Musing While Cruising the Hallyu Highway
When I asked fellow blogger, the delightful Janey of Asian Fixations if she had any TVXQ song suggestions for my little series here, she did not hesitate to throw Wausurenaide right at me. It was for good reason. Janey knows her stuff. She knows how amazing these five men are at their craft. And, she also apparently knows how cute Changmin looks in this video. ^^ So thank you, Janey for this recommendation, because it blew me away!
If you want to witness greatness, I think you are going to find it right here. I have been putting off featuring Bolero because I have felt that I could not possibly do it justice. It is my favorite. And, it is mind-boggling how perfect this live performance is, truly.
I know these boys were all born in the 80’s and I absolutely love that they recorded a track like this because it sounds like it came right out the 80’s (an era I am well-familiar with and happen to love) and is very Prince/Morris Day & The Time-inspired. I love it.
Oh my but there are some sinister things going on in this MV and it is so dark and haunting. Yet, yet……the fab five look so gloriously hot that I can almost forget that something wicked this way comes!!!
There is something so subtly seductive about these five guys. They are all handsome, to be sure. But I think there is more and it most probably has something to do with their voices. Jae’s voice in this performance is like velvet wrapped in silk. The tone of his voice is naturally so rich and soothing and in this performance, even more so.
If you are having a craptastic Tuesday or feeling a bit down, I guarantee you that this week’s TVXQ Tuesday offering will perk you right up.
Yunho!!! My little brother…you were killing it with your dance moves here. I know performers have to be ‘on’ all the time – but sometimes you can tell if the performer is really liking it – really truly liking the choreography, song, etc. When I watched this one, I got the feeling Yunho really liked this particular song and the choreography that accompanied it.
All it took was the opening note by Junsu in this one and I was catapulted into orbit and left spinning on my own axis trying to grab onto something and catch my breath long enough to listen to the entire song!! My dear sweet Junsu…seriously my love, must you be so vocally superior every waking moment??? And then, Changmin trailing right behind you with his plaintive cry? Aieesh! Just another example of why these men are so respected and heartily missed in their full five man form. Just, wow.
And dear me, there is just something about a man at the piano. Yes, Yoochun, there most certainly is! Maybe coming fresh from the K-drama, Five Fingers, I am still having a thing about seeing a man at the piano (Ji Chang Wook wore the piano as a pretty hot and enticing accessory if I do say so). But before we see our Yoochun at the piano, he whispers in that smooth deep velvety tone: “Baby right now, right here.” I thought oh yes, I think we are in for a sultry ride!
I love this slow, easy jam with the ever-present killer vocals these men consistently bring. Such a sensual ride. Yoochun’s deep spoken words, the gorgeous harmonies – ALL of it! And oh my goodness when Yoochun and Junsu trade off at about the 2:31 mark. Absolute heaven! Love it! These guys and their voices never fail and are nothing short of perfection each and every time (studio or live). It’s just unnerving sometimes!! Still, I keep coming back for more. ♥
Once again, we are wowed by pure entertainment wrapped in pure talent coupled with complete handsome overload in this performance. This is the Tohoshinki/DBSK/TVXQ way. And please excuse this overtly shallow fangirl moment but….but they are killing it in those black pants looking all fit, long and lean! In fact, I am really liking the overall style of the suit – elegant with a dash of sparkle. And talk about a tailored fit…wow! Ok, I am going to send the naughty noona to time out now so I can write respectfully about these five wonderful vocalists.
But first….the suits.
I was not exaggerating, right?
I seem to favor live performances because I just happen to think that these young men often times outdo their own studio versions! Perhaps it is because you get to see the emotion as well as hear it. I will forever appreciate Jaejoong’s delivery. That man feels the music to his core. Not that the others don’t – but Jae just seems a little more demonstrative. In this particular performance, I would say Changmin comes in second followed by Junsu. It is generally those three, in my opinion, who let the music course through their respective systems, pumping out pure unadulterated emotion. You simply cannot help but take that emotional ride with them, each and every time. They repeatedly continue to impress me and take my breath away.
Share The World has this upbeat extremely pop-like feel but then grinds and grooves giving the boys a moment to completely attack and Junsu slays it!! It is aggressive and hot! Jae’s sweeping vocals on the chorus are really gorgeous. And those suits (yeah, I can’t let that go). 🙂
Then there is Doushite. Yes, I have posted this song in a single live performance already here, but it is so good, so why not another version? I absolutely love how Jae can go from the big vocals of Share The World to the gentle tones of Doushite. Oh, this is probably one of my favorite Tohoshinki/DBSK/TVXQ songs. They are vocally so perfect. I honestly don’t think any one vocalist or any collective group would be able to sing it as beautifully.
As always, Yoochun anchors both songs with his honey-ed deep tones while Yunho’s smooth voice balances out the overall sound. I love that Yunho’s range falls so comfortably between each and every one of the other members. And when he pairs off with the higher ranges of Jae, Junsu or Changmin his voice adds such a calm balance and dimension.
Truly there are so few vocal groups out there Asian, Western or otherwise that fall so sweetly into such a perfect harmonic balance as these five very talented men.
Awwwwwww, I love me a tender-hearted man, indeed I do. And what we have here is a group of five truly tender-hearted young men. This is such a moving performance with the group being moved to tears and still delivering a vocal feast. When Yoochun can’t sing through his tears and Junsu comes over to comfort him, I just melt. The only ones who seems to be able to hold back are Jaejoong and Changmin as even towards the end Yunho starts to break. I love this tender song – one they seem to be serenading their devoted Japanese fans with and do it with respect, tenderness, love, and a whole lot of emotion.
I never tire of their trade-off pairings and when Jae and Changmin go at it together in the second verse…..chills!!! So lovely. Jae’s voice in this song is ethereal and tender. I still think Jae and Junsu put forth the most emotion when they sing. But this song is clearly touching each one of their hearts. As it touched mine.
So very sweet.
The Fangirl Lane 