Yoon Jong Shin (윤종신) - Destiny (Monthly Project 2020 December)

Yoon Jong Shin never fails to impress me with his vocals! Strong vocals and strong production on this one! I also enjoyed the music video :) 

Listen here: 

Korean R&B music - playlist 2020

Some K-R&B/Hip Hop/Soul music from 2020 on my playlist:

Jung Jin Woo - My original soundtrack (mini-album): 

Zico - "Any Song": 

Crush: "OHIO":

준 (JUNE) - "Beautiful (feat. Gaho, Moti, Jung Jin Woo)":

린지(Leenzy) - "Overdue":

Jun. K - 20 minutes (album):

Rain - "Switch to me (duet with JYP)": 

Brief music review: Jung Jin Woo - My Original Soundtrack (mini-album)

Album release date: 2020

Genre: R&B/Soul

My rating: 5/5

Review by: jct 

I've been following Jung Jin Woo since Kpop Star days, and this mini-album really shows his musical growth. The music production, arrangement and vocals are all on point. I really think R&B fits him best as displayed in this album. This album is highly recommended! 

Track List:

1. 꿈 (DREAM) 2. 비누 (SOAP) 3. MOVIE (Feat. Rohann) 4. RUBE (Feat. JUNE, Gaho, Moti) 5. ARIA 6. OUTRO

Korean R&B music - playlist 2018

In terms of Korean R&B music, I would say 2018 is PLT's year. Lots of amazing releases as a group and as solo artists. In terms of solo work, I especially enjoyed Villain's mini-album (Bank Robber).

Without further ado, here are some K-R&B music released in 2018 on my playlist:


PLT (Planetarium Records) 
- Full album released this year: Case #1 ,  Case #2
- Single albums released this year: Hocus Pocus, Day:Off, IGOHOLIC
- All their songs are amazing!!! They have great vocals, lyrics, song production, and MV! I highly recommend their music!




Villain - 'Manitto'
- He released his first mini-album this year, entitled 'Bank Robber'. Highly recommend!
-  excellent song production and great vocal ranges

Jung Jin Woo - 'She's got everything'
- He released his first full album this year, entitled, 'Rotate'.
- It seems like he is experimenting different styles in this album. Overall, great vocals and song production as always.
- A little disappointed that Jung Jin Woo's Satellite 2018 on the new album wasn't the full version of the song he sang on Kpop Star 5...

June (준) - 'Serenade' (single)
- He also released a mini-album this year entitled, 'Have a nice trip'.
- His music is consistently R&B, which I enjoy.

Hoody - 'Sunshine'
- Fun, enjoyable track to groove to! I really enjoy the dance MV

Brand Newjiq (브랜뉴직) - 'Hello'
- Looks like Brand Newjiq is no longer a duo...
- A slow soulful track, with impressive vocals!

Kim Jo Han(김조한)  - 'Still in Love(아직은)' 
- Korean R&B legend, Kim Jo Han. Enough said.

Sam Kim - 'Make up' feat. Crush
- Some 90's R&B element in addition to great production and vocals
- Great collaboration - their vocals fit well together




McKay - 'You will never know' (English version)
- Another impressive track by McKay. He sounds a lot like JB...




Ra.D - 'pingpong' feat. Brother Su
- whoa, it's been a while since I've heard new music from them.
- Great track with soothing vocals. Very much their style




Yoon Jong Shin - 'Night Drive' (October Monthly 2018)
- relaxing track, good song production, versatile vocals

Korean R&B music - summary 2017

Some Korean R&B music released in 2017 that are on my playlist:


Crush- '내 편이 돼줘 (Be by my side)'
- R&B
- includes some elements from Earth, Wind & Fire's "Brazilian Rhyme"

Eddy Kim - 'POOM (품) (LISTEN 018)'
- R&B
- very relaxing with smooth vocals

Gallant x Tablo x Eric Nam - 'Cave Me In'
- R&B/Soul and Rap
- love the collaboration!

G.Soul (지소울) - '술버릇 (Bad habit)'
- R&B/Soul
- He released his 3rd mini album, Circles, in Sept 2017
- Notable tracks from album: Bad habit, Can't 

Crush - '마지막 축제 (Last festival) With Band Wonderlust'
- R&B





빌런(Villain) - '비가 내리는 밤에 (Rainy Night)' 
- R&B
- released in Dec 2016




Bumkey, Chancellor, Sanchez, Taewan, Yang Da Il, MXM - 'Baby Can I'
- R&B

Rain - 'Sunshine'
- R&B

 

Ballad tracks:

Yoon Jong Shin - '끝 무렵 (Forgetful)' 

- from June monthly 2017 single

- Other notable tracks from 2017 monthly singles: Wi-fi (with Zico), Like it (좋니), Welcome Summer,  Trace(너를 찾아서)

Music: Mac Ayres - Easy (2017)

Beautiful song! Wrote and produced by Mac Ayres himself.

