Solar (솔라)... HONEY (꿀) | Vocal Coach Analysis... i can't breathe... these VISUALS... she RAPS?!

[@jvoxfox]

Solar is bringing everything with this one guys! And for anyone wondering how this converts live, no post-processing? kzbin.info/www/bejne/qWa3l4KAl6yrpbs … Solar is SOLID even while acting like a goof. As in, even when people are singing with her at other pitches which could theoretically throw off her key centre she doesn’t slip by even a microtone when she’s on the melody.

[@fbacpl]

Hey Julia, I guess you may have missed Wheein and Moonbyul's solos released a month or two. Really loook forward to your reaction. Much appreciated. Thanks.

[@Kreigmstr]

She just recently released a video that has a live performance video for all songs on this album in one. It's a pretty good watch, IMO.

[@hossetttren253]

hi julia, can you react to solar live performance..she did live performance of all her songs on her new album....RAW was epic.. love to see ur insight at her vocals as shes sings big booty too jazz big band

[@mycats8744]

Since it's already mentioned a couple of times, here is the link for Solar's new album 容: FACE | Live Performances kzbin.info/www/bejne/m2WxZaWefKmYbqM

[@mycats8744]

Solar is heavily involved in the production of this new album. She has credits on 4 of the 5 songs in the album. ‘Raw’: lyricist, ‘Honey’: lyricist & composer, ‘Chap Chap’: lyricist & composer, ‘Big Booty’: lyricist & composer. ‘Zinggle Zinggle’ is a song about/dedicated to Moonbyul.

[@kudgeond755]

Great comments about the variety of vocal techniques she uses in Honey and how different it is from the things she's famous for. Imo that fits perfectly with the underlying message of Honey: don't assume you know Kim Yongsun or presume to love me based on my public persona as Solar (the mask) or my looks or the things that are said about me in the newspapers; I'm a woman with many different aspects to my personality and a singer with a variety of vocal colors and if you try to idealize me and put me in a box or on a pedestal I'll break your heart, smash your graven images and reveal the amazing technicolor dreamcoat underneath the surface. Solar is the most unpredictable member of MMM and her new album is a good example - no belting to speak of or power ballads that bring you to tears like you might expect from her. Instead she does songs she mostly wrote herself in various styles of music and produced an album consisting of snapshots of her current musical interests. Solar co-wrote the lyrics and music for Honey with Kim Dohoon and a couple other folks at RBW. In case you're not familiar with him, KIm Dohoon is the co-CEO of RBW and is a well-known kpop songwriter with a string of hits over the years for a wide variety of artists (he co-wrote BTS's Blood Sweat & Tears for example). KDH is the one who formed Mamamoo and he's written many songs for them over the years, often in collab with Solar and the other members. I would attribute the subtly unusual song structure to him. Instead of the usual verse, pre-chorus and chorus repetition with a bridge 2/3 of the way through the song in Honey it seems like there's a verse and then 3 different but related choruses stacked on top of each other plus a rap verse and a short bridge and not a single bit of fat on the bones to bring it all in under 3 minutes. It's one relentless hook after another. Honey is one of the most pop pop songs Mamamoo has ever done but rather than sounding generic and therefore boring it's constantly engaging and it's one of the most interesting songs I've heard this year.

[@xheralt]

To me it seemed like Solar was channeling IU here; I could easily imagine that worthy singing this song, and it would be just as amazing.

[@kudgeond755]

@@xheralt I don't hear a ghost of a trace of IU myself. The only time I ever had a similar thought about a MMM song was with Wheein's Pastel, which sounds like her version of an IU song. I'd love to see MMM on IU's Palette one day if only to hear them singing each other's songs.

[@Jadianne]

@@xheralt Whew.....hadn't seen anyone mention it so I thought it was my imagination 😅 Not to say Solar's voice sounds similar to IU but something about the phrasing and intonation, the stylistic choices immediately made me think of IU. Very bright and airy, but also playful.....possibly because that style is such an IU 'trademark' at this point that its impossible to hear it and NOT think of her. 😊 I remember having a similar 'hey, this kinda reminds me of IU' moment at one point during Taeyeon's killing voice but she likes to experiment with different vocal techniques.....so much so that it can be challenging for me to identify her voice at times

[@capstan50g]

K-pop done right. Head & shoulders above anything I've yet seen.

