An Ode to Love: JAEHYUN’s ‘Dandelion & Roses’ Review

On August 12, 2024, NCT’s JAEHYUN released two singles, ‘Dandelion’ & ‘Roses’ from his upcoming solo debut album, ‘J’. As a prelude to his most anticipated release, ‘Dandelion’ & ‘Roses’ depict two contrasting sides of the same coin – love. It is being received well by fans and critics alike, charting worldwide, and featured in editorial playlists across different platforms.

After the release of JAEHYUN’s solo NCT LAB singles, ‘Horizon’, and ‘Forever Only’, ‘J’ will be released on August 26, 2024. It’s a significant milestone in his journey as an artist that celebrates his debut and stands as a testament to his creative evolution.

JAEHYUN seems to reinforce his foothold in the R&B genre with this album and ‘Dandelion’ & ‘Roses’ very cleverly put forth polar stylings of the genre. While ‘Dandelion’ features upbeat tempos, catchy melodies, and polished, playful production, blending elements of pop music with traditional R&B sounds, a very contemporary take on the genre, ‘Roses’ is moody with atmospheric production, often incorporating unconventional elements like haunting melodies, deep basslines, and ethereal vocal arrangements, such as choir highlights in the chorus which is a characteristic of alternative R&B. Nevermind the variation in the soundscape, JAEHYUN’s vocals remain ever-so heavenly, that both the songs are an absolute treat for the ears.

The lyrics of ‘Dandelion’ are introspective exploration of love and connection, wrapped in a sense of wonder and admiration. The song reflects on the beauty and fragility of a relationship, likening it to a dandelion—delicate yet resilient, floating freely yet deeply rooted in the heart. However, ‘Roses’ offers a deeply reflective exploration of lingering heartache and emotional vulnerability. It reveals an honest confession of struggling to move on, where even the smallest reminders, like the sight of roses, evoke powerful memories of lost love. The song captures the bittersweet pain of realizing that someone else may now be in the place you once held, intensifying the longing and regret.

JAEHYUN beautifully intertwines the haunting resonance of roses with the appreciative reverence of dandelions as a metaphor for the enduring pain of separation and capturing the feeling of being grounded by love even while soaring high in its embrace.

Within the music video, the stark distinction is palpable as, in the beginning JAEHYUN is seen in a peppy, cheery getup, relishing in the bright, dreamy, sunny feeling as the dandelions blow with the breeze. This is followed by the dark, groovy, and sensual atmosphere where he’s dressed in a black leather jacket with a distaste for roses.

Earlier this week, another track from the album, ‘Can’t Get You’, was released by ESQUIRE KOREA with PRADA.

Whether creating tranquil, delicate melodies or delving into darker, more intricate emotions, JAEHYUN’s artistry not only enchants listeners but also encourages them to uncover the deeper layers of meaning intricately woven into every note and lyric. If these pre-releases are anything to go by, the album is certainly bound to be a niche favorite for the fans!

Written by – Raj Nandini

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