Song Review:: Lim Hyunsik (BTOB): When The Phone Rings, Pt. 1 (OST)- See The Light

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  • Release date: 2024 November 30
  • Album tracklist: See The Light, See The Light - Instrumental
  • Album runtime: 6 minutes

 I saw this while I was glancing through the new releases and internally sighed. I don't do a lot of OSTs, although I have done a few, but my mother wouldn't forgive me if I didn't, because this guy over here is her ult from her ult group. Yes, I did this to my mother. No, I'm not sorry about it. I don't disagree with her about his voice though. Wow.

The inclusion of the instrumental means I get to ignore his voice for the time being, something I appreciate, because I know it'll be distracting. My first impressions of this are John Wick and Looper, both of which are very intense movies but for different reasons. I don't know anything about what this show is, but the ticking clock and the respirator percussion, not to mention the quietly intense vibes, make me think this isn't some cute little rom com. I'd almost call it a "last stand" kind of song, with the air of desperation and determination wafting off it. I'm a little entertained that he's only got vocals credits, but it's good for him to play in someone else's sandbox occasionally. But not even joking, even without the vocals or the lyrics and even if I hadn't known this was an OST, I'd be wanting it to be an OST. Absolutely gorgeous.

When Hyunsik isn't singing an idol song, you can literally hear his dad's music and training in his voice, and I love that. His timbre is so well-trained and gorgeous and rich and full that you'd be hard-pressed to find many people with a similar one, and boy, is it on full display here. His vibrato use is masterful, and it digs into the notes in the most intriguing way. Even as he softens his voice, which should theoretically weaken the sound, it lingers in a way that mimics the instrumentals. I don't know how he does it. He's got drawn-out notes, particularly during the chorus, but he doesn't have a true belt in the song, which is both a shame and understandable.

Wow, the music video makes the drama seem very, well, dramatic. I feel like there are spoilers in this one, so I'm going to include just the audio for those who don't want the spoilers. However, I'd like you all to know that I went from knowing nothing about it, to being intrigued and curious and kind of want to watch it now because what is going on. And I believe I was right in what I felt the vibes were. Also, I love watching him sing.




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