[@Isaaaa_Belle]

This song so freaking catchy. I did miss some of the classic Solar belts but I love that song a lot still. Julia, if you have time could you do a reaction to Solar and Moonbyul doing the part change challenge (Byul sings Solars parts and Solar does the rapping). The video is on Solar's channel kzbin.info/www/bejne/l5DZl5x9n6iehdE

[@jamescurfman3284]

That was a really fun video! :)

[@martinschafer7404]

I'd love to see you react to the Solar VS Moonbyul part change video on Solarsido. Solar sings Lunatic (Moonbyul recent solo) and Moonbyul sings Honey. They also switch off parts on some classic Mamamoo songs. There are a very few instances over the years where Solar has rapped a bit. Mamamoo 1 CM and Sleep in the Car a bit of rap from everyone. In their Pikachu cover last year Solar and Wheein rapped and Moonbyul belted. And Solar and Wheein have a running joke about MC Duk and MC Dak where they do ridiculous free raps. But this is the first time we've really seen rapper Solar. Though way back in trainee days Solar was involved in teach Moonbyul to rap and I've seen some people say that the rap in Honey reminds them of Moonbyul's style in their very early days like Mr Ambiguous. Early on Solar did get somewhat slotted in to cute girl next door but she has always been able to stand up to Hwasa in projecting sex. Look at Egotistic or her cover of Despacito in concert or her dance covers on Solarsido. One last thing the tight white braids really suggest antennae to me when they are projecting the bee images on her.

[@adi6564]

Wow. What a well-done song and music video. I didn't know who Solar was before this. The video of her singing without any backup was amazing. Really interesting hearing some of the vocal techniques that are used in pop and discouraged in classical without any other sounds. This makes me even more excited to see your (hopefully soon!) reaction to Arch Enemy's latest, Handshake with Hell. What a masterpiece. I won't say more so you don't know anything in advance ;)

[@Glee73]

You didnt know solar raps? You obviously didnt know know that she is one half of that amazing rap duo, MC Duk & MC Dak 🤘😁

[@sombathkhem1880]

Or you can watch solarsido where moonbyul and solar switch part

[@winterssong5607]

Mad props to Solar, Kim Do-Hoon, and other RBW's in-house producers for making such this awesome title track and great album as well.

[@tmt7265]

Great reaction! Solar is one of the most beautiful women ever. She has perfected her expressions beyond belief. Of course her voice is perfection also. Loved it.

[@bbig438]

what do we have here?!?! nothing like a julia video to wake up to!

[@todayis_yongsun6514]

I always look forward to your reactions to any of the new music that's out, I love hearing your input on the song and vocals. This is my favourite solo song a mamamoo member has put out coz it's just so catchy and amazing. Glad you liked it too!!!!

[@Death_by_Kim_Yoohyeon]

After such a great analysis on the vocal level, I thought I should share the analysis about the Mv itself. The white mask in the beginning, when she splits it in two, making a V shape, references the Korean beauty Standard in which a V shape face is the most beautiful feature, yet hers isn't, hence why she asks " am I attractive?" And then says that of course she is. This is, in a way, some social critique towards the Korean standards of beauty We see many different colors being used , reflecting different aspects/sides of her personality, I could be wrong but, what I get from this is, that it's her way of saying " hey I'm not only a belting vocalist" " I'm not this one facet idol you think I am ". Yellow being her youthful/playful side. Red being her seductive side. Green being her "grounded" down to earth side. Pink representing the "Glamorous" performer side ( with the sparkles/glitters and all ) The News Paper thing could be either the "modelesque" side, but I would lean more towards it being a representation of her fierce side, the no-half-assing things side of her, it's either black or white and the way her hair is cropped with the red lipstick being the only color accent, enforced that strict/fierce image. The All white being the representation of the perception people have of her. This is later enforced when she starts breaking the stuff and thus "revealing" her "true colors" (paint coming out ) The red crop t-shirt line references her solo debut Spit it out. That Winnie the Pooh reference with the "My friend Piglet" line , chef's kiss 🤣 So basically this song and MV is Solar saying " yeah I'm all that which you think of me, but I am also so much more than that" This is so Solar 🤣

[@ohnoez3]

Hi julia. Have you checked out moonbyul's newer music as well? Although she just released a cover of a ballad, id love for you to also check out G999 ft Mirani and Shutdown ft Seori which were prereleases to her previous comeback: Lunatic. Hope to see your reactions to those three songs soon. :)

[@theAllycat797]

AHHH I WASNT EXPECTING THIS AHHH. Julia please can you check out Moonbyuls recent Lunatic ?? She SINGS. PLEASE

