footballfina 29,566 Posted May 5, 2014 Share Posted May 5, 2014 Written by Camiele On May 4, 2014 One thing that’s always impressed and frustrated me about DBSK, past and present, is the members’ abilities to compose and create their own music. The former members of DBSK—Jaejoong, Yoochun, and Junsu—have proven their prowess with a pen and behind the sound board. Following the very public breakup of the quintet, the men of JYJ have created most of their music, with varying levels of success and audience acceptance. Nevertheless, their creative endeavors have been well-documented and quite prolific. However, what frustrates me is why the two remaining members of the group must still rely on SM’s production team to create all of their songs. That hasn’t stopped Changmin from flexing his creative muscle and delivering some truly gorgeous K-pop balladry. While he didn’t do a great deal of composition work while the group was still five, Changmin first tried his hand at songwriting on DBSK’s fourth and most successful album, Mirotic, when he penned the Korean lyrics for their classic “Love in the Ice.†As most people already know, the song is incredibly evocative, the vocal and musical compositions alone eliciting visceral reactions to all who listen to it. But Changmin’s translation of the ballad adds an emotional weight to the music that anchors it and creates a lasting impression. While the Japanese lyrics—penned by Suzuki Daisuke—speak of a harsh love, borne through suffering and an icy desire to ignore the natural impulse to love, Changmin’s translation is… softer, much like the difference between singing in the sharper cadence of Japanese and the smoother rounded contours of Korean. Changmin took creative license, transforming the song from a power ballad about love’s redemption through heartbreak into a song about holding strong to one’s lover, holding that love between them and warming it, blocking out the ice instead of letting it settle and crack the foundations of their connection. “Just like the star that doesn’t leave the dark night skyWe’ll carry this dream forever together with love and trustIf I were that personOnce againI’d hug your hardened heart tightly in my arms forever†*sobs forever* When the fivesome became a duo, Changmin was given more room to explore his creative side. He’d already started learning guitar—an instrument none of the members really professed to have any tangible knowledge of, piano being their weapon of choice—so branching out on his own creatively was naturally the next step. The group’s debut album as a duo was a noticeable tentative step into finding the group’s new voice. This was the perfect opportunity for Changmin to prove himself more than just a competent translator. His solo track “Confession†is dripping with heartache. The narrator has recently broken up with a lover, someone who has impacted him so much, he’s found it hard to move on, claiming, “Not once, not for a moment, did I think I would become a ‘me’ without you.†However, as time passes, he begins to let go of the memory of the one who’s hurt him. “Confession†is sweeping and emotional, a surprisingly layered piece of balladry that’s mostly piano until the song’s climax, when it builds in grandness with strings and a chorus of male voices. Much like his translation of “Love in the Ice,†Changmin uses imagery and metaphor quite poetically, the song acting as a canvas for which he paints his story scene by scene. “That slightly cold dawn,when the darkness lifted, and the dim lights turned off one by oneThis path that I’m already used to, where I watch you tell me that it’s already too late,and I purposely return to somewhere far away.†http://youtu.be/kJq9HNjzCEE The trend of Changmin being allowed to contribute one song per album continued on the group’s next album. 2012’s Catch Me was a hit-or-miss affair, with some unfortunate work form The Underdogs and an unfocused album construction. However, “ †was a beautiful drop in the midst of overbearing dubstep and attempts at futuristic electronica. As with Changmin’s previous offerings, it’s soft and sweet, with an undertone of heartache and introspective regret. This time, our hapless narrator finds his heart in turmoil because even after knowing his heart belongs to a certain someone, he’s incapable of admitting it to her, “because I was shy.†Only after he’s let her go does he finally confess that he loves her, thanking her for being in his life, declaring at the song’s climax, “Even when the darkness draws near, love you baby, I love you, thank you.