Hello
안녕하세요
(Annyeonghaseyo)
こんにちは
(Konnichiwa)
你好
(Ni Hao)
So back on the 8th of March 2016, over 2 years ago I posted about a South Korean girl group F(x) and their 4th full length album 4 Walls, now it's time to post about member Amber and her debut solo mini album Beautiful.
On the 30th of November 2014, SM Entertainment announced that Amber would be making her solo debut in February 2015. Then on the 9th of February 2015, track Beautiful was pre-released digitally along with a lyric video for the track.
Owned by SM Entertainment
On the 10th of February 2015, "Shake That Brass" M/V teaser #1 was released.
Owned by SM Entertainment
On the 11th of February 2015, "Shake That Brass" M/V teaser #2 with Taeyeon was released.
Owned by SM Entertainment
On the 12th of February 2015. "Shake That Brass" M/V teaser #3 with friends was released.
Owned by SM Entertainment
On the 13th of February 2015, the "Shake That Brass" M/V was released along with the digital and physical release of Amber's debut solo mini album Beautiful.
Owned by SM Entertainment
On the 17th of September 2015, a special video was released for Beautiful.
Owned by SM Entertainment
The music video for Shake That Brass gained attention for the number of celebrities that were featured. Besides Taeyeon, fellow Girls Generation member Hyoyeon appeared, as well as Jackson from GOT7, Park Joon-hyung from g.o.d, Jia and Min from MISS A, Ellin from Crayon Pop, Brad from Busker Busker, Woori from Rainbow, Aron from N'UEST, Rome from C-Clown, model Irene Kim and comedian Ahn Young-mi.
On the 12th of February, during the broadcast of SBS Power FM's 'Cultwo Show', Amber revealed that she had personally asked Taeyeon if she wanted to feature on her debut solo track.
Track 'Beautiful' was written by Amber 3 years prior to the mini albums release, Beautifuls lyrics tell the story of her hardships, that she had to face as she achieved her dreams of becoming an entertainer. While track 'I Just Wanna' is the English version of F(x)'s song 'Goodbye Summer', Amber used her original lyrics on the track, while singer Eric Nam featured as guest vocals.
Amber began promotions on the 13th of February 2015, on Music Bank, performing Beautiful and Shake That Brass. During promotions Red Velvet's Wendy and Amber's fellow F(x) member Luna performed during Shake That Brass filling in for Taeyeon's parts.
Amber participated on the lyric writing, composing and arrangement on all the tracks on her mini album, apart from the arrangement of track 'I Just Wanna'.
Beautiful peaked at No.2 on the Gaon Albums Chart, No.19 on the Billboard Heatseekers Albums Chart and No.2 on the Billboard World Albums Chart.
Gaon Sales:
15,620+
*YouTube views correct at the time of writing post*
The M/V for Shake That Brass has so far gained 25,441,113 million views, with the views continuing to increase.
Beautiful is set out in a hardback book style case, the album follows a bright and colourful concept as well as the Shake That Brass M/V concept, the album also comes with a photo card.
Track List:
Beautiful
Shake That Brass ft. Taeyeon
Love Run
Heights
I Just Wanna ft. Eric Nam
While I wasn't a massive fan of Shake That Brass when it was originally released, it's one of those songs that after a few listens, grows on you and you come to love. When I heard Taeyeon would be featuring on the track, I checked out the M/V teasers and decided to check out the M/V and song on release, which in turned made me more interested in Amber and F(x), Amber is still a member of F(x) that I continue to follow the most as she's an inspiration to to everyone, she's one of the K-pop idols I use as a role model, not only for my daughter but also for myself. I've even shared the lyrics for Beautiful in the past to an ex work colleague of mine when her daughter was having a hard time at school. Amber is an idol, entertainer and artist that reminds anyone and everyone that no matter what they should be true to who they are. On the first listen of Amber's solo mini album, I was in love, from start to finish the album is amazing, each track is different, and it showcases something not many fans, especially myself, knew about; Amber's singing ability. I love listening to Amber sing, personally for me when she sings she has the ability to wash away in woes or worries I may have.
Beautiful
Shake That Brass
Love Run
Heights
I Just Wanna
A lot of fans are pretty mad (putting it politely), with how SM seem to be treating Amber, even she has shown her frustration with the company as there has been no physical solo releases from Amber since Beautiful, she's done the odd digital release for SM's station, the same also goes for F(x), they've not made group comeback since the release of 4 Walls. I wouldn't be surprised that once her contract is up that she leaves SM and heads elsewhere. I hope we get another physical solo album from Amber as well as F(x) and I hope Amber continues to push boundaries and borders in K-pop and society.
Are you a fan of Amber?
Has she inspired you in anyway?
What's your favourite track from Beautiful?
Let me know in the comments below.
See you soon!
안녕
(Annyeong)
さようなら
(Sayonara)
再见
(ZaiJian)
Bye