[@crazyr2113]

Solar did really well with this song. It has more the special factor for me than Spit it out. And because you got excited over the rap part.. just in case you didn't know, Wheein raps pretty well too. On King of Masked singer or in her Flower cover. Moonbyul sang on King of Masked singer and Hwasa's jazzy stage there of "Is anyone there" will remain as my all time favorite - Hwasa stage.♥

[@dragonkazoo77]

Love your vocal analysis of this Solar, a special era that she wrecks our head again with her vocal prowess. She mentioned the difficulty of this song in an interview, saying that she has to use a lot of falsetto to sing HONEY since she likes to sing hard with powerful voice. It was already amazing to see her sing soft in Blue Bird and Always, with you, but the variance of her voice in this song just shows her versatile vocal is beyond my imagination. In the first time I heard this song, I was really surprised about her voice as some tones are really unfamiliar to me, even I am a fan of her voice and diligently collect her voice samples. However, in the end they are all Solar with that signature 'naturally' vocal fry. She mentioned that her voice has a natural bubble sound from her throat and it always surprised producers in recording studios when they first hear it. It becomes even more obvious in the evening when she sings high notes in falsetto. This song is super catchy and it makes me want to repeat it every time I hear it. In particular, the song structure is very special and does not follow some typical song structures, making it very refreshing while carries the vibe in a smart and elegant way. BTW, as many others have suggested, 1. Her live performance of the whole FACE album is worth to watch. You can also find many interesting vocal moments in b-side songs and the music is superb with great diversity but integrated well throughout the album, giving good feeling for this Spring time. 2. The changing part medley with Moonbyul on Solarsido is very worth to watch as you get to see vocalist Moonbyul and rapper Solar more, in particular there are some special moments Solar flexes her vocals in very beautiful ways.

[@tuni16tuni]

You should check Solar and Moonbyul's "Your song my song" video where they switch song parts

[@sofialozano7917]

I looove the face album. It's so versatile! Honey is just sooo fun and one of my favorite tracks in kpop. In her album she also has Big Booty that was her first self made song and her vocals are more showcased. I would love to see your reaction to that song. She's just sooo versatile and has no limits to express her art. That's probably the main reason why she's my bias haha

[@paulsha8dow496]

Thank you for this. All of the members have released incredible projects. Moon Byul sings in her latest…. Hint you must check it out🤩👏😊

[@3rationalfans]

Thank you for analyzing this song and for your enthusiasm! It is really helpful to understand a little better why she's so awesome and why this song has taken up permanent residence in my mind. I always feel like most people aren't familiar with all the cool things Solar does with her voice. It would be really cool if you could react to her OST songs as a whole. Each one has been so different from one another. Just going through a playlist of all her songs is like listening to multiple artists, but always recognizably her. Also, just FYI, Solar has rapped before, but mostly for comic effect and as a special solo performance at a Mamamoo concert. She covered Chun LI right before transitioning into Despacito. It is worth a watch, if only for your own enjoyment :) Her OST songs: Blue Bird, Adrenaline (English version), Always be with you, Winterblooming, Dun Dun Dun. There are special videos for Blue Bird and Adrenaline of her singing the song instead of drama scenes set to the song.

[@Morstius]

You should check out Spit it Out if you haven´t by Solar, for a bit more of that attitude.

[@thorstenbrandt6256]

Solar loves rapping and if I read it correctly even teached Moonstar at the beginning. Just watch the MMMTV episode were they are riding home from a gig sing in the car: Solar says they shouldn't chose her cause she will rap. I think if RBW doesn't close this box fast Mamamoo has a new rapper 😁😅

[@shortdrink873]

I think she probably coached Moonbyul rather than taught, but yeah this has been a loooong time coming haha. The lid is off now lol

[@sombathkhem1880]

Checkout moonbyul touchdown and lunatic

[@hossetttren253]

love this song too ...so good

[@xheralt]

About the only other time Solar has been heard to rap was in an off-the-cuff snippet at a radio show appearance, back in the early stages of their career iirc, so it's known among die-hard Moomoos that she would be pretty good at it. But we haven't heard her do it for much the same reason there isn't a lot of Moonbyul singing...someone else in the group is absolutely amazing at it!

[@Piffle512]

I love your Mamamoo reactions. It's fun seeing how excited you are by their performances. Plus all the info you share is great.

