Okay I'll admit it, I have a bit of a crush on Jung Joon Young. Maybe it's because he's unapologetically himself. Maybe because he seems to be so innately rock-n-rock and doesn't give fucks what you think. In the overwhelming ocean of glossy wholesomeness that seems to pervade in the S. Korean music market, I find this refreshing.
He's brash and rough. He's not afraid to get dirty. Sure he can polish up when needed, but it always seems as if he refuses to hide the grit beneath. It's like putting a suit on a pig. It doesn't matter how dapper or cute that pig is in the suit, it's still a pig in a suit. Joon Young may clean up and occasionally sparkle with all the cleanness that is exhibited in the majority of kpop, but beneath it all, he never lets us forget that he's Joon Young. And Joon Young is rock-n-roll. Not the kpop variety, but the real deal. On variety shows he frequently says things that he shouldn't. Often he'll play oblivious, but then a cheeky smile will sneak up, indicating he knows he's really pushing boundaries. He can play the fool and the clever guy, depending on his mood. One of his most appealing traits is this intense brooding stare that screams cocky defiance, but then there is this kookiness about him that makes you snort and roll your eyes. Oh how I love this guy!
Now I could go on waxing poetic about my love for all things Joon Young, but I'm really here to talk about the music. I L.O.V.E. this album! The debut track, OMG, is a rousing rock-n-roll anthem, with sexy, growling vocals and dirty guitars. The video is rated 19+, with good reason. It depicts everything we imagine the rock-n-roll life to be. Sex, alcohol, more sex, and all the manic, kinetic energy of a roller coaster. If you are wondering where the drugs are, well to depict that in anyway in S. Korea would be a death nail in his career, but a hookah does make an appearance. There's also a hallucination sequence during the song's break, featuring zombies, lightsabers, and a man in a dog mask. You draw your own conclusions.
After listening to the complete album, I made a beeline to buy it on Itunes. (It's curiously called Escape to Hangover on Itunes.) I can't find a song I dislike. In fact, I really like all of them. Besides OMG, I think my favorite track is Sunset. Sunset starts out, seemingly a lazy ode to summer, but ends up being a lament of being forever alone. This tune really showcases his sexy baritone voice. I'm all about the baritone. Not since Charlie Sexton have I had these kinds of goose bumps over a voice. (Yes I realize that dates me, what of it?) And when he growls "Do you want to dance with me?" the crazy fangirl inside screams yes!
I also really like Alibi and XGirl. They seem to bookend the emotion of a painful breakup; the start of disillusionment and the sad resignation of when it's finally over. In Alibi he begs "Where is love? Tell me what is love?" and in XGirl he does what many of us do when we are drunk and deep in our feels, admits that even if she's bad for him, he misses her. Been there Joon Young, been there. Need a hug?
I predict that Deviation is destined to be the soundtrack of my summer. I've listened to it, pretty much nonstop, for a week. It's worth a listen guys and if you find yourself as crazy about this album as I am, go buy it. Like I always say, support great art. Let your dimes be proof of your appreciation.
Jung Joon Young is currently starring in the hilarious cable kdrama, The Lover. I wish I could find a clip of the glow in the dark condom scene, because it's sidesplittingly funny. He's also a regular on the variety show 2Days, 1Night.
Namaste
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