Hello (Korean: 안녕; RR: Annyeong) is the debut extended play by South Korean singer Joy. It was released on May 31, 2021, through SM Entertainment, marketed as a special release. The EP consists of six new remakes of songs from the 1990s and 2000s, including the title song "Hello" and pre-released single "Je T'aime". In addition, a number of top musicians participated in the album such as Kenzie, Hwang Seong-jae, Hwang Hyeon, MinGtion, Park Moon-chi, and Lundi Blues.
Background and release
South Korean news outlet Star News reported on May 12, that Joy would be releasing her first solo album later in May.[2]SM Entertainment later confirmed to Newsen that the singer was preparing the project, but did not specify a release date at the time.[3] On May 17, it was announced that Hello will be released on May 31, consisting of six remake songs released from the 1990 to 2000s.[4] On May 26, "Je T'aime" was pre-released, the song is a remake of the same name song by Hey released in 2001.[5] The extended play was released digitally on May 31, alongside the music video for the title track, "Hello".[6]
Composition and lyrics
"I really like the retro sentiment to the extent that I think I want to be born in that era, a lot of films and works from those times have this modest but clean feel, and I wanted to put that into my album. My No. 1 goal was to not damage the sentiment of the original songs. I didn't want the (remade version) to sound like completely different songs. At the same time, I thought hard about how I could use my voice for a unique edge.
The album contains six covers of classic songs from the 1990s and 2000s.[8] The title track is a modern rock remake of singer Park Hye-kyung's "Hello" released in 2003.[9] The song features Joy's "cool" vocals in harmony, "cheerful" brass, and a "speedy" arrangement.[9] Its lyrics share a "hopeful" message to forget the past and welcome a new day.[9] "Je T'aime" is a cover of the song released by Hey in 2001.[10] The song was reinterpreted from the track's original "fresh and jazzy vibes" into a "colorful and classical arrangement".[11] The track includes a dance-like piano performance and has an "elegant string melody" that maximizes the "fantastic atmosphere" of it.[12] The lyrics are noted for "Joy's lovely confession with a sweet tone".[13] "Day By Day" is a remake of the song of the same name released in 1999 by the female duo As One.[14] The song is a medium-tempo R&Bballad song with a "groovy" bass rhythm and lyrical sound that "stimulates emotions".[14]
"If Only" featuring Paul Kim, is a remake of a song by singer Sung Si-kyung released in 2002.[15] It creates a "poignant and romantic atmosphere" with a band arrangement and soft flute performance. "Happy Birthday to You" is a medium tempo ballad remake of a song released by Kwon Jin Won in 1999.[16] with an acoustic sound-based arrangement, Joy's vocals "vividly express the happiness and excitement you feel on the way to celebrate your loved one's birthday".[16] "Be There for You" is a solo version of Toy's song released in 1996.[17] The track was reinterpreted into a retrosynth-pop using a variety of keyboard instruments such as piano, synths, and melodies.[17]
Joy's special album "Hello" reached number one on the iTunes Album charts of 26 countries and entered the Top 5 of the US iTunes Album Chart.[18] Joy's title track "Hello" reached the Top 10 of the Gaon Digital Chart, with all 6 tracks from her special album debuting on the chart.[19] Joy's title track "Hello" also reached the Top 10 of Billboard's K-Pop Hot 100, with 5 tracks in total from her album also entering the chart.[20]
^Kang, Da-yoon (May 21, 2021). '솔로 데뷔' 레드벨벳 조이, 수록곡 '쥬뗌므' 26일 선공개 ['Solo Debut' of Red Velvet's Joy, 'Je T'aime' will be Pre-released on the 26th]. MyDaily (in Korean). Archived from the original on June 5, 2021. Retrieved June 9, 2021.
^Hwang, Chae-hyun (May 21, 2021). 조이, 스페셜 앨범 수록곡 '쥬뗌므' 26일 음원 선공개 [Joy's Special Album Song 'Je T'aime' will be Pre-released on the 26th]. Sports Kyunghyang (in Korean). Archived from the original on June 7, 2021. Retrieved June 9, 2021.
^Park, Seo-yeon (May 21, 2021). 레드벨벳 조이, 26일 스페셜 앨범 수록곡 'Je T'aime' 음원 선공개 [Red Velvet's Joy Pre-released Song 'Je T'aime' from Her Special Album on the 26th]. Herald POP (in Korean). Archived from the original on June 7, 2021. Retrieved June 7, 2021.
^Park, Kyung-hee (May 21, 2021). 레드벨벳 조이, 26일 'Je T'aime' 음원 선공개...러블리 티저 눈길 [Red Velvet's Joy, Pre-release of 'Je T'aime' on the 26th, Lovely Teaser Preview]. Single List (in Korean). Archived from the original on June 7, 2021. Retrieved June 9, 2021.
^ abHwang, Ji-young (May 23, 2021). "조이가 부르는 '데이 바이 데이'". Isplus (in Korean). Archived from the original on May 25, 2021. Retrieved June 9, 2021.
^"Joy - Hello". Melon (in Korean). May 31, 2021. Archived from the original on May 26, 2021. Retrieved June 9, 2021.