Us (EP)

Last updated

Us
Moon Jong-up - Us.jpg
EP by
Moon Jong-up
ReleasedJuly 8, 2021 (2021-07-08)
Recorded2020–2021
Genre Pop, hip hop, dance
Length15:42
LanguageKorean
Label Big Ocean ENM, Sony Music Korea
Moon Jong-up chronology
Headache
(2020)		Us
(2021)
Singles from Us
  1. "Headache"
    Released: May 7, 2020
  2. "Find"
    Released: July 1, 2021
  3. "Us"
    Released: July 8, 2021

Us (stylized in all caps) is the first mini-album by South Korean singer Moon Jong-up. It was released on July 8, 2021, by Big Ocean ENM and distributed by Sony Music Korea. Following the release of his debut single album Headache and its title track in May 2020, Moon focused on defining his musical direction, which resulted in him working on the record for a year. He crafted an album which incorporates pop, hip hop, and dance music.

Contents

Preceding the mini-album's availability, "Find" featuring Moon Sujin was issued as a single a week prior. Following a series of photo and video teasers, Us and its lead single of the same name were concurrently released. Moon promoted the song by performing it on music chart programs across various television networks. The mini-album peaked at number 47 on South Korea's national Gaon Album Chart.

Background

"You and I could be two separate individuals, but the moment we get to know each other better, we become 'us'." [1]

—Moon on the mini-album title

Moon released his debut solo single album Headache and its title track on May 7, 2020. [2] He attributed the long gap between releases to working with his agency to mold his musical direction, expressing regret in the greed to release his debut single with a new company. [3] With the inclusion of songs demonstrating diverse stories and genres, he intended to "show my colors as a solo artist". [4] He described Us as a his real start because it "has more of 'me' in it." The album title was chosen to reflect the songs' theme of a love confession. [1] The project was recorded over the course of a year and Moon participated in the songwriting of the new material. [4] He was also involved in the making of the album cover, as well as bringing together the music video and dance teams. [5] Feeling a gradual rise in his weight, the singer lost 5 kg (11 lb) in preparation for the forthcoming promotional cycle. [6]

Moon's first performance of "Photo" took place while he was a member of B.A.P during their Live on Earth 2016 World Tour. [7] It had not previously been issued on any of the group's albums. When discussions for the track's inclusion on his solo record occurred, he thought about having former bandmate Bang Yong-guk take part in the song. [8] Towards the end of Bang's tenure in mandatory military service, the pair communicated about constructing the piece. [9] Moon crafted a version with a new arrangement and, following Bang's discharge, they further developed the song; it was re-recorded with Bang providing a rap verse. [9] [10]

After making his debut as a soloist, Moon contacted Moon Soojin, both of whom are alumni from the same middle school, and learned that she also ventured in music. The two became acquainted and jointly worked on "Find". [10] They crafted the song with MIN, Moon Jong-up's longtime friend. [9] Moon worked with songwriter Ryan S. Jhun, who previously co-wrote IU's "Celebrity" and Oh My Girl's "Dolphin". [4] The singer received songs from Jhun and chose "Us" as his favorite among them. [10] When penning the lyrics, Moon wanted to "embody the feeling of when someone confesses to the other and the progression of their relationship." [1] The song was then completed with the composers. [10] In 2019, Moon was a contestant on the survival reality show Signhere, where he collaborated with the MBA crew and met rapper EK. Moon contacted him to work on "Go Up" together. [10]

Music structure

Us comprises various music genres, including pop, hip hop, and dance music. [6] The record opens with "Photo", which features Bang Yong-guk. [11] "Find" is an R&B song that features vocalist Moon Sujin. [9] It is a slow-tempo piece with a "chill vibe" that incorporates rough drums over a soft piano. The lyrics convey the yearning to form relationships with others, including family and friends. [12] "Us" is a minimalist Scandipop track with R&B vocals centered around a guitar and bass groove. [4] [9] The mini-album closes with the pop-funk number "Headache" featuring Yunhway, which Moon described as refreshing and bright. [2] [3]

Release and promotion

On June 24, 2021, Big Ocean ENM posted a teaser poster across social networking services announcing Moon's forthcoming mini-album entitled Us. [13] A promotion scheduler was published the following day to initiate a countdown leading up to the album's release. [14] For the next two consecutive days, the agency uploaded separate pre-review videos: in the first, Moon's former bandmates Yoo Young-jae and Zelo reacted to the title track; three fans of B.A.P participated in the second session. [15] Big Ocean ENM published a music video teaser for "Find" on June 30, which was made available on digital music stores as a pre-release the subsequent day. [16] From July 2, a concept film for Us and three sets of dual concept photos were posted in four successive days. [17] [18]

