Red Velvet’s Seulgi is a shining example of an artist who was born to be a star. Her first solo EP, 28 Reasons, showcases her undeniable talent and confirms her place as one of Korea’s most promising stars. ..
Red Velvet, the K-pop quintet consisting of Seulgi, has been making waves in the genre landscape not only for their high quality music but also for their unique storylines and visual elements. It makes perfect sense that Seulgi would continue this trend with her upcoming album, delivering an album as musically stellar as it is conceptually interesting. ..
The EP is a mix of R&B and dance-influenced pop with a strong narrative.
28 Reasons – the eeriness in the grace
The title track of 28 Reasons is a haunting ballad that will stay with listeners long after they finish listening. The song is about the28 reasons why someone might choose to do something, and how it can affect them in a negative way.
From the outset, she embodies the good vs evil overarching storyline, as she sings in the opening lines, “I kiss your brother, I steal that heart / You can’t even feel the poison, My pleasure”. The gracefulness in her voice is never lost, although its sentimental quality is not sacrificed either. She swings from delivering weightless vocals to soft growls. ..
The chorus of the song features a catchy whistling sound, which contrasts well with the poise and emotion in her voice. Together, they create an elegant and ethereal sound that sets the tone for the entire record from the beginning. ..
Through the perfect flow of the b-sides
The remaining five tracks share a similar sinister and poised ambiance, which seems to suit Seulgi well. ..
The song is about a man who is running from his problems, and the lyrics explore the emotions of heartbreak, regret, and anger. The singer showcases her powerful vocal abilities in this song, and it shows in the way it sounds. The song is a strong debut for the artist, and it shows in its lyrical content and sound.
The third song on the track is a bit of a full 180 concept-wise compared to the previous ones, yet it still remains somewhat cohesive sonically. Just as its predecessors, Bad Boy, Sad Girl is an R&B genre song, only with a medium tempo and a brighter attitude. The lyrics talk about two people who cannot sleep due to them having a crush and thinking about their feelings – a much more lovely vibe compared to the first two tracks.
The EP’s only track, “Bad Boy, Sad Girl” features rapper BE’O and is a smooth and mellow listen. The collaboration between the two rappers proves to be a successful choice, as their voices mesh together perfectly. The song flows smoothly into its end, leaving listeners with a feeling of satisfaction.
Fourth track Anywhere But Home continues this brighter narrative, taking on a breezier and softer sound with this disco-style R&B dance pop tune. As the lyrics tell the story of going for a ride to an unknown location, Seulgi’s vocals emulate this lovely and free atmosphere, by exquisitely harmonising with the fresh production.
The fifth track on the album, Los Angeles, is a dance pop track that talks about following one’s dreams in a new city. The song has a metallic electronic sound and it seems like it nods to the glittery L.A. skylines and the mysteries there may be in the shadows. Whereas, the tempo reminds of the fast paces that run high in a big city like Los Angeles.
In the final song of this EP, Seulgi takes on a role as a ruler, speaking from their throne. This track makes for a fitting grand finale to the EP and its narrative.
28 Reasons and more…
Seulgi, a member of Red Velvet, has always been able to shine on her own, but on her solo debut she shines brightly and passionately than ever before. ..
28 Reasons is an EP by South Korean singer Seulgi. It showcases her vocal abilities, as both a masterful performer and a skilled vocalist. All the songs are of great quality, both lyrically and production-wise. However, it is Seulgi’s vocal delivery and her ability to use her voice as a means of storytelling that make them as impeccable as they are.
This record is a great solo debut by Seulgi, and even more importantly, it is a great testament to her potential as an artist. In this EP, she gives every reason why she’s worthy of her fame. She gives far more than 28 reasons.
