Review: Seo In Young And Zion T Conjure Up A Fresh New Sound With A Full Band On 'Thinking Of You' [VIDEO]

Floating in a sea of K-pop ballads that seem to barely have a pulse, South Korean singer Seo In Young's new single "Thinking Of You," featuring vocalist and producer Zion T, is an island oasis.

Too mellow to be called a dance track, although with way to much of a backbeat than one expects when they hear the term "K-pop ballad," the song has just the right amount of snap and soul to keep you snapping your fingers throughout Seo and Zion's emotive vocalizing.

Released earlier this month along with a psychedelically sexy video, "Thinking Of You" has a refreshingly new sound for the genre.

Though it has shadows of past R&B classics, like Lauryn Hill's 1998 track "Tell Him" or Faith Hill's 2002 hit "I Love You," there is something distinctly different about "Thinking Of You."

The drum sound is great; that's always a good start.

The fact that "Thinking Of You" features live musicians playing the parts instead of the endless digital simulation we've come to expect from pop music, gives this song an immediate edge.

Though this might not even be apparent to many listeners, it is only testament to the players Seo and Zion selected being skilled minimalists, providing extremely tasty parts that leave plenty of room for the vocals to shine.

And those vocals deserve at least a brief mention.

Seo In Young has a style of her own, an achievement that seems increasingly rare. Though Zion owes a great debt to Michael Jackson's vocal phrasing, why not steal from the best? He also has, of course found a way to make it his own. And it is refreshing to see yet another Korean vocalist adapting MJ's style to his native tongue.

Seo and Zion each provide a beautiful compliment to the other's vocals. Their voices meld beautifully. All of which summons up a vibe that is quite relaxing. This is feel good music, pure and simple.

While a lot of music expresses a sound best saved for the witching hour, "Thinking Of You" is a daytime jam. But it's one that is sure to make the daytime bright.

Watch the video for Seo In Young's new single "Thinking Of You" featuring Zion T RIGHT HERE

Tags
zion.t
ziont
Seo In Young
Thinking Of You
Join the Discussion

Latest Photo Gallery

Real Time Analytics