†“Like a fool I took your love for grantedBecause I got used to itI only have heart full of apologies Even after a long timeYour familiar face still is dearly precious to me†After finding success as a songwriter for his own group, Changmin decided to offer his hoobaes in SHINee one of his compositions on last year’s Why So Serious? – The Misconceptions of Me. The track, “Can’t Leaveâ€â€”which was later changed to “Sleepless Nightâ€â€”is another beautiful ballad, musically sparse, highlighting the group’s vocals while giving the lyrics room to unfold without being weighed down with overexaggerated composition. It seems Changmin’s penchant for the emotionally raw extends to other artists he collaborates with. Without reading too much into it, there seems to be someone that he misses desperately, someone he regrets letting go. So much so it keeps him awake at night, forcing sleep to skip just out of his grasp until he puts pencil to paper and writes out the whispers of could-have-beens and what-ifs that just won’t leave him alone. “A sigh weighs me down carefullyAnd won’t let me sleep, yeahI tell my empty heart that it’s a foolWhy can’t I cry even though I’m in pain?The memories of loving me may be a bit difficultBut I break down as I see you letting them go one by one I can’t leaveYou are more precious than I amCome back againTonight, yeah I can’tThe days that were so beautifulEven the times we hated each otherI miss them so much, I can’t forget themCome back again, yeah†For TVXQ’s tenth anniversary, we got an album that was, again, love it or hate it. And just as their previous Korean releases, Changmin’s work stood out. “Rise…â€, as with all of Changmin’s offerings, is incredibly emotional and boldly introspective. It speaks about the hardships blocking one’s path, how pain and failure will always follow you, slow you down, and make you question yourself. But, he posits, “if you give up because things are too hard, will you truly be free from the pain that tortured you?†I say “Rise…†is “bold†because the placement of the song is clever. Tense is the album marking the tenth anniversary of Yunho and Changmin as a group, whether as five or two. As such, each song has some significance regarding their journey. And while Changmin is the only group member with a lyrical contribution, it’s fitting that a song about suffering through failures and betrayals and celebrating the small triumphs would land on the album. “Tears that you shed because things are too hardThey will dry with the name of memories Even if you wander in the thorny darkness and fall down, get up againWhen you lift up your shadowy head, time will come without failAnd shine brightly on the path that was thick with shadows Little by little, the silent miracles rise upIt will seep into you once again†I’ve always lamented that Yunho and Changmin haven’t been given more of a chance to express themselves creatively on their albums. Unsurprisingly, Changmin’s creations haven’t found light as lead singles or even B-sides. SM has given them very little rope in that regard; however, each track he contributes goes to show that he’s got the chops to handle writing for the duo. The power of his lyricism is verily felt in TVXQ’s releases. There’s a haunting maturity in each song, penned as though from the heart and mind of a man much older in body and experience than the 26-year-old. Especially following the group’s division, listeners can feel the longing and even heartache in his lyrics. Such heaviness lends itself beautifully to emotional balladry, and Changmin acquits himself quite well. Changmin Spam / Appreciation Thread???? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Teru 22,363 Posted May 5, 2014 Share Posted May 5, 2014 I don't agree with the writer's album opinions but it's great to see someone dedicate an article to Changmin's lyric writing because I feel it's very much overlooked. I don't think the author realises how much input Yunho and Changmin actually get in the construction of their albums nowadays though since they seem to think they're still having things pushed on them like it's 2006. also they neglected to mention the songs both Changmin and Yunho wrote for the Spellbound repackage and the fact that, even though this article isn't specifically about him, Yunho has written his own songs for tours starting with Checkmate which he performed at their The Secret Code tour when the group was still a five-member line up. so it's not like them contributing their own material is a new thing, but it's true that they're slowly gaining more confidence in their abilities imo otherwise thumbs up, Changmin deserves more recognition for his extensive talents Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BABOGIRL 5,414 Posted May 5, 2014 Share Posted May 5, 2014 I wish i could understand Korean so that I can fully understand and absorb his lyrics Happy to see him get praise and recognition for his songwriting skills... I definitely can't say anything about it but I trust their judgment Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ariel 978 Posted May 5, 2014 Share Posted May 5, 2014 i want changmin to write the lyrics because he wants to and not because he has to show that he can he also wrote 12:34 (nothing better) and evergreen for db5k ~ http://www.instiz.net/bbs/list.php?id=pt&no=1148524 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vampiress 2,454 Posted May 5, 2014 Share Posted May 5, 2014 i want changmin to write the lyrics because he wants to and not because he has to show that he can this. And it applies to Yunho as well. Both of them will show their creation when they want to and when they are ready. Not just to show off what they can do. Both have proved they can. And I absolutely adore their creation. Changmin's lyrics always touch my heart deeply. