Kihyun is back with killer vocals and genres that explore his true self. Photo credits to Kihyun and Starship Entertainment.
“The K in K-Pop is back!”, Monbebe around the world have been exclaiming since the moment Borderline by Yoo Kihyun was released. The powerhouse Lead Vocalist of third gen boy group, Monsta X, has dropped his third solo endeavor with the sole purpose of challenging those listening to “cross that line.” The line holding them back– the finish line. The line they never thought they could approach but have always wanted to. The line that will lead them to greatness.
The seven track album with a run time of twenty two minutes spends its entirety piercing the veil of normality, supported by a live band sound that Kihyun’s solo work is known for. In true Rockstar fashion, Kihyun lets loose and shows the listener that Voyager and youth–his prior two albums, were just him dipping his toes in.
Kihyun expressed his desire to break through a boundary he had seemingly placed on himself before his military enlistment. He desired a truth that needed to be expressed with his greatest of gifts–his voice and magnetic live performances. This album needed to be the carrier for this challenge and it was only fitting to lead off the album with the track “Borderline”. The lyrics express all that has been previously mentioned– pushing through the hesitation and reaching your potential but still striving for more. He does this with pure fun pop/rock vibes and well trained vocals.
“So Good” is the title track that Kihyun stated he took a risk on. He waited until he had one final day left to choose a lead single before finally choosing it. This is not a typical K-Pop single, it is not a Tiktok trending song and it will not add views because of a catchy dance, but it is the song that challenged him and pushed him to a new limit. “So Good” is precisely that. Even his group members promptly posted on “Berriz” that the song is just ….. “So Good”. The emotional ballad is not an easy one to sing and the message will bring tears to your eyes–listener beware.
The next track on the album is “Stealin’ Air”. It is a little bit of a departure style for Kihyun. It is reminiscent of his group mate Hyungwon, with an extra serving of sensual and toned down instrumentals. The listener is gifted with Kihyun’s lower registers and tonal changes that come with years of vocal training and the vibe of a dimly lit R&B club.
Just when you have settled into the realization that you have felt three different emotions in the last twelve minutes, “Domino” reminds you to breathe again. The foot stomping, hand clapping song of the summer takes you for a ride down the coastline and reminds you to enjoy your life–every moment of it.
“Lazy Day” is the perfect companion song to Bruno Mars’ classic “The Lazy Song” and brother to WooSung’s, “Lazy”. This track is complete with a tempo to sway your body to and groove in your onesie. Trumpets then come into play and remind you that we are having a party with Mr. Yoo. Now is your reminder to create a “Lazy Playlist” for the days we want to do nothing.
One of the most anticipated songs was the Ye-Yo! sound produced track, “Late Night Drive”. Ye-Yo! is known for writing and composing alongside Kihyun’s fellow group mate JooHoney, and their partnership has never failed to produce the exact color that is Honey. The song is a classic “stadium ballad” infused with jazz. Just when you think you are okay, there is piano and saxophone with a happy snare and high hat to remind the pacing of your heartbeat.
Taking the closing spot is “Howling”, Kihyun’s previously performed solo stage track. He had already stunned Monbebe with the live performances during the Nexus tour stops and fans could not get enough of the canine calls. Adding the official recording to the album was a brilliant way to gift Monbebe, especially Kikibebe, with pure Yoo Kihyun Rockstar energy.
Kihyun dived into many different genres and stories throughout this album, giving Monbebe a little taste of everything. Fans across the globe are anticipating a solo from him during Monsta X’s upcoming fall tour, THE X: NEXUS.