Lyrics: Jung Jin Woo - Bonne Nuit

Jung Jin Woo

Track 5 - Bonne Nuit
Album: In My Room (EP)

Lyrics (Hangul):

니가 없는 안도감에 휩싸여 버리는 나
차오르는 불안감에 숨 막혀 버린 밤들

Bonne Nuit 내가 없을 아침에
Bonne Nuit 저 문을 나설 때까지만
눈 감고 그대로
차라리 편하게
잠들어 있어줘
 
Bonne Nuit 남겨진 단서는 없어
Bonne Nuit 충분히 익숙해졌다면
조금씩 지워줘
Bonne Nuit
Good bye
잘자
이젠

무방비한 니 얼굴 태연하게 쓰다듬고서
솔직함의 함정에 일부러 빠져든 채로
 

Bonne Nuit 내가 없을 아침에
Bonne Nuit 저 문을 나설 때까지만
눈 감고 그대로
차라리 편하게
잠들어 있어줘
 
평소보다 조용한 숨소리에
내일이 될지도 모르는 escape plan
정해진 목적지는 어디든 니가 없는 곳

Bonne Nuit 내가 없을 아침에
Bonne Nuit 저 문을 나설 때까지만
눈 감고 그대로
차라리 편하게
잠들어 있어줘
 
Bonne Nuit 남겨진 단서는 없어
Bonne Nuit 충분히 익숙해졌다면
조금씩 지워줘
Bonne Nuit Good bye 잘자
이젠
갈게

Lyrics: Jung Jin Woo - Leftover

Jung Jin Woo
Track 4 - Leftover
Album: In My Room (EP)

Lyrics (Hangul):
내가 아프다 해도

눈길 한번 주질 않았어
니 잘난 핸드폰만 만지작거렸지

택시를 잡을 때도
난 항상 차도에 서 있고
넌 한 다섯 걸음 정도 뒤에 서 있었지

먹다 남긴 피자빵 정도겠지
쓰다 남은 지우개 정도겠지
어련하겠어 애써 수습하려 하지마
뭔 말 못하겠어 됐어 지금까지 수고했어요

다 똑같지 뭐 그래 다 똑같아 뭐
기대를 걸어도 새끼손가락 걸어도
다 뻔하지 뭐 맞아 다 뻔하지 늘
나만 이렇게 내 탓하면서

Don’t Blame You You You You You
단물 다 빠졌나봐 세월이 독인가봐
Won’t Blame You You You You You
비참하긴 하지만 Leftover Leftover

내 안경이 싫증 났다고 좀 바꾸라고
뜬금없이 화를 낼 때부터
불 보듯 뻔했어
신고할뻔했어
아무리 곱씹어봐도

먹다 남긴 피자빵 정도겠지
쓰다 남은 지우개 정도겠지
어련하겠어 애써 수습하려 하지마
뭔 말 못하겠어 됐어 지금까지 고생했네요

다 똑같지 뭐 그래 다 똑같아 뭐
기대를 걸어도 새끼손가락 걸어도
다 뻔하지 뭐 맞아 다 뻔하지 늘
나만 이렇게 내 탓하면서

Don’t Blame You
다 인정해 아니 부정 못해
니 마음이 딱 여기까지라고
넌 악역이 되기 싫겠지
알아서 떨어졌음 하겠지
뻔히 보여 말 안 해도
 
다 똑같지 뭐 그래 다 똑같아 뭐
기대를 걸어도 새끼손가락 걸어도
다 똑같지 뭐 그래 다 똑같아 뭐
기대를 걸어도 새끼손가락 걸어도

다 뻔하지 뭐 맞아 다 뻔하지 늘
나만 이렇게 내 탓하면서

Don’t Blame You You You You You
단물 다 빠졌나봐 세월이 독인가봐
Won’t Blame You You You You You
비참하긴 하지만 Leftover Leftover

Lyrics: Jung Jin Woo - 광신도 (Fanatic)

Jung Jin Woo
Track 3 - 광신도
Album: In My Room (EP)

Lyrics (Hangul)

