[Album Review] EXHIBITION: Look Closely (1st Single Album) – YOOK SUNGJAE (BTOB)

1 month ago 17

The next album for review is YOOK SUNGJAE’s single EXHIBITION: Look Closely, released earlier this year. Like standard single albums, this one featured three solo songs, including the title track BE SOMEBODY. This is his first solo release since leaving CUBE Entertainment at the end of last year and signing with iWill Media. He also remains a BTOB member.

1. BE SOMEBODY (Title Track) – Click here for the full review for BE SOMEBODY. (8/10)

2. Without You – While I am not a fan of the consistent use of the metallic twang and similar effects in Without You, the choruses hit the spot for me. The instrumentation was gratifying and reminded me of the early 00s punk rock vibe. YOOK SUNGJAE’s vocals are superb throughout Without You, and I love how prolific he gets during the choruses. (8.5/10)

3. The Ghost – Similar to a recent song review I posted, a full English song from YOOK SUNGJAE was unexpected. But he sounds good in The Ghost. His vocals are a definite highlight and you can feel the emotions. I do think the producers could have gotten more out of YOOK SUNGJAE had The Ghost been in Korean, just for a better connection to what he is singing in The Ghost. The track combines band instrumentation and synths to make a dramatic single. But I think the instrumentation could have felt more polished and refined to hit the nail on the head of the dramatic flair. (8/10)