A Beautifully Somber Misfire: The Unmet Expectation on Lee Seung Gi’s 3rd Album — Story of Separation
Here’s the thing: you’ve already released two commercially and critically successful albums, gaining a reputation as the next generation’s leading ballad singer. Naturally, expectations are high when you announce a new album. You bring in some of the biggest names in music to help craft the album, yet the result is a total mismatch with the times and trends of the moment. I feel like Story of Separation is like a failed attempt to recreate the essence of a 90s ballad album, missing the mark despite its promising setup.
Story of Separation was released on August 16, 2007, a year and a half after Crazy for You (I’m not counting remake albums). The album garnered attention for featuring Choi Youngsoo, the renowned songwriter and composer who was a major hitmaker for SG Wannabe’s songs at the time. To fully dedicate himself to the album, Seunggi put all other activities on hold after his first concert back in February 2007, focusing solely on bringing this project to completion.
For a 20-year-old singer, the deep focus on heartbreak in this album presents a compelling emotional journey, revealing a well of experiences that may still be healing. The introspective lyrics provide an honest look into heartache, immersing the listener in the themes of loss and longing. While the weight of these themes can make it a challenge to absorb the entire album in one sitting, this intensity creates a powerful listening experience. The heartfelt exploration may overshadow some musical elements, but it leaves a lasting impression that resonates, encouraging listeners to reflect on their emotional landscapes.
Much like 4th regular album, Shadow, I’ve experienced a tough time connecting with this album. Despite listening to it all the way through, I find that the overarching theme remains elusive and doesn’t resonate deeply with me. The standout track, Smile Boy, offers a refreshing burst of energy with its upbeat rhythm, providing a brief reprieve from the otherwise heavy emotional landscape. However, nearly every other song leans heavily into the use of minor chords and explores themes of heartbreak, creating a pervasive sense of melancholy throughout the album. While the lyrics and melodies are undeniably heartfelt and showcase the artist’s vulnerability, the overall somber tone can feel burdensome at times, leading to an experience that is more draining than uplifting.
The title track, White Lie, presents itself as a traditional ballad that seeks to convey a deeply poignant narrative of love and sacrifice. It tells the heart-wrenching story of a man who harbors profound feelings for his woman but ultimately comes to the painful realization that letting her go may be the best option for her happiness. Haunted by the notion that he hasn’t done enough to support her, he grapples with his emotions throughout the song.
Right from the first note, White Lie channels a strong 90s ballad vibe, marked by strong instrumentation and emotive melodies that evoke a sense of nostalgia. However, despite its familiar soundscapes, the song fails to introduce any particularly compelling or unique elements that would elevate it above its peers.
As the centerpiece of the album, one might expect that the title track would serve as the standout piece, the one that lingers in listeners’ minds long after the final chord. Instead, White Lie falls disappointingly short of delivering the emotional impact one would hope to experience from a lead single. The storytelling feels somewhat flat, lacking the intricate details and vivid imagery that could draw the audience into the protagonist’s internal struggle. While the intention behind the song is clear, the execution leaves little room for connection, making it less memorable than it could have been. In a landscape where other ballads thrived on rich narratives and emotional crescendos, White Lie feels like an opportunity missed, unable to fully resonate with listeners.
The follow-up song, Why Are You Leaving, fails to enhance the overall quality of the album. I find myself unable to finish listening to it due to its overwhelmingly sad tone. The lyrics and emotional weight are so heavy that they evoke a sense of despair, which is difficult to absorb. I question the creative decisions made by the producer(s) behind this album in choosing to include such a somber track. While I recognize that it has a strong K-drama vibe, the intense themes and overly dramatic musical arrangement make it hard to connect with. Consequently, I do not foresee myself returning to this song in the future.
Despite everything, I firmly believe that one song stands out as a remarkable B-side track: Smile Boy. It’s puzzling why Seunggi has so many fantastic B-sides but relatively lackluster title tracks across all of his albums. What makes Smile Boy special is its vibrant arrangement and uplifting lyrics, even though it addresses heartbreak. These elements create a refreshing contrast to the heavier tone of the rest of the album. This song has the power to brighten your day and is far less somber than the others. It makes perfect sense that Smile Boy was remade in 2010 as a cheerful anthem; its uplifting spirit resonates with listeners.
This album seems to receive less attention compared to his other albums, which may be due to its overall quality. The reception has been mixed, and it appears that he needs help with the popular cow herding-singing style of the time. As a result, his music career is facing challenges, especially as he competes with other artists who are gaining popularity. The impact of his 1st album was significant, leading many fans to expect a similar style in subsequent releases. However, after his 1st album, he boldly transitioned into ballads, moving away from the rock vibe that defined his earlier work. While this shift reflects his artistic growth, it might have been beneficial for him to explore his original style for a few more albums before venturing into a new direction. This gradual approach could have allowed him to build a more diverse audience while retaining the essence of his earlier sound. (maybe I'll exclusively talk about it in the last part of the project)