평범하고 나른해도
불평불만 없었던
내 우주에 너란 별이
들어와 버렸어
까마득한 먼 미래 얘기
같을 수 있겠지만
두려움이 앞서는건
명백한 경험적 사고야

사고야 이건 사고야
내 철벽은 완벽했어
위험해 너무 위험해
눈 깜빡거린 새에

넌 내 평화를 깼어
내 질서를 찢어버렸어
아침잠은 없어 낮잠도 없어
밤잠은 설쳐 내 심장 어쨌어
 
답답함에 깼어 (오늘 밤에도)
넌 연락이 없어 (오늘 밤엔 꼭)
접촉 있었으면 해
닿길 바래 내 진심도 내 육신도

내 하루가 너로 가득 채워져 버려서
발 디딜 틈도 없어
근데 넌 발자국조차 없어
아무런 대안도 실마리도 찾을 수가 없어서
두려움이 밀려오는건
정말 총체적 난국이야

사고야 이건 사고야
덧없이 무능력해져
위험해 너무 위험해
눈 깜빡거린 새에

넌 내 평화를 깼어
내 질서를 찢어버렸어
아침잠은 없어 낮잠도 없어
밤잠은 설쳐 내 심장 어쨌어
 
답답함에 깼어 (오늘 밤에도)
넌 연락이 없어 (오늘 밤엔 꼭)
접촉 있었으면 해
닿길 바래 내 진심도 내 육신도

광신도야 난 니 광신도야
넌 내 종교야 (그래 맞아 난 니 × 2) 광신도야
광신도야 (신실한) 추종자야 (절대적)
독재자야 (그래 맞아 넌 내 × 2) 독재자야

Lyrics: Jung Jin Woo - 집에 있을게 (Open House) (with Villain)

Lyrics as requested by Anonymous reader. Enjoy!

Jung Jin Woo
Track 1 - 집에 있을게 (with Villain) 
Album: In My Room (EP)

Lyrics (Hangul)

난 널 봐 넌 뭘 봐
난 자꾸 눈이 가
손이 가 난 니가
니 발로 왔음 좋겠어
난 불도 키고 앞문도 열어 놓고
내 음악을 크게 틀고서
너가 오기를 기다려
시간은 Tiki Taka 하며 흘러가는데

넌 나한테 돈이야
너 없인 살 수가 없는게 함정이야
너 없인 멀리 나갈 수가 없는거야 Ah Babe
멀린 못가니까 가까이 있을게

멀린 안갈게 Babe 가까이 있을게 Lady
어지간하면 Baby 집에 있을게 Lady

넌 뭐해 난 장봐
어디쯤 와가니 이제다 온거니
먹고 싶은거 입고 싶은거
취향 별로 사갈게
집 청소 좀 해줄래
거실 불도 좀 키고
앞문도 열어놓고
내 음악을 크게 틀고선
니가 오기를 기다려
내가 도착하면 경적 두 번 울릴게

넌 나한테 돈이야
너 없인 살 수가 없는게 함정이야
너 없인 멀리 나갈 수가 없는거야 Ah Babe
멀린 못가니까 가까이 있을게

멀린 안갈게 Babe 가까이 있을게 Lady
어지간하면 Baby 집에 있을게 Lady

있잖아 지금이 아니면
솔직할 수 없을거 같아
My Baby My Lady

넌 나한테 돈이야
너 없인 살 수가 없는게 함정이야
너 없인 멀리 나갈 수가 없는거야 Ah Babe
멀린 못가니까 가까이 있을게

멀린 안갈게 Babe 가까이 있을게 Lady
어지간하면 Baby 집에 있을게 Babe

New Music: Khalil Fong - 'Journey To The West' (album)

Khalil Fong is back!! His latest album, Journey To The West, is a double album - Black and Gold, each with 10 songs. It's the first album released under his independent music label, Fu Music. There are plenty of amazing R&B tracks. Some of my favourite are: NMW, 味道 (Taste) feat. Zion.T and Crush, 很不低調  and As I do.

Check out his youtube channel:  https://www.youtube.com/user/KhalilFongofficial

Brief Album Review: Jung Jin Woo (정진우) - 'In My Room' (EP)

Album release date: 2016
Genre: R&B/Soul, Kpop
Rating: 4.5/5
Brief Review by: jct

Jung Jin Woo caught my attention back in Kpop Star 5, when he first presented on stage with his self-composed song, Satellite. His style. His voice. The lyrics. I love it! I am so happy he released his debut mini-album this year, which is entitled, In My Room.