A fan meeting entitled Summer in the Moon: Moon Jong-up took place on July 3, where he performed album tracks and unveiled the music video for "Us". [19] A highlight medley of Us was shared two days ahead of its release, as well as a music video teaser on the ensuing day. [20] [21] The mini-album and its title track were concurrently issued on July 8. [22] Moon began promoting "Us" on weekly music chart shows that same day. He performed the single on Mnet's M Countdown , [23] KBS2's Music Bank , [24] Seoul Broadcasting System's (SBS) Inkigayo , [25] SBS MTV's The Show , [26] MBC M's Show Champion , [27] and MBC's Show! Music Core . [28] Moon completed promotions on July 26. [29]

Critical reception and commercial performance

Us received favorable reviews from all three critics from TV Daily. Kim Ji-ha felt that the song selection suited Moon well, while Park Sang-hu took note of his musical growth. Kim Han-kil stated that the album proved Moon's capabilities to perform as a soloist. [30] On the chart dated July 4–10, 2021, Us debuted at number 47 on South Korea's national Gaon Album Chart. [31]

Track listing

Us [32]
No.TitleLyricsMusicArrangementLength
1."Photo" (featuring Bang Yong-guk)Moon Jong-up, Bang Yong-guk, Ha Ju-hoMoon Jong-up, Bang Yong-guk, Ha Ju-hoMoon Jong-up, Bang Yong-guk, Ha Ju-ho, Kim Do-yun3:03
2."Find" (featuring Moon Sujin)Moon Jong-up, Moon Sujin, MINMoon Jong-up, Moon Sujin, MIN, BymoreMoon Jong-up, MIN, Bymore3:22
3."Us"Moon Jong-up, Ryan S. Jhun, Jeppe London, Lauritz Emil Christiansen, Celine Svanbäck, Stefan HjortRyan S. Jhun, Jeppe London, Lauritz Emil Christiansen, Celine Svanbäck, Stefan HjortRyan S. Jhun, Jeppe London, Lauritz Emil Christiansen2:59
4."Go Up" (featuring EK)Moon Jong-up, EK, MINMoon Jong-up, EK, MINMoon Jong-up, EK, MIN, Alawn3:14
5."Headache" (featuring Yunhway)Yunhway, Moon Seo-leeHSND, Saka_Zan, Frederik Jyll, Foundboy, Nano, Singing BeetleYunhway, HSND, Saka_Zan, Foundboy3:04
Total length:15:42

Notes

Chart

Chart (2021)Peak
position
South Korean Albums (Gaon) [31] 47

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Moon Jong-up</span> South Korean singer and actor

Moon Jong-up, also known mononymously as Jongup, is a South Korean singer, dancer, and actor. He debuted as an idol in the six-member group B.A.P under TS Entertainment, where he served as a sub-vocalist from 2012 to its dissolution in 2019. Following his departure from TS Entertainment, he released his debut single album Headache in May 2020.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jung Dae-hyun</span> South Korean singer and actor

Jung Dae-hyun, also known mononymously as Daehyun, is a South Korean singer and actor. He debuted as an idol in the six-member group B.A.P under TS Entertainment, where he served as the main vocalist from 2012 to its dissolution in 2019. Following his departure from TS Entertainment, he released his debut mini-album Chapter2 "27" in April 2019. Jung has ventured into musical theater since being cast for Napoleon in 2017.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Yoo Young-jae</span> South Korean singer and actor

Yoo Young-jae, also known mononymously as Youngjae, is a South Korean singer and actor. He debuted as an idol in the six-member group B.A.P under TS Entertainment, where he served as the main vocalist from 2012 to its dissolution in 2019. He released his debut mini-album Fancy in April 2019.

<i>A New Journey</i> (EP) 2019 EP by Nam Woo-hyun

A New Journey is the third mini-album by South Korean singer Nam Woo-hyun of idol group Infinite. It was released on May 7, 2019, by Woollim Entertainment and distributed by Kakao M. Having released two ballad mini-albums since 2016, Nam sought to expand his musical palette and facilitate his growth as a musician. He ultimately crafted a dance record with his stories embedded in the lyrics.

