After an eight-year hiatus from R&B, Jay Park has made a grand return with his sixth studio album, "The One You Wanted," which was released on Tuesday. Featuring a hefty lineup of 20 tracks, the album is set to captivate fans and reestablish Park's position as a powerhouse in the R&B genre.
The album includes nine new songs along with 11 previously released singles, making it one of the most extensive releases by a K-pop artist in recent years. Park's decision to release an R&B album after eight years stems from a long-standing desire to expand his musical repertoire in the genre, a goal that was repeatedly delayed due to various circumstances.
"Since my 2016 album 'Everything You Wanted,' I’ve always intended to release more R&B albums," Park shared during a listening session held in Seoul. "This album is the culmination of R&B tracks I've been developing over the past seven years. It's a project that has finally come together after years of waiting."
Jay Park’s fourth studio album, "Everything You Wanted," was a pivotal moment in his career, earning him the prestigious titles of Musician of the Year and Best R&B and Soul Music at the Korean Music Awards in 2017. His latest release, "The One You Wanted," is his first full-length album since "The Road Less Traveled" in 2019, marking a significant return to his roots.
The artist explained his rationale behind the extensive 20-track album format, noting that while it may not be the most commercially viable strategy, it was a decision rooted in his passion for music. "Releasing more than 20 tracks isn't financially advantageous," Park said. "But as an artist, my priority is to constantly evolve and create. This album reflects my commitment to staying true to my artistic vision, even though I’m also the CEO of my label."
During the listening session, Park highlighted three lead tracks: "Mayday" featuring Ty Dolla $ign, "Gimme A Minute" featuring Chungha, and "Peace of Heaven" featuring Isol of More Vision. He pointed out that "Mayday" best embodies his signature R&B sound, emphasizing its timeless quality. "I hope 'Mayday' becomes one of those classic tracks that stand the test of time," he added.
Courtesy of Artist's Instagram
Park also addressed the public's expectations regarding his on-stage presence. Known for his charismatic performances and chiseled physique, the 37-year-old artist candidly spoke about the pressures to live up to his image. "I know people expect me to put on a show, to display a certain level of sexiness on stage," he said. But I want my music to be the focal point. My goal is to create songs that resonate beyond the visuals."
Despite his focus on music, Park acknowledged the challenge of staying relevant in an ever-changing industry. "Trends come and go, and it's easy to become outdated," he said. "But I have pride and confidence in my sound, so I’m releasing songs I began working on seven years ago. I believe they still have the power to connect with listeners today."
Jay Park's journey with this album is more than just a musical endeavor; it also represents his dedication to maintaining a balance between his role as an artist and a label executive. "I'm incredibly proud of this album, not just for myself, but for everyone at More Vision who helped make it a reality," he said.
With "The One You Wanted," Jay Park reaffirms his position not just as a versatile artist but also as a visionary in the Korean music industry. The album's mix of new and familiar sounds promises to appeal to both long-time fans and new listeners alike, signaling that his artistic evolution is far from over.
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Courtesy of ELLE Korea
After an eight-year hiatus from R&B, Jay Park has made a grand return with his sixth studio album, "The One You Wanted," which was released on Tuesday. Featuring a hefty lineup of 20 tracks, the album is set to captivate fans and reestablish Park's position as a powerhouse in the R&B genre.
The album includes nine new songs along with 11 previously released singles, making it one of the most extensive releases by a K-pop artist in recent years. Park's decision to release an R&B album after eight years stems from a long-standing desire to expand his musical repertoire in the genre, a goal that was repeatedly delayed due to various circumstances.
"Since my 2016 album 'Everything You Wanted,' I’ve always intended to release more R&B albums," Park shared during a listening session held in Seoul. "This album is the culmination of R&B tracks I've been developing over the past seven years. It's a project that has finally come together after years of waiting."
Jay Park’s fourth studio album, "Everything You Wanted," was a pivotal moment in his career, earning him the prestigious titles of Musician of the Year and Best R&B and Soul Music at the Korean Music Awards in 2017. His latest release, "The One You Wanted," is his first full-length album since "The Road Less Traveled" in 2019, marking a significant return to his roots.
The artist explained his rationale behind the extensive 20-track album format, noting that while it may not be the most commercially viable strategy, it was a decision rooted in his passion for music. "Releasing more than 20 tracks isn't financially advantageous," Park said. "But as an artist, my priority is to constantly evolve and create. This album reflects my commitment to staying true to my artistic vision, even though I’m also the CEO of my label."
During the listening session, Park highlighted three lead tracks: "Mayday" featuring Ty Dolla $ign, "Gimme A Minute" featuring Chungha, and "Peace of Heaven" featuring Isol of More Vision. He pointed out that "Mayday" best embodies his signature R&B sound, emphasizing its timeless quality. "I hope 'Mayday' becomes one of those classic tracks that stand the test of time," he added.
Courtesy of Artist's Instagram
Park also addressed the public's expectations regarding his on-stage presence. Known for his charismatic performances and chiseled physique, the 37-year-old artist candidly spoke about the pressures to live up to his image. "I know people expect me to put on a show, to display a certain level of sexiness on stage," he said. But I want my music to be the focal point. My goal is to create songs that resonate beyond the visuals."
Despite his focus on music, Park acknowledged the challenge of staying relevant in an ever-changing industry. "Trends come and go, and it's easy to become outdated," he said. "But I have pride and confidence in my sound, so I’m releasing songs I began working on seven years ago. I believe they still have the power to connect with listeners today."
Jay Park's journey with this album is more than just a musical endeavor; it also represents his dedication to maintaining a balance between his role as an artist and a label executive. "I'm incredibly proud of this album, not just for myself, but for everyone at More Vision who helped make it a reality," he said.
With "The One You Wanted," Jay Park reaffirms his position not just as a versatile artist but also as a visionary in the Korean music industry. The album's mix of new and familiar sounds promises to appeal to both long-time fans and new listeners alike, signaling that his artistic evolution is far from over.
