Nam Woohyun - I'll hug you quietly
Album Information #
Nam Woohyun
- ‘Growth Rings’ carved through music
- Commemorating 9 years of solo career, symbolically containing growth, change, and promise
γ Tree, Ring, and Tree Ring γ
‘Tree Ring’ refers to the rings that reveal a tree’s maturity. This fifth mini-album, composed entirely of self-written songs, not only showcases Nam Woohyun’s musically matured state as a tree but also contains the meaning of a promise - like a ring, one of his symbolic elements - to continue growing musically and reaching out to INSPIRITs and new fans.
The fact that it consists entirely of Nam Woohyun’s self-composed songs as an already established singer-songwriter also holds deep significance. The album’s overall storytelling, along with all tracks seeming to contain stories of INSPIRITs, new fans, and all of us, shows authenticity while revealing the deep contemplation and effort that went through Nam Woohyun’s hands.
The title track ‘Only Go Straight’ filled with such hand-crafted songs.
‘Only Go Straight’ symbolizes Nam Woohyun from its very title and delivers explosive and refreshing coolness, showing that passionate sincerity is the strongest. The message of choosing to go straight toward only one person delivers both hot and cool energy to listeners on sweltering summer days. Particularly, the intense guitar sound in the intro and interlude reminds of chase scenes in youth films, and this energy was actually expressed through the music video. Nam Woohyun directly played the role of a baseball pitcher protagonist, and actress ‘Song Ji-woo’, who left a deep impression as the child actor Choi Hye-jeong in the drama
The deeply resonant B-side tracks are also sufficient to move listeners. ‘3 Minutes Later (You Have to Go Back After 3 Minutes)’ - a story of not doubting love and promising to return even if you have to go back after 3 minutes. ‘After Meeting You’ conveys the message of truly betting everything on love, and ‘Quietly, I’ll Hug You’ contains a message of comfort to all those who endure hardships as naturally as breathing. And ‘It’s Harsh’, which was pre-released through the Arbor Day 4 concert and has already settled in our hearts as a cry that the world is harsh only to me but I’ll still try to enjoy it - you can feel the emotion and meaning intact.
The fifth mini-album [Tree Ring] where you can feel the promise and growth rings of a single tree. And like a tree under dazzling sunlight, a hot summer scene and a cool, refreshing summer scene that will unfold before us. Through this album, let’s feel all those scenes and look forward to Nam Woohyun’s music that will grow infinitely even more.
< NAM WOO HYUN 5th Mini Album Review >
- Only Go Straight
Lyrics by Nam Woohyun, TAIBIAN, Dr.Ba$$(1), CODA Composed by Nam Woohyun, TAIBIAN, Dr.Ba$$(1), CODA Arranged by Nam Woohyun, TAIBIAN, Dr.Ba$$(1), CODA
Chorus by Nam Woohyun Guitar by Kim Hyung-ju Piano by Lim Kyung-man Bass by Lee Jae-gyun Drum by Tak Yong-jin Keyboard by TAIBIAN Audio Edited by Lim Kyung-man Recorded by Jung Ki-hong, Choi Da-in, Lee Chan-mi, Ju Ye-chan @Seoulstudio
Mixed by Jung Ki-hong (Asst. Choi Da-in, Lee Chan-mi) @Seoulstudio Mastered by Kwon Nam-woo @821 Sound Mastering
‘Only Go Straight’ is a ROCK&ROLL track that depicts the pure rush toward love over relentless guitar riffs and powerful drum beats. The atmosphere that builds as the song progresses contains the conviction of reaching the finish line called ‘you’, giving simple but deep resonance. Nam Woohyun’s vocals, like a confident cry proving that simple and passionate sincerity is stronger than complex hesitation, are also impressive.