[@eme_inthemood]

I like your reactions. It has a hint of humor and it doesn't get tiring to watch, besides, of course, the explanation related to the music itself. 🥰

[@Jonura]

As always great análisis But its time tooooo... Ejem ejem: ALICE IN CHAINS. Love hate love (Live in the Moore 1991) could be a great starting point. Grrrreetings from Spain.

[@misatankosic1001]

Mariza - Gente da Minha terra.. reaction.. thank you very much !

[@thedudugiraffe4106]

i love your reactions always!! and it's even better that you actually love Mamamoo 💚 thank you for sharing your inputs and somewhat breaking down the vocal aspects in this mv 😊

[@Rottenscars]

I always leaned to metal music, until i met mamamoo.

[@elgatodelskz]

Then you should check out Dreamcatcher, they're kpop group, but with a metal/rock influenced sound. Start with Deja Vu, Endless Night, Eclipse and No More.

[@mirroruniverse9331]

Btw mmm has done metal and drum version of one of their songs. It's so good

[@freginah]

I love coming to see your reacts because I always have the best of both sides. Good teachings, scores from those who understand what they're talking about and I have fun along the way.

[@BigMamasMama]

Solar rapping? Moonbyul singing? Eac hothers songs and parts? Yesss it's amazing, you should react to it. It's on Solarsido. Please react to Moonbyuls album sequence, her vocals are amazing on it. It's not just a collection of songs, it's a complete story about a relationship. Synopsis ... best intro G999 ... falling in love, spending every secend with that person Shutdown ... making the relationship more intimate, the desire for each other (my fav) Lunatic ... realising it doesn't work For you ... the moment right after the breakup, questening if it was the right call ddu ddu ddu ... first time seeing each other after breaking up, lingering feelings (my second fav)

[@빈젠조]

Your voice is so smooth and mmm your hair color is such a mood it's serving you alot✨✨💯

[@hossetttren253]

Hi julia, its been announced that solar will be the lead singer/ performer for the musical "mata hari" that runs new few months...story of secret spy agent dancer ..so excited for her! : kzbin.info/www/bejne/jH_MYnVql72UfcU

[@eaglez1901]

If you like surprise rapping...Sohyang...Day Day from Begin Again Korea will blow your mind 🤯

[@triplebear]

Hi Julia, so happy to see u back! The whole MAMAMOO team all dropped solo mini Albums. Moonbyul is impressive. Hope you get around to all of my them!

[@hmp1504]

As you indicated very well, there are many variety of voices for Solar. A good example of her non-belting voice is in her earlier song cover "[MV] 솔라감성 Part.5 외로운 사람들" (Solar 's Emotion Series Part.5 Lone People) and other Parts (song covers). Very soft and easy listening voice she has indeed.

[@torbnymublous4403]

Solars breathy voice gives her that above it all sigh. I think allows for the music to go low or high that keeps her songs so dynamic

[@chriseost6535]

New Dreamcatcher next week 😱

[@sonespazz518]

it really seems like in Solar's solo title tracks, she has been showing off everything else about her vocal flexibility outside of her belts Highly recommend Mamamoo's MYCON concert performance where the members covered each other's solo title tracks! Solar and Wheein, Hwasa and Moonbyul

[@juutuubix]

Solar has released new Part Change video with amazing Suhyun from AKMU. Must watch!

[@dewiayuritonga6588]

Imho, all four members of Mamamoo tend to sing differently from what they used to do as group in their own solo projects. A rapper become vocalist or belter doing rap. Hwasa & Wheein have their own distinct colors & themes as soloists. I respect them as ever growing artists that never shy away from being authentics & boldly go to where they never been before. None of them afraid to shock audience with every comeback.

[@wj0067]

Rewatching this... "Honey" Co-written and composed by Solar. Solar is able to sing all of the parts of Mamamoo songs. She does cover Mamamoo songs(alone) on her chanel, as well as switching parts with other memebers.

[@nabszains]

you should really check out this whole ep

[@cake1824]

You should react to “Seori”- she also has incredible voice

[@Kamiiru91]

Great reaction! ♡ Also Solars live performances from her New album is so nice too. Watch it in your free time. Or maybe reaction video could be great. Have a nice day or night I presume. Hehe ♡♡

[@Jasruler]

I think Solar has kinda realized she doesn't have anything left she needs to prove about her vocalist credentials and is now like ... "woah i just noticed I'm respected, rich, beautiful, and beloved by millions.... i'm gonna just have some fun now."