<i>Aight</i> Jung Dae-hyun single album

Aight is the first single album by South Korean singer Jung Dae-hyun. It was released on October 11, 2019, by STX Lionheart and distributed by Genie Music. Having released a ballad record earlier in the year, Jung wanted to further his transition from an idol to a singer-songwriter and "all-rounder solo artist". He conceived the genre, concept, and ambiance of the project, which culminated into a dance album.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Babylon (singer)</span> South Korean singer

Lee Jong-min, better known by his stage name Babylon (베이빌론), is a South Korean singer-songwriter, rapper, and dancer. He debuted as an idol in the five-member group N-Train under Media Line Entertainment, where he served as a vocalist from 2011 to its dissolution in 2013. He debuted as a soloist in 2015 with "Pray" and released his debut studio album Caelo in 2018.

<i>Myname 3rd Single Album</i> Myname single album

Myname 3rd Single Album is the third single album by South Korean idol group Myname. It was released on October 11, 2013, by H2 Media and distributed by Kakao M. Following a series of photo and video teasers, the album and its lead single "Day by Day" were concurrently released. Myname 3rd Single Album peaked at number eight on South Korea's national Gaon Album Chart, shifting over 11,000 units domestically since its release.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">GreatGuys</span> South Korean music group

GreatGuys (Korean: 멋진녀석들) is a South Korean boy band signed to DNA Entertainment. The group consists of three members: Horyeong, Baekgyeol, Donghwi. The nonet debuted on August 25, 2017, with the single "Last Men". They received the Rookie of the Year Award at the 2018 Asia Model Awards. GreatGuys released their mini-albums Take Off in 2018, We're Not Alone_Chapter 1: It's You in 2019, and We're Not Alone_Chapter 2: You & Me in 2020.

<i>D-Day</i> (Kim Dong-han EP) Kim Dong-han EP

D-Day is the debut extended play by South Korean singer Kim Dong-han. It was released on June 19, 2018, by Oui Entertainment and distributed by Kakao M. After Kim's stint on the second season of Mnet's survival reality series Produce 101 in 2017, he promoted as a member of JBJ with fellow former contestants for seven months. Upon the group's dissolution, he began recording music for his debut solo album. A dance record, D-Day sees Kim explore various genres on the tracks.

<i>D-Night</i> Kim Dong-han EP

D-Night is the second extended play by the South Korean singer Kim Dong-han. It was released on October 17, 2018, by Oui Entertainment and distributed by Kakao M. Upon completing promotions for his first mini-album, D-Day, Kim immediately began working on music for a new record. He contributed to songwriting for the first time.

<i>D-Hours AM 7:03</i> Kim Dong-han EP

D-Hours AM 7:03 is the third extended play by South Korean singer Kim Dong-han. It was released on May 1, 2019, by Oui Entertainment and distributed by Genie Music and Stone Music Entertainment. The record's title reflects the beginning and end of someone's day, as well as Kim's birthday. He contributed to the lyrics of all the tracks on the album, which were written amidst his travel schedule.

The following is a list of notable events and releases that happened in 2021 in music in South Korea.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Peakboy</span> South Korean rapper (born 1989)

Kwon Sung-hwan, known professionally as Peakboy (픽보이), is a South Korean rapper, record producer, and singer-songwriter. He released his debut single "Gin & Tonic" in 2017 via SoundCloud and first mini-album Portrait the following year. Since signing with Neuron Music, he has released two additional mini-albums and numerous stand-alone singles.

<i>With</i> (EP) 2021 EP by Nam Woo-hyun

With is the fourth mini-album by South Korean singer Nam Woo-hyun. It was released on October 19, 2021, by Woollim Entertainment and distributed by Kakao Entertainment. After releasing his previous record A New Journey (2019) and completing his Arbor Day 2 concerts, Nam enlisted in mandatory military service that October. He completed his duties and was discharged in August 2021. He held two concerts entitled Ontact Concert: Arbor Day On shortly after his return, where he announced his forthcoming project.

The following is a list of notable events and releases that have happened, or are expected to happen in 2022 in music in South Korea.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Song I-han</span> South Korean singer (born 1994)

Song Byeong-hwa, known professionally as Song I-han (송이한), is a South Korean singer-songwriter. He competed in the blind audition program Blind Musician in 2018 and won the competition, immediately releasing his debut single "Reason". At the end of 2020, he released a special single entitled "I Will Be Your Shining Star" amidst the global COVID-19 pandemic. The ballad rose in prominence and was nicknamed "wedding song icon" upon the launch of a contest in which three soon-to-be-married couples would be selected for a free performance by Song at their wedding. Song received two award nominations at the 36th Golden Disc Awards.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Luminous (group)</span> South Korean boy band

Luminous is a South Korean idol group signed with SE Group Entertainment. Consisting of members Youngbin, Suil, Steven, and Woobin, the quartet released the pre-debut mini-album Vision in August 2021 before launching its first mini-album Youth the following month. The group has since released a second mini-album entitled Between Light and Darkness and its first full-length album Luminous in Wonderland in 2022.

