Kim Jonghyeon has branded himself with a smile and quirky charisma in his latest attempt to rouse lovers of danceable K-pop with Brilliant Seasons, and the singer is quick to prove he does just about everything. After branching off from his former role as the leader, main rapper, and main dancer of the popular boy group NU’EST, Jonghyeon has become a polished soloist since sprouting into his own tree. With the refined talents and grounded confidence of an artist who’s spent nearly 12 years in the industry, he knew his footing before he even took the first step. By shedding his former stage name “JR” to label himself in the purest form, the singer reveals his true style within. 

The album is opened with an intro that flows into the brain like a stream of many currents, serving as an appetiser for the sheer variety to come. MOTTO begins by layering popping sounds on a whistling synth that feels like a space ambient from the 70s, to then be swiftly pumped with an energetic groove that’s instantly recognisable to any fan of Jersey Club. Its bright, choppy beats do the trendy genre justice, jumping atop Jonghyeon’s repetitive reminder: “That’s my motto”. In the music video, he’s flaunting a chic style beneath a giant chandelier one moment, and being tugged on either side by a pomeranian and a samoyed the next, playing along with the buoyant mood of the song with lyrics such as “Feel supersonic, the possibility is endless / Just laugh off those who say impossible”. 

Jonghyeon accompanies his music with a deep voice that neither overpowers nor completely sinks behind the songs’ elements, which proves at least one thing: he understands balance. The multi-talent participated in some of the songs’ lyrics and production, including New Season, Whatever, and Don’t Worry, the first of which marked the first changing of the album’s “seasons” with a sound that’s slightly sinister in feel, and plays an important part in the structure of the album. Whatever is as carefree as the name suggests, and like a sigh of solitude, instructs the listener to “Do whatever you want” throughout the chorus, letting go of worry and concern for others’ opinions. 

Each song is enjoyably varied, but the starkest of contrasts comes between tracks four and five, in which the short and sweet bridgeless tunes are replaced with heftier anthems. I’m so dirty, How can I love you slows down the pace with Jonghyeon’s bittersweet feelings of inadequacy in front of those who love him. It’s heavier, it’s honest, and it does well to set up the final optimistic revelation in Don’t Worry, in which he assures us: “But I know it’s gonna be fine”. With an upbeat melody, the song feels like a hearty laugh and would sit perfectly on the end credits of a film with a gloriously happy ending. 

While he’s no mammoth as of yet, Jonghyeon delivers something quite fresh in Brilliant Seasons, keeping up the same bubbly cheer of his debut EP MERIDIEM with a few more vibrant turns. His murky voice might not be for everyone, but it fits well with the moody tone of New Season and I’m so dirty, How can I love you, and is supported by decent production everywhere else. All things considered, Brilliant Seasons is a good background-filler for a dull afternoon.

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Written by Maddie Armstrong

Featured image © Evermore Entertainment

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