YooA – Bon Voyage
Title: Bon Voyage Artist: YooA Label: WM Entertainment Release: September 7, 2020
I believe it was impossible not to expect me to do a review of the entire mini after all YooA had the honor of being my first “unnie” that I wrote to for our To All The Oppas And Unnies We Loved feature. I knew it was a matter of time before YooA would have her solo debut as I always considered her to be the most well rounded member of the group. Hence we were blessed with a five (5) song mini album.. let’s continue on to read my thoughts!
The mini album starts out with title track Bon Voyage. I will admit that having seen the trailer for the song prior to hearing it, I was expecting a kind of fantasy like and explorative sound. There have been many arguments surrounding the inspiration of the MV and whether it is cultural appropriation or not. Personally, I cannot speak on it as it is not my culture and if people are offended then let them be. I will say that I enjoy the music video a lot, it is very clearly conceptualized as a breath of life and awakening. The sounds within this song are so powerful paired with her melodic voice, I was truly stunned to think that this is what she delivered for her title. The verses are strong with the tropical drums, but then the addition of more rounded instruments and the drums really amps the sound up. It is so majestic and beautiful and very unique given what we have been seeing lately for solo debuts. I think what could’ve elevated this track to the next level would have been a proper chorus. Something that would’ve packed a punch, but even as it stands now, it is stunning.
After the title track we are led into Far, which takes more of the standard approach to tropical house sound. I can very easily see how this could be a favorite of many as it is the type of sound that we’re used to. I think what saves it from really buckling down on being basic is the vocal. I do like that she did a post chorus in the end. Dive on the other hand is the album’s masterpiece imo. I love funky synth sounds so much. I think this song lacks nothing. Forget the vocals that saved the previous song, the layering on this is A TREASURE. She sounds so damn good. I could easily see this being the title track.
Abracadabra is another sound that utilizes a sound that I enjoy hearing kpop producers play with, synthpop mixed with deep house. It gives the same vibes of a Taemin song. I believe that this song was for her to showcase her dance. It plays like a performance song and based on what I’ve seen from the showcase and other music shows I wasn’t wrong. It is definitely a fun one to enjoy. If the previous was for her dance then End of Story was for the vocals. No album ends without a strong ballad and ffs she sounds so damn beautiful. Her voice sounds like it was blessed by angels. I love it.
Final Thoughts
Overall I must say that this is one of the most cohesive album debuts we have seen in a while. It’s weird how this album feels very authentic to YooA, like it really feels like this is something prideful that she wanted to give us. I thoroughly enjoyed listening to every track and I am excited to see what the future has in store for her! Good Job on your debut! xx
Concept: 5/5
Vocals: 5/5
Raps: 3/5
Cohesiveness: 5/5
Overall Rating: 4.5/5
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