Jo Hyun Jae

Originally posted on 2009.12.28.  We’re recycling it here because JHJ has gained many new fans with “49 Days”.  These fans who like JHJ’s song in “49 Days” – “Even if I can only live for one day”- may not be aware JHJ could already sing like this two years ago.  For more please go to Category: JHJ CD.

This is the first song from Jo Hyun-Jae’s CD.

Words you said to me

The words you said set my heart a-flutter.
I always take those words to heart so they don’t disperse in the wind.

Time goes by…and we grow to be like each other.
Sorry… I have to say good-bye for the moment.

Don’t leave me; stay with me.
Don’t forget the time when we shared memories.
While I am alive with every breath…
You are only me and I am only you.

It takes a long time to be like one another…
Sorry to say sad good bye… it will be short.

Don’t leave me; stay with me.
Don’t forget the time when we shared memories.
While I am alive with every breath…
You are only me and I am only you.

Don’t leave me; stay with me.
Don’t forget the time when we shared memories.
While I am alive with every breath…
You are only me and I am only you.

(Credit: Video by 3.1.  English lyrics from EVERjohyunjae.co.kr’s 2008.06.24 post, edited by wulijohyunjae.  Thanks!)

This is Louise writing about Jo Hyun-Jae’s songs on his CD.

I can’t remember how it started, but listening to Jo Hyun-Jae’s songs has become a habit of mine.  Driving and enjoying quality time with JHJ is the happiest part of the day for me.  Unconsciously JHJ has become not just the wind by my side, but is always in my heart.  When confronted with troubles, most people’s reaction is: “Help me, God!”  But mine is: “JHJ, please give me strength.”  Fortunately most of the time the problems are solved.

From my point of view about classical music, JHJ’s voice frequency falls between cello and viola.  In the lower range of frequency the consonance is quite broad and natural which makes his voice so attractive.  The reasons why I love cello more than other musical instruments are: cello is like a middle-aged person who has experienced vicissitudes of life, but remains still young with a little more maturity, a little more steadiness, and a little more elegance and calm.  Expressed in different melodies, the low and sad voice makes me feel deep grief; the slight and soft voice makes me feel romantic and a little sad; and the solid and powerful voice makes me feel passionate.

Words you’ve told me

Soft piano melody leads into the prelude, as if the cello is whispering to the piano, just like lovers’ talk — a little worried and apologetic but full of tender love.  Every time I listen to this part of the song, I would feel tears wet my eyes.  In the middle part of the song, facing the pain of parting, the blazing emotions which have been buried deep in the heart burst forth with the passion of the orchestral accompaniment, clashing in the air time and time again.  Finally, along with the beautiful piano and background music, he walks away slowly, steadily, and calmly.  I could feel the loneliness even from the sight of his back which breaks my heart.

Like the wind next to you

Following the piano melody, I enter into JHJ’s inner world.  Just like the pure, unaffected sound of the viola, it seems to be narrating JHJ’s feelings and expectations to his fans.  From slow and soft murmurs to strong and passionate double forte, it moves me immensely and infuses me with a sense of warmth and bliss.  The song ends with short and tender piano melody which makes me wish it would go on forever.  JHJ is like the wind, like fresh air, by my side always.

I spread my dream in the sky

This is my favourite song.  It makes me feel like being immersed in dancing the waltz, filled with memories and fantasies.   JHJ’s low, deep, and magnetic voice is like a cello talking animatedly with many violins.  The pure and beautiful soul, along with the lively tempo, is calling cheerfully in the air.  And the special sound effects of the orchestral accompaniment exudes a kind of tension that drowns me in this incredibly beautiful universe.

Although JHJ is too shy to express his own emotions, but from his songs that are full of emotions you can feel that he cares about his fans wherever he is.  And his love for his fans is so genuine, so pure that it is incomparable.  I feel proud to be a fan of his, and I feel so blessed to have the good fortune to become his fan.

Jo Hyun-Jae recorded his CD for his fans so they have something to remember him by during the two years he is in the army.

On March 30, 2009 the two leading music websites in Korea, NAVER and Mnet, both reviewed JHJ’s CD. All 6 songs, the 3 sung by Hyun-Jae and the 3 instrumental, can be downloaded for 900 won each with 45 seconds free trial. So far this CD has been rated 5 stars (the maximum) by internet users.

“In ‘Words you said to me’, Jo Hyun-Jae’s deep and tender voice, coupled with the delicate music, subtle arrangement, and gentle rhythm, produce a classic narrative song.”

“The heart-rending lyrics of ‘Words you said to me’, perfectly matched by Jo Hyun-Jae’s unvarnished rich baritone, together with the elegant introductory music really warm our hearts. This song totally manifests Jo Hyun-Jae’s dynamic voice and musical talent.”

“Anyone who has ever experienced the pain of separation and who wants to forget that pain will find some solace when the piano notes start in ‘Like the wind by your side’. This song conveys a special feeling the way Jo Hyun-Jae renders it.”

The third song is called “I spread my dream in the sky”. This CD is Jo Hyun-Jae’s gift to his fans; he has put his heart and soul into it. It is definitely a collector’s item.

*** For copyright reasons, please do not reproduce photo.

Lyrics to the original song sung by Jo Hyun Jae at his fan meeting (translated by misa123 first published in EVERjohyunjae on 2008.10.26)

☆ Beside You Like the Wind ☆

Just as the white snows of winter melt in the spring
Our parting will be brief
That yearning will grow, then melt away
And someday, like a dream, we will meet

** Be brave because you love me,
Be brave because you miss me
And before you know, I’ll be by your side
If you turn around because you miss me,
Don’t forget that I’m the wind
That brushes your cheek.

Every morning when I awake,
I’ll start the day with thoughts of you,
Days will pile up like the snow,
And so our separation will melt away.

** Repeat

Every night, in my dreams,
I’m thankful for having met you.
I’m thankful for the love you gave me, and I bring that with me.
Smile, and don’t worry too much.

** Repeat