[Review] Younha - Dark Cloud

Bless you, Younha. It's been over 15 years since you started on your musical journey, and over 12 since I discovered your incredible talent with "Ima Ga Daisuki." I've kept up (mostly) with you over the last decade plus between albums and minis, covers and OSTs. There is nobody in the industry that is more deserving of being the first review of 2020.

Immediately, I am reminded of "Shower," which was a fantastic B-side from her 4th studio album. The way the instrumentals build up into each chorus could easily transition to the chorus of "Shower" which is but a positive in my book. Of course, the actual chorus of "Dark Cloud" is different, distinct with a mix of harmonies and instruments that compliment Younha's voice (when do they not?). Younha has grown as a vocalist tremendously over the years and she has gotten to a point where she sounds damn comfortable no matter what range she's in. Tangent: check out this brief "Into The Unknown" cover she did on Y's Sketchbook (and also check out Yu Huiyeol's facial expressions, they are priceless). By the way that's the same key as the original, ladies and gentlemen. And she kills every high note the whole entire way.

Anyway getting back on track talking about those high notes. Do you hear those at the end? Her vocal color is as gorgeous as ever and I still get the chills when she works her magic like this. Throw in a common Younha element of having the faded vocals (no idea what the actual term is) during the final chorus. It has been utilized many times throughout her career and it's almost always a good choice having those supplement the belts and runs she goes on. Obviously Younha isn't the only artist to do this, but she has been around for so long that I've associated this type of final chorus with her music subconsciously.

The funniest part is that this isn't the most popular new track on the new EP, as "Winter Flower" is gonna be the song that makes the most noise because of the collaboration with RM. Don't get me wrong I dig "Winter Flower" as well, but "Dark Cloud" is just as if not more beautiful. The lyrics, message, video, and song are beautiful and days into the new decade, Younha has staked a very early claim with this piece. Oh speaking of the decade, that reminds me to make a Best Of 2010's post. That should be fun.

Wow, this ended up (a) being short and (b) sounding a whole lot like a love letter to Younha rather than a song review. But you know what, she deserves one. Younha is love, Younha is life. Please tour the eastern USA soon. I will drop everything to go see you live, bankruptcy be damned.