<i>Inside Me</i> (EP) Mini-album by Kim Sung-kyu

Inside Me is the third mini-album by South Korean singer Kim Sung-kyu. It was released on December 14, 2020, by Woollim Entertainment and distributed by Kakao M. Upon completing his compulsory military service in January 2020, Kim sought to release new music. Facing delays amid the COVID-19 pandemic, he recorded music which deviated from his previous work, resulting in an electropop and R&B record.

<i>Wont Forget You</i> (single album) Single album by Kim Sung-kyu

Won't Forget You is the first single album by South Korean singer Kim Sung-kyu. It was released on March 29, 2021, by Woollim Entertainment and distributed by Kakao Entertainment. It marked Kim's final album with the agency after the expiration of his contract and departure from the label. Following a series of photo and video teasers, Won't Forget You and the lead single "Hush" were simultaneously released. The album peaked at number fourteen on South Korea's national Circle Album Chart and has shifted over 11,000 copies since its release.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">BXB (group)</span> South Korean boy band

BXB (Korean: 비엑스비) is a South Korean idol group signed to Wolfburn. Following the disbandment of boy group TRCNG, former bandmates Jihun, Hyunwoo, Siwoo, and Hamin formed the quartet APR Project and began releasing music in 2022. With the addition of June, BXB released its album Intro: Flight and a New Beginning in January 2023.