All the songs are enjoyable from the beginning to the end.  The album displays passionate vocals, great lyrics and tasteful song production.  I really enjoy the title track, "B Side U" which is about telling a loved one not to be afraid as he will always be by her side, as he sings, "Dear love, Don't be afraid, even when everything changes/ if you stay there, i'll be side you".   I also love the bridge "...But I don't need anyone but you/ without you, it's like a blackout. You know it, turn on the light."

Jin Woo definitely has lots of potential as he wrote most of the songs himself and composed some of them. I do find that R&B/Soul seasoned with some hip hop suits him best rather than ballad tracks though.  Overall, Jung Jin Woo left a strong impression with In My Room.

Tracklist
01  집에 있을게  (Open House) (with Villain)
02  B Side U
03  광신도 (Fanatic)
04  Leftover
05  Bonne Nuit

Korean R&B music - summary 2016

Some Korean R&B music released in 2016, that are on my playlist (as of Sept 23, 2016):


Jung Jin Woo - 'B Side U'
- fyi: he released his debut mini-album this year, 'In My Room'. I've been waiting for his music since Kpop Star 5 ended. So happy to hear from him!


Jun. K - 'Think about You'

Joe Rhee - 'Insane feat. San E'

Bumkey - 'Better Man feat. Tablo' 
- fyi: Bumkey released a full album this year, 'U-TURN' and it sounds great!

Soulstar & Wheesung - '진짜 사랑 노래 (Real Love Song)'

DEAN - '풀어 (Pour Up) feat. Zico'
- fyi: some great tracks from his first album - '130 mood : TRBL'




Ra.D - '싶은데 (I Want You)'



NCT U - '일곱 번째 감각 (The 7th Sense)'
- pop/hip-hop genre



Amber - 'On My Own'
- pop genre.
- I love this song! great lyrics

Music Update - Sept 2016

Some awesome R&B music (released this year) from my playlist:

Tone Stith - 'Selfish'
- love the song! love his voice!
- fyi: lots of great singles by Tone this year, eg. Butterflies, Lucky Run, Rainy Days, just to name a few. Looking forward to his upcoming album!



H.E.R. - 'Facts'
- original lyrics and great vocals!
- really enjoyed her debut album which was released recently



Devon - 'Off the Ground'
- nice vocals and great beats!



Maxwell - '1990x'
- grown and sexy music right here!



Musiq Soulchild - 'I Do'
- Yeessss...love this song!




Anthony Pavel - 'HerStory feat. Saba'
- great song! I like it! some JT feel to it....




Yuna - 'Crush feat. Usher'
- love this song!  very smooth and sweet




Jeremy Passion - 'We Can'
- it's been soooo long since I've heard from Jeremy Passion. So glad he is back! love the song!

Jung Jin Woo (정진우) - 'In My Room' (1st mini album) teaser 2016

Jung Jin Woo is releasing his first mini album, "In My Room", this week, Sept 22, 2016.  Check out the album teaser below. Sounds really good! Really excited for his music!!

Music: Jung Jin Woo (정진우) - 'Rich Song / 유복하게 살았는데’

Jung Jin Woo's third original piece, entitled, "유복하게 살았는데 (Rich Song) or (I was well-off)". It's a song about a man who is well-off, falling in love with a woman but she doesn't return his love so he feels powerless and frustrated.

I really like this performance as it really brought out his charm. The fact that Jin Woo did everything himself from composing and writing lyrics to singing and rapping, is really impressive. So...can he just debut now?

Watch the performance here:



Lyrics (English translated):
I am well-off
Why are you making me pitiful
I had everything I want
But when I'm in front of you, I'm pathetic

Oh why, why, why, why
Oh why, why, why, why

I don't think of anything else
I'm only looking for you these days
You have different standards from other girls your age
I'm thirsty; I'm dried out without you

If I could have you
I can give you everything I have
I will get you the stars in the sky
Anything you want to eat
Anything you want to have

(Chorus)
I know I'm rich, but how can I reach you
What are your interests?
Should I become a lawyer?
I know I'm rich, but how can I reach you
If I'm well-off or not
You're close but far away

Girl, why, why
Tell me, why, why

Girl, why, why
Tell me, why, why

Hey what you looking at
This, that, I can buy you anything, just say it
I don't care what the price tag says
My mind is messed up but I have confidence
I'm ready to sweep you off your feet
I wasn't born in a rich family but I look fine
If I want something I never let it go
But when I stand in front of you, I always get humiliated
But I still dream of walking with you

(Chorus)

Girl, why, why
Tell me, why, why

Girl, why, why
Tell me, why, why

lyrics (English translated) credit: jctmusicnotes

Music: Jung Jin Woo & Lee Soo Jung duet - 'Sometimes / 가끔' (cover)

Another duet from Jung Jin Woo and Lee Soo Jung. This time, they did a cover of Crush's "Sometimes (가끔)". Their voices really complement each other! I hope they will collaborate again in the future.

