Siyeon....Where do we even begin with this highly underrated vocalist. Paradise is her first digital single and was released on January 29th. I think I speak for a lot of people when I say that we certainly don't want it to be her last!
Paradise is an interesting song that we can divide up into the three distinct layers. First we have the instrumental, and boy what an instrumental it is. I feel like this song is very unique in that it blends your traditional ballad with a synth/electronic element which really compliments her lower register used pre and post chorus. The baseline isn't aggressive but dominant enough to drive the song with good pace and power. Then further into the track we get the pleasure of the song ramping up into the chorus following a unique synth rift which I found sounded like an abstract Theremin! It was these elements that I found really worked well with her vocal rather than overshadow it. A feeling of suspense is definitely felt throughout the song but more so in the STUNNING bridge. A true lesson of less = more my friends.
The second layer is the vocal. Siyeon does not disappoint here, I am pretty sure she could sing Happy Birthday and we would be in awe. Her vocal starts our sweet and breathy before she employs her deeper register to the meat of the track. Siyeon's vocal flexibility throughout this song highlights her proficient technique and talent when singing. She certainly knows when to belt out those notes but also knows when to hold back and bring the listener closer to the song itself. I really enjoyed her vocal as a complete package in this particular release but I have to give credit to the bridge once more. Those airy vocals, slower pacing, and her sweet vibrato elevate this song to something truly magical.
The third and final layer is the lyrics. Having written the song herself get the impression Siyeon had a definitive message she wanted to share with her fans. It is this message that really solidifies this track as something to be flawed by. Her lyrics paint a beautiful picture of a place safe from harm, a place free from worry...a Paradise. If you haven't checked out the English lyrics of this song please do so!
Lastly I wanted to bring attention to the music video, or special clip as it's been called. There are multiple versions of this music video for your viewing pleasure so please do check them all out if you love the song. In the one embedded in this review we can see a very paired back film centering on Siyeon whom is largely using body language and eye contact to portray the message of the song to the viewer. While simple the video is effective and captures Siyeon's beauty well. Would I have liked a full production music video that really highlighted the electronic elements of the song...well yes, that would be amazing but I have to say that I am content with the multiple offers Siyeon has provided as far as music videos go.
My rating
Music Video: 7/10
Song: 9/10
Concept: 9/10
Style: 7/10
Dance: N/A
Overall: 32/40
If you liked this review please let me know your thoughts! - THR
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