- You Have to Go Back After 3 Minutes
Lyrics by Nam Woohyun, TAIBIAN, Dr.Ba$$(1), CODA Composed by Nam Woohyun, TAIBIAN, Dr.Ba$$(1), CODA Arranged by Nam Woohyun, TAIBIAN, Dr.Ba$$(1), CODA
Guitar by Kim Hyung-ju Piano by Lim Kyung-man Bass by Lee Jae-gyun Drum by Tak Yong-jin Keyboard by TAIBIAN Chorus by Lim Kyung-man Strings by Yoong String Strings Arranged & Conducted by Lee Na-il Audio Edited by Lim Kyung-man Recorded by Jung Ki-hong, Choi Da-in, Lee Chan-mi, Ju Ye-chan @Seoulstudio
Mixed by Jung Ki-hong (Asst. Choi Da-in, Lee Chan-mi) @Seoulstudio Mastered by Kwon Nam-woo @821 Sound Mastering
The third puzzle of ‘Youth Sensibility Rock’ following ‘From the Future’ and ‘It Was Dazzling’. After a gentle piano intro, Nam Woohyun’s calm emotions singing as if speaking are highlighted by the majestic strings and Nam Woohyun’s explosive emotions and vocal ability that intensify toward the latter half. The lyrics depicting a man’s desperate confession after returning to his loved one against the flow of time are impressive, with fateful repeated coincidences, deeply engraved first love memories, and the heart wanting to convey within just 3 minutes of limited time unfolding over turbulent melodies.
- After Meeting You
Lyrics by Nam Woohyun Composed by Nam Woohyun Arranged by Jung Gu-hyeon
Guitar by Jung Gu-hyeon Piano by Jung Gu-hyeon Chorus by Jung Gu-hyeon Digital Edited by Jung Gu-hyeon @STUDIO1074 Recorded by Jo Kwon-ho @MAJORIG Studio
Mixed by Hong Sung-jun @Gaenari Sound Mastered by Kwon Nam-woo @821 Sound Mastering
A song with impressive harmony of lyrical acoustic sound and emotional melody. Fresh medium tempo combined with passionate and sincere lyrics completes Nam Woohyun’s unique sensibility. Particularly, Nam Woohyun’s emotional yet explosive vocal expression at the end of the song leaves a deep impression.
- Quietly, I’ll Hug You
Lyrics by Nam Woohyun Composed by Nam Woohyun Arranged by Nam Woohyun, Jung Gu-hyeon, Solshine
Guitar by Jung Gu-hyeon Piano by Solshine Synth by Solshine Midi Programming by Jung Gu-hyeon, Solshine Chorus by Jung Gu-hyeon String by Kang Min-hun @AimStrings Digital Edited by Jung Gu-hyeon @STUDIO1074 Recorded by Kim Min-hee @821 Sound
Mixed by Jung Jin @J’s Atelier Mastered by Kwon Nam-woo @821 Sound Mastering
A song with outstanding composition that starts with minimal arrangement and gradually builds band sound. The climax where elaborate and delicate strings, vocals, and chorus melodies blend together maximizes the comforting message Nam Woohyun wanted to express.
- It’s Harsh
Lyrics by Nam Woohyun Composed by Nam Woohyun Arranged by Jung Gu-hyeon, Solshine
Guitar by Jung Gu-hyeon Synth by Solshine Midi Programming by Jung Gu-hyeon, Solshine Chorus by Jung Gu-hyeon Digital Edited by Jung Gu-hyeon @STUDIO1074 Recorded by Lee Chan-mi @Seoulstudio
Mixed by Hong Sung-jun @Gaenari Sound Mastered by Kwon Nam-woo @821 Sound Mastering
A medium tempo song that creates a stylish atmosphere with sensuous guitar and rhythm combined with upbeat beats. A cry that boldly expresses words everyone has felt at least once but couldn’t easily voice while drawing empathy gives deep resonance.
- Only Go Straight (Inst.)
Composed by Nam Woohyun, TAIBIAN, Dr.Ba$$(1), CODA Arranged by Nam Woohyun, TAIBIAN, Dr.Ba$$(1), CODA