Song Review:: Ken (VIXX): PUZZLE- 신아브로 (Gradually)

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  • Release date: 2024 December 26
  • Album tracklist: 신아브로 (Gradually), Bye My Only Universe, We Are Forever, Make Me Strong, Dear Little Star
  • Album runtime: 18 minutes

 I don't normally include the Korean titles because it's inconvenient for me when I'm on the computer but given that this one has no English lyrics at all, it feels disingenuous to have the English title only. The timing is also hilarious for me given that I just covered both a VIXX song as well as a remake of one of Ken's songs. The alignment of the stars brings me a little bit of joy, and I'm glad for it to have happened. It's cute. I'm patiently waiting to see when VIXX puts out a new album, but in the meantime, I'm happy to see what the members do individually. 

I accidentally left the whole album on and wandered away from the device. But I have to say that there are some songs on here where he is flexing a phenomenal voice, and wow. Also, take a look at that runtime. Yes. 

There are enough rock threads through the song that even in moments of relative quiet, the energy of the song drives forward. It doesn't go that hard through the song, and there are spots where it's more of a mild rock and likely wouldn't inspire an earthquake-inducing fan chant, but the energy is brisk and firm regardless. Also, that beginning sounds so much like I Don't Wanna Cry by Seventeen that it messes with my mind a little. Actually it messes with my mind a lot, to the point that I'm expecting to hear 울고 십시 않아. 

His voice is perfect for the style, a little bit of an appropriate growl in some places, smooth vocalizations in a falsetto in others. The range exhibited is impressive. Also, did I mention that this is entirely in Korean? That's so satisfying. And the way his vibrato just rolls out to play brings me inescapable joy. Loving it.

The music video is definitely giving "lead singer in a rock band" vibes while doubling as "a single location quest" from a video game. Ken is trapped in the location and has to solve puzzles in order to get out and do what he actually came here to do. But there's some sort of magic or a curse on the location, so every time one puzzle gets solved, it changes what is going on to try to not be solved. It's very well done. 



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