[ALBUM REVIEW] VIXX’s Ken delivers with solo debut album

Less than a week before VIXX celebrated their eighth debut anniversary, “cutie main vocal” Ken released his solo debut EP ‘Greeting‘. 

Ken, whose real name is Lee Jaehwan, is known for his warm, husky and powerful vocals. He has received accolades as a balladeer for variety shows and vocal contests (“King Of Masked Singer”, “Duet Song Festival”). He also frequently sings K-Drama OST songs. You may recognise his voice from the theme song “In The Name Of Love” from The Heirs, as well as “Fool” for Legend of the Blue Sea.

Ken has also established himself as a leading musical theatre actor, having performed in many illustrious productions including “Hamlet”, “Jack The Ripper”, “Mefisto” and most recently, “Sherlock Holmes The Musical: The Lost Children” and “Dracula”.

Despite constantly defining himself as VIXX’s cutie main vocal and always delivering aegyo with his sweet and charming personality, Ken’s real charm lies in the suggestion that there is something darker beneath that exterior. There is something a little more roguish and mysterious than it seems – which is why perhaps, he suits all the darker musical roles he has been performing lately. 

Ken has been promoting his first solo album on radio and music shows on his own for the first time after since his debut as a VIXX member. He has been showing a side of himself rarely seen when he is a part of the group: a serious and articulate side which surprisingly goes hand in hand with the cuteness and the fan-service.

Prior to the news of his solo debut, Ken had established his own YouTube channel, where he recorded fun covers and sincere tributes to the songs that inspired him, showing off both his cheeky character and his heartfelt expressions of music.

From dressing up as Elsa and singing “Into The Unknown” in the original pitch, to covering Park Hyo Shin at the local coin noraebang, to a full-blown green-screen escapade into trot with Joo Hyun Mi’s  “Woraksan” – Ken showed off the enormous breadth and depth of his range both vocally and musically. Ken is truly blessed with the ability to tap into the spirit of trot, to great success!

His cute and charming persona can sometimes eclipse the skill and talent, so it is with great satisfaction that his solo album “Greeting” presents his musical expression and vocal ability to its fullest potential.

‘Greeting’ was pre-empted with a pre-release single “To Us Who Have To Endure” – a duet with Monday Kiz. The more seasoned sound of Monday Kiz’s vocals complements Ken’s weightless and airy voice making it a perfect vocal match made in heaven.

The main single “Just For A Moment” is a lush and contemplative ballad. Ken sings about looking back on a one-sided break up and wishing for just 10 more minutes with his love – but knowing that it is not possible. It is bittersweet and yearning as this solo album comes ahead of Ken’s enlistment in July this year.

The third song on the album, “With All My Heart”, is a cafe-style easy listen from VIXX songwriter regulars MELODESIGN, about exploring the potential of a love about to bloom, and wanting to let love happen without holding back. In contrast, “Meteor Shower”, which has a heavier and more dramatic tone describes the pleasure in having certainty in love. It is hopeful and content at the same time.

A fan favourite, “So Romantic” begins with a sound sample that warps into the melodious walk-in-the-rain sort of swing pop that gets the serotonin flowing. Written and composed by group-mate Ravi and co-composer PUFF specifically for Ken, the song made its live debut almost three years ago during DAYDREAM, one of their LIVE FANTASIA concert tours. Having it be included on the EP makes it especially meaningful for Starlights!

Ken’s first week of promotions have given him a modicum of success, with the album spending a day as the top-selling album on the Hanteo Charts on its second day of promotion, and being nominated for the top spot on SBS MTV The Show.

Despite the major competition that soloist newbie Ken faces, the album is timely and truly shows off Ken’s sensitive and powerful vocals with tuneful ballads and significant songs to his fans. We can only hope that upon his return from enlistment that Ken will continue to share his gift with fans with more solo albums!

‘Greeting’ is available on Spotify and iTunes. Listen to the album here:

https://open.spotify.com/album/026uWhfvMFjZyNEF6p0GBs?si=53ru2qq4QfSobwoUhPjP7g

Watch the music video here:

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ToYxQRAVuv0[/embedyt]

Keep up with Ken and VIXX on their social media accounts here:

Instagram | Twitter | Youtube

Written By: Christina O
Photos: Jellyfish Entertainment

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