Super Junior’s Eunhyuk made his idol debut nearly twenty years ago. Across those decades, he’s been active in sub-units and even released a couple solo tracks. However, he’s never delivered a solo album. With the release of Explorer, he’s finally taken the plunge. And like any artist should, he’s taken this opportunity to develop a sound that clearly means something to him.
The sound in question is early-90’s hip-hop — that sweet spot between rap and new jack swing before the genre morphed and grew and took over the world. In K-pop terms, it’s hard to listen to Up N Down without referencing first-gen artists like Hyun Jin-young. The song sits right beside classics from the era like You In Vague Memory, making it feel like a tribute to Eunhyuk’s own idols. This is a great match between song and artist, taking advantage of the many skills Eunhyuk has honed over his years with Super Junior.
This is also a genre that greatly appeals to me. The beat is bright and incessantly groovy, keeping the track aloft through its upbeat spirit. And rather than shout over the instrumental, Eunhyuk performs in a more melodic style perched halfway between singing and rapping. His voice becomes another tool in the production’s hyper-rhythmic arsenal, resulting in a track that clicks together in satisfying lockstep. It’s safe to say the very long wait for a solo Eunhyuk project was worth it.
Hooks
8
Production
9
Longevity
8
Bias
9
RATING
8.5