Quick Thoughts: Jaehyun – Dandelion & Roses

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I think I speak for all the Jaehyun girlies when I say we’ve been waiting for this moment for YEARS. And we’re finally eating!!!

I think the most exciting part of Jaehyun’s solo, JOLO, is that it’s exactly what we wanted and the music he wanted to make. Just from the teaser images and the music video for “Dandelion” and “Roses”, everything screams Jaehyun aesthetic.

I mean, look at him: *Troye Sivan voice* 🎶 Look at you, skip the application interview🎶

Everything is so warm toned and sexy. Truly giving the people what they want. I’ve had a few days to marinate on what we’ve seen/heard so far. And I can’t help be to be fully invested and soaking it every moment of it. Just hearing the album medley (we’ll talk about more in a bit), I know this is gonna be in my top 5, if not 3 favorite albums of the year.

It cannot be overstated how much I love K-R&B. KR&B…what is Spotify using for spelling for this genre? Oh, they are using K-R&B (*Robyn in 360 remix voice* sweet). Anyway, it’s my favorite subgenre in Kpop. It was the first that really kept me looking for soloist like Crush and groups like NCT to find more music like it.

And it’s been 8 years since “The 7th Sense“, and just seeing the musical growth of the member in the first unit over the years is high key making me emotional the more I think about it. I have talked with friends about how much we wanted a Taeil and Haechan R&B solo. And Jaehyun was always the member I’d include in that lineup. Because I knew he would kill it.

My first self validating proof of this was when he released “Try Again” in 2017. I will never not talk about how hooked I was by the aesthetics and softness in Jaehyun’s vocals, this era. I also will never shut up about him reading poetry in that one teaser wearing that black turtleneck sweater. Why can’t I find that video anymore? Here’s a gifset on Tumblr of it.

Definitely, by the time we got “Forever Only” and “Horizon” my prediction of what a Jaehyun solo album would sound like was solidified. I think I’ve talked about how “Forever Only” is my favorite Jaehyun song, well out of his solo single releases, for now. We do have the album coming in a week.

And “Horizon” is my second favorite because of how similar it is to “Forever Only”. I mean that as a complement. Having such a distinct sound and knowing exactly what you want to make as an artist is so hard. And to continue to make hit after it? That’s why I love Tinashe so much. It’s all about intent and quality. Good execution can elevate anything. And when the formula works, why break it?

He’s displayed his love of R&B countless times over the years. Whenever someone would ask for song recommendations, it’d always be something like Daniel Caesar, Pink Sweat$, and even Boys II Men. In fact, I found two (1 , 2) playlists (because Kpoppies always keep receipts) of song recommendations of his. Both have heavy R&B, midtempo, chill vibes. So for those who’ve been paying attention, his first album having this sound is not surprising at all.

It was “Dandelion” that threw me for a loop. I wasn’t expecting this sunshine, bubblegum song. I have to admit, “Dandelion” is my favorite out of the two. Had me dancing in the seat immediately. I think I just love that I wasn’t expecting something like it.

It’s almost like “Touch” pt 2 because of how unexpected it was when it dropped. Still has a mature vibe to it, but still fun. Like this isn’t a first love, but maybe an immediate reaction to a new lover or something. And that’s how I feel about “Dandelion”. It’s still mature but bright. J The First Album is giving grown and sexy hours, and I’m here for it.

When I first heard “Roses”. I knew what it would sound like about five seconds into it. And of course I love it. The choir singing “roses” after Jaehyun sings it. The drama. The DRAMAAAA. I just knew the Valentine boy had to give us sad boy hours.

The irony of having your birthday being on Valentine’s Day and having love problems is Sailor V teas (uh spoilers for the manga maybe), tbh. Like when Adele filmed “Someone Like You” in Paris, the city of love. I eat it up every time.

It was one thing to have that duality of “Roses” and “Dandelion” as prerelease and releasing them at the same time. But having visualized in the same music video?

If there’s one thing about an Aquarius, they’re gonna understand, and ace the assignment. The full album hasn’t even dropped yet, but I’m so proud 🥹. So happy to be a Valentine.

Okay, okay, this is supposed to be quick thoughts. Let’s briefly talk about this highlight medley that released today.

I give SM so much shit (and deservedly so) but they really do know how to make a highlight medley. And I do love their BTS videos for filming music videos/photoshoots, everything that goes into the visuals of the album. The visualizer. Literally. I re-realized this when I was looking back at Kai’s visualizer for Rover.

They did a similar thing for Jaehyun’s album and I adore it. Straight perfection. I’m most excited for “Easy”, “Can’t Get You” and because I’m not immune to fook boy Jaehyun propaganda, “Smoke”. But regardless, I will one, listen to this album the first day it drops and two, buy a physical copy immediately.

I’m sososososos excited.

So, what are y’alls thoughts on “Roses” and “Dandelion”? Are you satisfied with how JOLO has been promoted so far? Which songs are you most excited for? Tell me everything in the comments!

Update: read my album review here.

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Take care!

Ash 💫