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GUILD 3,195 Posted May 5, 2014 Share Posted May 5, 2014 In addition to what Teru said above, he also choreographed the accompanying performance for Checkmate. Yunho also composed Spokesman which he performed with Super Junior's Donghae at his 2nd Live Asia Tour concert "O". He also wrote and composed the original ballad, Tied (Tethered) Ship. He even tried out Punk Pop with Santa Revolution for a performance at the Time Slip 10th anniversary concert. He also, like I'm sure Changmin has too, written lyrics with JaeJoong, XIA and Yoochun. He wrote the rap lyrics for Love Bye Love with XIA(h), Wrong Number with (Hero) JaeJoong. So on and so forth. DBSK aren't strangers in any sense to successfully composing, arranging and writing their own music. That being said, SM has never really been apt to letting their artists go free with and putting their full time energy or even consideration into developing whole pieces, much less lead singles. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mel_mel 881 Posted May 5, 2014 Share Posted May 5, 2014 I know he is a good song writers but his composed work, I 'm not really familiar with that, op can you post all His work ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vampiress 2,454 Posted May 5, 2014 Share Posted May 5, 2014 I know he is a good song writers but his composed work, I 'm not really familiar with that, op can you post all His work ? I see your interest towards TVXQ keep growing lately! Youtube and google can always be best source to begin familiarizing yourself with the boys work. no need to wait someone serve it in a silver spoon to you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ariel 978 Posted May 5, 2014 Share Posted May 5, 2014 I know he is a good song writers but his composed work, I 'm not really familiar with that, op can you post all His work ? it's either changmin has never composed any songs or he has composed songs but those songs have never been performed or recorded ... unless you're talking about yunho Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mel_mel 881 Posted May 5, 2014 Share Posted May 5, 2014 I see your interest towards TVXQ keep growing lately! Youtube and google can always be best source to begin familiarizing yourself with the boys work. no need to wait someone serve it in a silver spoon to you. Lol I like tvxq but I'm just interested with changmin and it's keep growing....lately lol. Anyway I don't have time for YouTube now...maybe next time..lol. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vampiress 2,454 Posted May 5, 2014 Share Posted May 5, 2014 Lol I like tvxq but I'm just interested with changmin and it's keep growing....lately lol. Anyway I don't have time for YouTube now...maybe next time..lol. um ok both of them are so irresistible indeed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
weets 558 Posted May 5, 2014 Share Posted May 5, 2014 Yeah this article left a slight bad taste in my mouth... Changmin's lyrics are really mature and beautiful his songs are some of my favourite self written songs the group has released. And then of course there's Heaven's Day Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
�SHERRY� 5,081 Posted May 5, 2014 Share Posted May 5, 2014 Changmin's best masterpiece is Heaven's Day. ⤠Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NiPK 578 Posted May 5, 2014 Share Posted May 5, 2014 LOL Seoulbeats again. If they want to promote their bias, they'd so something more direct than this. Edit. I notice that we add [NB] at the title when we takes the article from netizen buzz, should we do it for Seoulbeats as well? It'd save me and some people a time to evaluate the articles. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PerfectOppa 925 Posted May 5, 2014 Share Posted May 5, 2014 I wish he could start composing his own songs too -_- Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sora 868 Posted May 5, 2014 Share Posted May 5, 2014 Seoulbeats .. i think their direct bitterness was better than this. