey (해이).

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The song is a reinterpretation of the original’s “jazzy vibes” to a “colourful and classical arrangement”, with beautiful strings and filled with elegance in melodies. The lyrics follow a sweet love confession, backed by Joy’s angelic vocals. 

Day by Day

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The next remake is from the year 1999 by the female duo As One (애즈원). “Day by Day” is an R&B ballad. Its lyrical sound and groovy bass enhance the track’s beauty. It reaches rather the touching side of Joy’s voice. Originally sung by two singers, Joy perfectly embraced the essence and brought a different vibe to the song. 

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If Only

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In this duet track featuring Paul Kim, Joy radiates a very positive and romantic aura. “If Only (좋을텐데)” is a remake of the song with the same title by Sung Si-kyung, released in 2002.  With both singers having outstanding vocals, they created a sweet and affectionate atmosphere. The sound band arrangement and the beauty of the soft flute will make you lose yourself in the music. 

Happy Birthday to You

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The fifth track, “Happy Birthday to You” is an acoustic medium-tempo ballad originally released in 1999 by Kwon Ji-won.  It is the perfect song to dedicate to your loved ones on their birthdays! Joy’s sweet vocals and the pretty lyrics wrap around this song like a warm present.

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Be There for You

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The album ends with the most beautiful track, leaving the listeners content and warm. “Be There for You (그럴 때마다)” originally by Toy’s You Hee-yeol (1996) is a reinterpreted retro-synth pop. A variety of instruments, such as piano, synths, and keyboard, filled this track with an untouchable aura. The comforting lyrics promising a safe space for a loved one make this one of the best tracks on the album. 

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Joy’s special album holds a special place in the hearts of her fans and everyone who has heard it. In these difficult times, it’s a whole jolly ride of serotonin and positivity. Though the songs differ from the recent trends dominating the music charts, their cheerful energy and nostalgic warmth make them perfect for starting the day.

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This album will introduce you to music styles from the era of the 1990s and 2000s; revisiting the time might help us during our hard times and remind us that we always have music to rely upon. 

Which one is your favourite track from the album? Tell us in the comments!!