Watch their duet here:




Lyrics (English translated):
It’s particularly cold tonight
I look up at the night sky again
It’s been a year already

It came back to me
All the memories of taking you home
They are all so precious

I used to think we’d share these memories
when you used to be right by my side
I wonder if you feel the same
but I can’t really tell

It’s just sometimes
I miss you
I miss kissing you and hugging you

It’s just sometimes
I want to see you but today it’s making me cry

I miss you I miss you baby
I miss you I miss you baby

I wanted you, wanted you

I regret I wasn't good to you when you were mine
But I don’t dare try to turn things back
I keep living like the idiot I am
with my heart locked up inside

It’s just sometimes
I miss you
I miss kissing you and hugging you

It’s just sometimes
I want to see you but today it’s making me cry

lyrics (English translated) credit: jctmusicnotes

Music: Jung Jin Woo & Lee Soo Jung duet - "Always is Never Enough" (cover)

Jung Jin Woo's 3rd performance on Kpop Star 5. It is a duet with a fellow contestant, Lee Soo Jung.

They did an excellent cover of Ariana Grande's "Almost is Never Enough" (with Nathan Sykes). I find Jin Woo's part much better than the original (Nathan). I love Jin Woo's voice, more R&B/Soul !

Watch their duet here:



Lyrics: 
I'd like to say we gave it a try
I'd like to blame it all on life
Maybe we just weren't right, but that's a lie, that's a lie

And we can deny it as much as we want
But in time our feelings will show

'Cause sooner or later
We'll wonder why we gave up
The truth is everyone knows

If I could change the world overnight
There'd be no such thing as goodbye
You'd be standing right where you were
And we'd get the chance we deserve

Try to deny it as much as you want
But in time our feelings will show

'Cause sooner or later
We'll wonder why we gave up
The truth is everyone knows

Almost, almost is never enough
so close to being in love
If I would have known that you wanted me, the way I wanted you
Then maybe we wouldn't be two worlds apart
But right here in each other's arms

And we almost, we almost knew what love was
You are my...(hey)
Baby, baby baby, ooh
Almost is never, almost is never, enough


Lyrics credit: jctmusicnotes 
Note: Their song is shorter than the original, and it is also slightly different especially near the end. The lyrics I posted here is based on their duet.

New Music: Jung Jin Woo (정진우) - '하…/Ha...' from Kpop Star 5

Jung Jin Woo's second performance on Kpop Star 5. The song is called "Ha...", written by Jin Woo, himself.

I was expecting something more, but no denying he has great vocals. Perfect for R&B.

Watch his performance of "Ha..." here:



Lyrics (English translated):
When I can't sleep
I sit in front of the piano
I write lyrics to a song and I hum it
But it feels all in vain
Maybe it's because the weather is gloomy
Maybe it's because I saw you in my dream last night
I toss and turn all night
I think it's because you're not here
Everything's empty, I'm listless
I'm bored without you
I can't sleep. And time goes slowly
What am I doing? When can I fall asleep?
Yeah, It bothers me everytime
I'm sick of making these love songs
I can't sleep. And time goes slowly
I can't sleep. And time goes slowly
Ha...(sigh)

Lyrics (Korean):
잠오 오지 않는 밤
피아노 앞에 앉아서
기삿말을 끄적이고 흥얼거려도
다 부질없게 느껴져
날씨가 우중충한 탓인지
어제 꿈에 네가 나와서인지
뒤척이고 망기적이길
수십 번 난 너가 없어서 인가봐
다 공허해 무기력해 너 없이 난 무료해
잠은 안오고 시간은 안가고
내가 뭘하는 건지 어제쯤 잠이 오는 올린지
It bothers me everytime
I'm sick of making these love songs.
잠은 안 오고 시간은 안 가고
잠은 안 오고 시간은 안 가고

lyrics (English translated) credit:  jctmusicnotes

Korean R&B music update (3)

Last k-music update for 2015:

Jay Park - Solo (feat. Hoody)
- R&B/Hip Hop
- released in 2015


Jonghyun - Deja-boo (feat. ZionT)
- R&B
- released in 2015