References

  1. 1 2 3 B.A.P's Moon Jong Up Is Back to Bring You and Me Together for 'Us'! ep. 9-1. YouTube (in Korean). Offstage. July 16, 2021. Retrieved November 7, 2021.
  2. 1 2 Myeong, Hee-suk (May 7, 2020). "B.A.P서 솔로 데뷔" 문종업, 오늘(7일) 신곡 'Headache' 발표. Mydaily (in Korean). Retrieved November 7, 2021.
  3. 1 2 Chu, Seung-hyeon (July 12, 2021). [인터뷰] 문종업 "B.A.P 때와 다른 솔로 활동, 모든 반응이 피부로 와 닿아요". Seoul Economic Daily (in Korean). Retrieved November 7, 2021.
  4. 1 2 3 4 Yoon, Sang-keun (July 8, 2021). '솔로 컴백' 문종업 "'US' 내 커리어 가장 중요한 앨범"[인터뷰①]. Starnews (in Korean). Retrieved November 7, 2021.
  5. ↑ Kim, Su-yeong (July 8, 2021). [인터뷰+] 문종업, B.A.P 품고 솔로로…"이젠 자기주도형 아티스트". Korea Economic Daily (in Korean). Retrieved November 7, 2021.
  6. 1 2 Kim, Ye-na (July 7, 2021). 문종업 "5kg 체중 감량, 아직 아이돌 같더라" [엑's 인터뷰③]. xportsnews (in Korean). xportsmedia. Retrieved November 7, 2021.
  7. ↑ Yoon, Gi-baek (August 8, 2016). [SW현장] '금의환향' B.A.P., 세계가 주목하는 공연형 아티스트. Sports World (in Korean). Retrieved November 7, 2021.
  8. ↑ Kim, Su-yeong (July 8, 2021). [인터뷰] 문종업 "B.A.P 형들도 솔로 응원해 줬어요" ①. Korea Economic Daily (in Korean). Retrieved November 7, 2021.
  9. 1 2 3 4 5 Park, Dong-seon (July 8, 2021). [인터뷰] 문종업, '그루브 속 우리들의 공감 어린 이야기' (US 발매기념 종합). ET News (in Korean). Electronic Times Internet. Retrieved November 7, 2021.
  10. 1 2 3 4 5 Yoon, Sang-keun (July 8, 2021). 문종업 "'US' 만족도 90점..방용국 피쳐링 'Photo' 팬들 기대"[인터뷰②]. Starnews (in Korean). Retrieved November 7, 2021.
  11. ↑ Lee, Nam-kyeong (June 28, 2021). 문종업, EP 'Us' 트랙리스트 공개…B.A.P 출신 방용국 피처링 참여. MBN Star (in Korean). Maeil Broadcasting Network . Retrieved November 7, 2021.
  12. ↑ Ha, Na-yeong (July 1, 2021). [오늘노래] 대세는 콜라보?…ITZY 만난 다비이모→후이 만난 CIX. Digital Chosun Ilbo (in Korean). Chosun Media. Retrieved November 7, 2021.
  13. ↑ Lee, Min-ji (June 24, 2021). B.A.P 출신 문종업, 1년2개월만 컴백 "7월8일 앨범발매"(공식). Newsen (in Korean). Retrieved November 7, 2021.
  14. ↑ Jung, Hye-yeon (June 25, 2021). B.A.P 출신 문종업, 첫 미니앨범'어스' 스케줄러 공개..솔로 컴백 카운트다운. Herald Pop (in Korean). Herald Corporation . Retrieved November 7, 2021.
  15. ↑ Seon, Mi-kyeong (June 26, 2021). 문종업, 미니1집 '어스' 리액션 비디오 공개..B.A.P 출연. Osen (in Korean). Retrieved November 7, 2021.
  16. ↑ An, Byeong-kil (June 30, 2021). 문종업 '파인드' MV 티저 공개. Sports Kyunghyang (in Korean). Kyunghyang Company. Retrieved November 7, 2021.
  17. ↑ Kim, Ye-na (July 2, 2021). 문종업, '어스' 콘셉트 필름 오픈…레트로 영상미. xportsnews (in Korean). xportsmedia. Retrieved November 7, 2021.
  18. ↑ Park, Gyeong-hee (July 5, 2021). 문종업, 'US' 콘셉트 포토 공개…치명적 섹시美 발산. Single List (in Korean). Retrieved November 7, 2021.
  19. ↑ Joo, Mi-jin (July 4, 2021). 문종업, '스포 맛집' 스페셜 팬미팅 '성황리 마무리'. Insight Korea (in Korean). xportsmedia. Retrieved November 7, 2021.
  20. ↑ Kim, Min-ju (July 6, 2021). 문종업 첫 솔로 미니앨범 '어스' 하이라이트 메들리 공개. Seoul Economic Daily (in Korean). Retrieved November 7, 2021.
  21. ↑ Lee, Duk-haeng (July 8, 2021). 문종업, 신곡 '어스' MV 티저 공개…글로벌 환호 부른 '압도적 고혹美'. Starnews (in Korean). Retrieved November 7, 2021.
  22. ↑ Lee, Seol (July 8, 2021). 문종업, 새로운 감각 품은 첫 솔로 미니 '어스' 발매. The Financial News (in Korean). Retrieved November 7, 2021.
  23. ↑ Kim, Ji-hye (July 8, 2021). '엠카운트다운' 문종업, '설렘+환호' 부른 '어스' 퍼포먼스. Daily Sports Hankook (in Korean). Retrieved November 7, 2021.
  24. ↑ Lee, Seol (July 9, 2021). '뮤직뱅크' 문종업, 치명 섹시 빛난 '어스' 컴백 무대. The Financial News (in Korean). Retrieved November 7, 2021.
  25. ↑ Cho, Yeon-yeong (July 11, 2021). '인기가요' 문종업, 섹시하게 완성한 'Us'. Ilgan Sports (in Korean). Retrieved November 7, 2021.
  26. ↑ Jo, Eun-mi (July 13, 2021). "멤버들 사랑해"..'더쇼' 전소연, 컴백 동시에 1위..공민지·SF9 컴백[종합]. Herald Pop (in Korean). Herald Corporation. Retrieved November 7, 2021.
  27. ↑ Sohn, Bong-sik (July 14, 2021). '쇼챔' 문종업, '어스' 무대로 시선 강탈. Sports Kyunghyang (in Korean). Kyunghyang Company. Retrieved November 7, 2021.
  28. ↑ Choi, Ji-eun (July 17, 2021). '음중' 문종업, '어스'로 여심 폭격. Top Daily (in Korean). Retrieved November 7, 2021.
  29. ↑ Yu, Byeong-cheol (July 26, 2021). 문종업, 첫 미니앨범 '어스' 활동 종료…"앞으로의 성장 더 기대해". Korea Economic Daily TV (in Korean). Retrieved November 7, 2021.
  30. ↑ Kim, Han-kil (July 11, 2021). 영나인,8C·뷰·문종업·재하·라비던스, 개성 강한 신보 [이번주 뭐 들었니?]. TV Daily (in Korean). Retrieved November 7, 2021.
  31. 1 2 2021년 28주차 Album Chart (in Korean). Gaon Music Chart . Retrieved November 7, 2021.
  32. ↑ Us (liner notes). Moon Jong-up. Big Ocean ENM. 2021. 1103429818.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.