Our latest kpop CEO has really showcased his talent in this latest album Cyan. The concept of the album is really interesting and is something I want to explore further, but first let’s start with reviewing the music video.

This music video was the epitome of summer. The storyline of Kang Daniel messing around with some of his friends in a movie theater really captured a youthful energy. The tie-dye outfits and bright blue hair color stood out and fit the concept well. 

The song itself is a song you could play by the pool while leisurely floating on your flamingo inflatable. I could see the cyan color while listening to the song. The syncopated instrumentals in the introduction set the plucky tone while Kang Daniel’s smooth vocals sing the catchy melody. 

The dance was very groovy, complementing the bright song. The little hand move at “tell me” was a super cute move.  The couple dance was a fun touch. I feel like this type of choreography is common among soloists. This specific vibe and dance reminds me a little bit of Chungha’s “Love U.”

 

This concept is definitely creative. According to a Forbes interview, Kang Daniel says, “The ‘color’ series is the process of finding my true colors, therefore I can’t say this first mini-album Cyan is my color, but I would like to say the ‘first button.’” 

Cyan is a great choice for a spring album as it is bright and reminds me of the clear sky. The album series reminds me a bit of the Mamamoo series where each member had a mini album and color. It makes sense that colors are so closely related to music as the two things are related to art and sensory perception.

 Kpop music videos are so legendary because they visually accompany the song and the two elements compliment each other. I remember Twice was stating that they were called Twice because they were supposed to “touch your heart twice,” once through the ears and once through the eyes. 

There are a couple kpop songs that definitely evoke colors. “Boy With Luv” by BTS is pink, courtesy of the amazing pink outfits worn in the music video. “Home” by Seventeen is definitely a beige brown, the perfect song for fall. “Hip” by Mamamoo is the bright orange that is present in the concept photos.  

 

Cyan, the album, is full of very good songs. The b-sides all play their part in the listening experience, none of them sounding like fillers.  My favorite is probably “Interview.” The distorted, almost muted piano chords help fill out the song with the catchy chorus of “in-ter-view.”

I’m excited to see the rest of the color series and to see Kang Daniel’s future work!

– Lainie