Our R&B queen Heize is back with her new mini-album ‘HAPPEN’. Let’s dive right in because I am stoked!
HAPPEN
We start off with the title track ‘HAPPEN’. What a fabulous start to this mini-album. The intro with the layered vocals is immaculate. When the same vocals are repeated with that funky bass underneath, I was already sold. It’s a sad groove.
The music video is a stunning reference to the works of painter Edward Hopper. His most famous work ‘Nighthawks’ even lent the title for the diner in the music video. This music video definitely fits right in with our feature about Art in Korean Music Videos. I recommend checking that out if you like art references.
The next song is ‘Like the first time’ featuring Gary of LeeSSang. I am obsessed with the strings they used in this track. It’s a beautiful ballad that effortlessly gets enhanced by Heize’s vocals and Gary’s rap verse. It’s absolutely stunning.
CHANGMO is the next feature on the track ‘Flu’. The song was produced by TABLO from Epik High. Surprisingly I enjoyed the use of autotune with the effect on Heize’s vocals. The beat of this is dope.
‘Why’ follows that with a disco ballad vibe. It’s an interesting mix, but I’m here for it. The synths make it feel a bit happier.
Next up
Next up is ‘The Walking Dead’ featuring Kim Feel. I was so excited for this collab when I saw the teaser. As expected the combination of their vocals is so soothing. I am utterly in love with this song. The folk vibe to it is amazing!
The last collab on the mini-album is ‘From The Rain’ with singer Ahn Ye Eun, who I’m personally still obsessed with. In the instrumentals they used the traditional Korean instrument Gayageum. Ahn Ye Eun’s vocals are so suited for that more traditional trot sound. So this combination of Heize, Ahn Ye Eun’s vocals and the gayageum is everything I wanted.
Track seven is ‘Hi, Hello?’ which was co-produced by Giriboy and GLEAM. The staccato sound of this is lovely and overall this track feels very dynamic. The bridge of ‘Hi, Hello?’ feels so sweeping and grand and fragile at the same time. Ugh I love this.
We close off with ‘Destiny, it’s just a tiny dot.’ This is the shortest track on the album, clocking in just under two minutes and feels very much like an outro. The guitar is beautiful and soothing. The song was produced by GLEAM. It kind of reminds me of a Studio Ghibli OST. It’s lovely.
Honestly, ‘HAPPEN’ by Heize is another solid mini-album in her repertoire. I’m so impressed by these tracks and the quality of them. Her collabs on this are so well chosen! As always, Heize doesn’t disappoint.
You can find the album on Spotify here.
