Yuju - Play

(From the 'Play' M/V. Credits to KONNECT Entertainment)

I was never a big fan of GFriend, even if they were behind some of K-pop's most quintessential hits. All 6 members are extremely talented and their signature style filled a very niche space in the K-pop industry, but I wasn't thrilled about how their sound matured. However, their sudden disbandment news came as shock even to me. It seemed as though they were set for a prosperous career as music conglomerate HYBE's 1st girl group, but alas, they separated completely out-of-left-field. As such, when their main vocalist Yuju's solo debut was announced I was a little intrigued. Yuju is regarded as one of the 3rd generation's best vocalists, with an astounding range and vocal control, so I had high expectations. And 'Play' completely knocks them out of the park.

I was immediately invested in the release as soon as the first music video teaser came out. The traditional Korean aesthetic and gayageum-heavy instrumental was an unexpected surprise, but definitely a welcome one (gayageum refers a traditional Korean string instrument). The song is hauntingly beautiful and in thanks to all of its various visual (the M/V is just... stunning) and sonic elements, succeeds very well in conveying its message of resentment towards a lover who departed out of the blue. Yuju knows how to cater herself to each song's unique needs, and thus, 'Play' succeeds in taking you through all 5 stages of grief, sounding simultaneously angry, mournful, and ready to move on.

(From the 'Play' M/V. Credits to KONNECT Entertainment)

The production is simple but powerful. 'Play's instrumental mostly loops the same notes plucked on the gayageum, with more modern drums intercepting to keep the jack. The bridge switches things up, though, with a more modern set of synths plus finger-snaps for a more flowy ascension into the finale. Filled to the brim with background harmonies, taut whispers, and fickle ad-libs, the final hook and chorus turn delightfully cinematic as both the instrumental and Yuju go into overdrive for a grand ending. As the final repetition of the gayageum plays alongside her falsetto high note, the listener truly feels completely immersed within 'Play's soundscape and intention. It's an ethereal experience, and yet, it cannot be forgotten how tethered the song is in managing to do this!

In saying this, I must note that 'Play' truly feels like a new chapter for Yuju, especially with how much she manages to showcase her lower register and falsetto. As I previously mentioned, she is known to nearly all K-pop fans, regardless of whether they were fans of GFriend or not, as a talented performer who belts note after note with ease. As you can imagine, hearing her deeper voice in abundance throughout the album was quite a surprise. I actually quite like it: her lower tones are quite satisfying, and simpler songs like 'Play' shine intrinsically with this kind of style. It doesn't unnecessarily shove belting into the song for sake of theatrics, and rather she has more time to craft deliberate details with comfort.

This essentially sums up 'Play.' Words cannot describe how much I adore this release. It feels so simple and effortless, yet there is so much significance, grace, and delight packaged into every single detail. I am beyond excited to see what Yuju has more to offer as K-pop's newest female soloist.

(From the 'Play' M/V. Credits to KONNECT Entertainment)