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Teru 22,363 Posted May 5, 2014 Share Posted May 5, 2014 In addition to what Teru said above, he also choreographed the accompanying performance for Checkmate. Yunho also composed Spokesman which he performed with Super Junior's Donghae at his 2nd Live Asia Tour concert "O". He also wrote and composed the original ballad, Tied (Tethered) Ship. He even tried out Punk Pop with Santa Revolution for a performance at the Time Slip 10th anniversary concert. He also, like I'm sure Changmin has too, written lyrics with JaeJoong, XIA and Yoochun. He wrote the rap lyrics for Love Bye Love with XIA(h), Wrong Number with (Hero) JaeJoong. So on and so forth. DBSK aren't strangers in any sense to successfully composing, arranging and writing their own music. That being said, SM has never really been apt to letting their artists go free with and putting their full time energy or even consideration into developing whole pieces, much less lead singles. ooh yes I forgot about Spokesman (since I don't have an mp3 of it smh) thanks dude~ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ariel 978 Posted May 6, 2014 Share Posted May 6, 2014 I wish he could start composing his own songs too -_- i wish he could release or perform his own song too ... but i have a feeling that's not gonna happen until & unless he has composed something that he can be proud of Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BiMinSu 368 Posted May 6, 2014 Share Posted May 6, 2014 Something he can be proud of? Not sure what that means..... I think, maybe since SM owns everything...it's more like...He might try when he is done with that contract. Or, SM let's him do a solo album. Maybe when YunHo does his MS, SM will soften up about that....but I am not sure Changmin would want to do a solo. He seems very dedicated to his Hyung. Maybe he feels like a solo would be cheating....?8/ These are just my opinions here....thinking out loud and such. It's obvious that Changmin can write well. And we ALL know how we feel about "Heaven's Day". Now...THAT is something he can be proud of. 8D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vampiress 2,454 Posted May 6, 2014 Share Posted May 6, 2014 I don't know why people keep thinking SM told them everything without listening to their input, when both of them have proven otherwise. IMO, one of the reason we don't hear many of their composition is because they are not ready yet to show it to us because they think they are still lacking while they only want to give the best for fans, hence they pick songs that they feel "better" than theirs. While also they keep learning and making better creation. Yunho often said he wrote many songs actually and one day will show it to us, same goes with CM I believe. If they think it's good enough for us, then they will certainly give it to us like Heaven's Day and November With Love. Hence, I believe in them and given their perfectionist attitude, when they are ready and satisfied with their songs, they will show it to us. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ariel 978 Posted May 6, 2014 Share Posted May 6, 2014 Something he can be proud of? Not sure what that means..... this is purely speculation ok ... i just think he has a very cautious nature. he must be convinced that the song he composed is good before he can perform or record it. if he is not confident of the song, the song will not be released. i guess it is the same for everyone else but he is just a lot more cautious. i also think that composing is not his main focus at the moment with regards to sm and tvxq relationship... there's no way it's all sm decision just like there's no way it's all tvxq decision. sm definitely has some say in tvxq activities just like tvxq has some say in tvxq activities Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fukaishim 855 Posted May 6, 2014 Share Posted May 6, 2014 This person not mention: Evergreen, Nothing better and Heaven's Day. But Im glad someone make an special mention about his talent. Im proud of him and I hope he write more beautiful songs for his pleasure and not pressure Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PerfectOppa 925 Posted May 6, 2014 Share Posted May 6, 2014 i wish he could release or perform his own song too ... but i have a feeling that's not gonna happen until & unless he has composed something that he can be proud of If only he could perform Heaven's Day. You know because it's his most recent song ... ; ) He performed Confession Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
autumn 978 Posted May 6, 2014 Share Posted May 6, 2014 There are some things that I don't agree with but the author's attempt to highlight lyrics written by Changmin is appreciated. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BiMinSu 368 Posted May 6, 2014 Share Posted May 6, 2014 I understand....I know SM Is not like slave and captor....:D And it is true about Changmins desire for perfection. I will spend long hours trying to imagine Changmin doing "Heaven's Day" LIVE. It's just...just wOw~~~ how could it be done? And even better, how about a MUSIC VIDEO? What we would DO??ã…‹ã…‹ã…‹ã…‹ã…‹ã…‹ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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