Evan Vol. 1 - Hard to Breath [2007]

It seems as though the recent kpop scene has been increasingly riddled with generic and bland tunes. However, once in a while, something will be worthwhile. For every cloud, there's a silver lining. This is where Evan (Yoo Ho Suk, former Click B member) comes in. Evan's debut solo album is perhaps one of the best / freshest pop/jazz/soul albums that's released so far in 2007 - a refreshingly varied mix of R&B and modern jazz influenced pop songs. Although his vocals are usually not consiered 'powerful'; instead, they're dramtically soothing. Furthermore, while Jo Sung Mo sings your usual string of uninteresting ballads, Evan's music manages to keep the listener's awake. This is exceptionally rare when it comes to ballads.

Let's skip the intro and go straight into the main tracks. The second track, 'This Song' is an R&B slow jam sets the mood for the rest of the album combining soothing rythmic beats and gentle acoustic guitars with Evan's sweet vocals. It's a pretty short track... and before you get a chance to catch your breath, 'Namjado... Eojjeol Su Eopda' (track #3) begins. It's the standout track on this album - a heart achingly beautiful ballad worthy of repeats, many many repeats. Next, we have track #4, 'Eternal Sunshine,' a fun mid-tempo mix of guitars & pop beats that oozes personality and well, 'sunshine'. He even does a little falsetto thing towards the end. Track #5, 'Sarangeun' is a simple jazz influenced piece. With only a piano in the backdrop, it allows listeners to concentrate on his lasting impression vocals and how pure and simple a song can be. #6 'Ban (Half)' and #10 'Where Is Your Heart' are urban flavored tracks reminiscent #2, 'This Song,' only these two posess a little more attitude and angst.

The next few songs #7 'Nal Wirohaji Annneun Bam,' #8 'Wiro,' and #9 'Overcome' are light and relaxing with good tempo; these songs are what you'd want to lounge in while sipping on a glass of wine and just stare off to space while melting all your troubles away. This soothing quality of Evan's music very much defines most of the album. Things start to liven up with #11 'All About Your Love,' which is perhaps the catchiest song an the album. You'll find yourself singing or humming along.

The album wraps itself up with the ballads #12 ' Always In My Head' and #13 'Uri Eojjeomyeon Manyage...' . Evan possesses a gentle sincerity that a lot of ballad singers lack these days because they're too busy trying to impress their audience with their ability to perform difficult vocal stunts. Evan's vocals flow seamlessly with the music allowing listeners to take in the whole song and feel it, rather than distracting them with vocal acrobatics.

Very original, definitely an album that has depth

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