The nostalgic moment for today goes way back to December 2009. It was probably one of the earliest interviews G.O gave following his debut with MBLAQ. I could be wrong but since it was December 2009, I am probably partially correct.^^ This is an early Star Interview and I love it because I feel as if I am meeting G.O for the first time all over again. Take a moment with me on this second to last day of his military service, to enjoy the articulate poise and charm of MBLAQ’s dearest main vocal. Continue reading →
Apart from seeing G.O smile, one of my favorite views of him is when he is standing, sitting or just plain being behind a microphone singing or at least, getting ready to sing. There does not even need to be a microphone, come to think of it. Or, if there is one it can be of any variety, including a press mic. Yes, that is where I am going today with this final installment the Vocal Virtuosity sub-category. My friends, we really are coming to the end!! I don’t believe I am selling anyone short here when I offer a 15 second clip of G.O singing Kim Hyun Shik’s sentimental ballad, 비처럼 음악처럼 [Like Rain, Like Music] as a vocal virtuosity moment. Especially when that 15 seconds is the gentlest of gentle vocal caresses.
I have spent this entire series sharing my thoughts about G.O – how I see him and how he makes me feel. From his intelligence and wit, graciousness and warmth, to his undeniable talent, I have tried to touch on it all without being overly redundant. However, I feel a redundant moment brewing for today. Hang in there with me loves as we are nearing the finish line! We have arrived to the 25th letter of the alphabet and frankly, I cannot believe it myself. The letter Y also proved to be tricky in finding a word worthy of describing G.O but then I remembered something I have talked about often here on the blog: G.O’s incredible and indeed beautiful way in which he surrenders to music and that gave me an idea. Yes, Y is for yielding.
As you know, Vocal Virtuosity moments come in all shapes and sizes here on the Countdown. From short samples to full length songs, I honor all where G.O’s voice is the main attraction. Today is a short sample offering. And, as always, a beautiful vocal moment from our gentle main vocal man. At the 2nd Official Japan Fan Meeting on 12 August 2011, G.O serenaded his JA+ with a few lines from Kim Bum Soo’s 네버 엔딩 스토리 [Neverending Story] and no doubt created an ache for more.
Okay, I am not going to lie. I admit to being somewhat concerned about what I was going to do when I reached the letter X in The ABC’s of G.O sub-series here on the countdown. The letter X is not the friendliest of letters when trying to find adjectives in general let alone one adequate to describe our lovely G.O. But, I think I found one.^^ We all know that G.O has an affinity for travel and that his life and career as an artist has allowed him many opportunities to see a great many parts of this world. Although the life of an artist, celebrity, etc., can be difficult at times in that they are often always under scrutiny, the perks of being able to see the world, experience cultures and meet people from all walks of life, is certainly enriching and I think G.O would agree. This is why I am comfortably saying that G.O is xenophilic.
Happy Monday! It is Day 670 which means there are officially under two months remaining in G.O’s service. So unbelievable, but true. In two months he will return and with that return, a hope for an avalanche of new music. Just the thought of that fills me with so much eager anticipation. Fortunately, we have a wealth of recordings that have been keeping us . . . well, at least have been keeping me, satisfied during the wait. Past moments captured of G.O singing a beautiful love ballad always reach, soothe and caress the inner most corners of our hearts. They also create a desire and longing to hear more of the songs and sounds that have most assuredly been resonating within the corners of his recording studio. While we wait here on Day 670, I will share a moment that came shortly after debut. Yes, a moment From The Studio with G.O and Eric Benét’s sublime The Last Time.
Oh my dear Mexican A+, I trust you realize that you were given the most sublime vocal blessing from our charming main vocal back in August 2013. I was not aware until just today (yes, after all this time, I am still finding treasures I did not know existed), that you had the privilege and pleasure of experiencing Canción Para Tus Lágrimas, better known as Song For Your Tears. I am just being cheeky here with the Spanish title because G.O sang this amazing Javier Colon song for you in Mexico. I am also beating myself up for not discovering this sooner. But, since it is a Fan-Camming Friday day, it turned out to be THE perfect find.
If G.O asked you which one of his English cover songs you wanted him to either sing again and/or record but said you could only choose one, which one would you choose? That is such a difficult question as he has covered so many, and covered them well. I know I would have a difficult time making a choice. Really difficult. But I think if I had to choose just one, I would ask for Wildflower. Yes, even over Hurricane and any one of the other beautiful Eric Benét ballads he has covered. Even over Song For Your Tears which you all know is my kryptonite. Maybe it is because Wildflower has stood the test of time as an iconic ballad that has been successfully covered since it was written back in the 1970’s. It is gentle, melodic and the lyrics are simply beautiful. And think about it, which one of the many English songs has G.O consistently covered? Yes, Wildflower. He covered it as early as his Tykeys days, and as recently as January 2015. Clearly, it is special to him. Today, it makes its return in Vocal Virtuosity form, and a mere 27 seconds at that. Pure vocal heaven.
It is Sunday and we are wrapping up yet another week of G.O’s service. Sundays always suggest a day of rest and leisure and as such, seem like perfect days for something sweet and inspirational. I completely forgot about the cover of A Whole New World from the Aladdin OST G.O and Su sang together back during Tykeys days. When Tykeys were being introduced to the world in 2007, it was wonderful that they were given a platform to showcase their vocal skills singing in English as well as in their native Korean. When G.O sings, his voice automatically translates the music into its own language regardless of the song’s given language. That language being of course, the language of the heart. It has no real translation and is all vibration and sensation. As a native English-speaker however, when G.O sings in English, it makes experiencing his art extra special.
If I told you you were beautiful, would you date me on the regular?
Sometimes a Vocal Virtuosity moment shows up when I least expect it. So as you all know, I joined the MBLAQ party train late in the game. As a result, I missed a lot. A-LOT. Even if G.O had to complete four years of military service I still do not think that would give me enough time to see, hear and experience everything he has done these past ten years he has been living his dream as a singer, composer and actor. There is SO MUCH. I love it of course as it is keeping me busy while he is away. So today I discovered something I had not seen (or heard) before and I knew immediately that I wanted to secure it in the Vocal Virtuosity archives. I know all of you dedicated MBLAQ-philes remember the ETN Entertainment News Interview back on 23 June 2010. You also know then that even if it was brief, G.O covered some Justin Timberlake.