[@cws3074]

solar queen 👸

[@yunan7692]

Did you ever release a reaction to Moonbyul's Lunatic?

[@rashmirgranil9821]

its really hit different

[@moopendeuri6197]

Julia, I beg you.. pls make analysis over Mamamoo's vocal/singing/rapping growth for these past 10 years.. this June gonna be their 10th anniv.. i think some of milestones that could reflect their growth best include: 1. Immortal Songs Medley 2. I Miss You in Queendom 3. Killing Voice 4. Solar feat Jungkey - 5:52 am (live) 5. Moonbyul - Congratulations 6. Hwasa - LMM 7. Wheein - Anymore please 🙏 and thank you!

[@kinaa8510]

Fyi, she's into musical theater now and you must check her video on solarsido with moonbyul. They're changing part on this song and you definitely will find more Solar rapping 😁 the bonus is, moonbyul vocal ❤️

[@MultiYian]

I'd love to see you reacting to Powerwolf.. maybe "Demons are a girl's best friend" or "We drink your blood"

[@cymbaling]

great reaction julia! solar really killed it with honey 🍯 did you also check out moonbyuls and wheeins comebacks from january? moonbyul also had awesome pre-releases back then and she will comeback this month again haha

[@symonewest5449]

Solar's yellow outfit and her rap broke my brain tbh I exited this plane and am no longer human.

[@faeriedrug]

I think the descending melody moment represents a dripping honey (?) 🍯

[@Dotorimook]

한국 노래를 들어주셔서 감사합니다❤

[@najrenchelf2751]

Can someone make an alternative album cover for this song? My vision is that Solar is looking directly into the camera, but then it's a split screen (like pizza slices) to show off all her different looks! And then send it to Julia! :D

[@sofialozano7917]

Solar spitting bars is what we all needed

[@saadmed4223]

Really love ur reaction💜 And i hope if u can make an other reaction to Lara Fabian, maybe "Broken vow".😅 Thnx

[@firelord48]

hey Julia love watching your reaction. You should do a reaction of a band called Red Handed Denial they dropped a new song called cloud 9 a few weeks ago and I think you would like it.

[@dannyholy8]

Please please please react to Moonbyul on the singing show. You can find it on YT with subs, first is Congratulations which is a must and then Refuge is also a must!!!! Please she did so well!!! She showed her skills as a singer so well!!!

[@niceye8841]

Great reaction, thank you. Please react to Solar VS Moonbyul, Your Song My Song Part Change, it is good and Solar raps a lot.

[@draughtismycraft]

I went to The Matron of Ravens.

[@dangerwr]

I would love your thoughts on the band Onmyo-za from Japan. I think they're fantastic and you would enjoy them a lot. Specifically this song: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aXXGd2N8n9mXedU The name of the song is "Konpeki no sōba." Love your vids! ❤

[@peterkarargiris4110]

She uses vocal fry.....? Well, my musical knowledge remains firmly at 0. Not only is she drop-dead gorgeous but the production values of K-pop videos in general leave me more and more impressed. Let's pause to consider that South Korea could barely feed itself back in the 70s. Now they can produce wonderful stuff like this. Is there a 'Musical Analysis for Dummies' ? Thank goodness we have you Julia and your analytical brain.

[@jammycobra]

Can you please react to Solar's IMAGE (5:52 am) Prod. JUNGKEY? I feel she's improved so much after doing the musical but I'd love to hear your input!

[@donynursalis20]

Oh girl 🥵❤️❤️

[@아미노산-d1k]

Can you react to Kwon Jin Ah Killing Voice? Kwon Jin Ah is one of the most popular singer in Korea.

[@robmeekel9198]

Paramore: Hate To See Your Heart Break ft. Joy Williams

[@nabszains]

please do red Velvet's new MV and EP Feel my rhythm!

[@normenneulich1952]

Hi Julia, Floor Jansen - Fire (Official Music Video) the first solo single, a great song: kzbin.info/www/bejne/i6XdZZp8fJh7fJo

[@mylestate]

I dig your reactions. I love that you do a lot of eclectic sounds. Curious, you mentioned in the Silk Sonic video you love the jazzy, funky, bluesy stuff, right? You haven't done any Hozier who has a lot of throwback style I think you'd love. He has a lot of really great songs to choose from & an operatic quality to his voice. I really recommend giving his lesser known songs a listen. From Eden (kzbin.info/www/bejne/j5SrgKuefLOkack) is a great one.

[@eze8970]

🙏🙏

[@zosimoedem2802]

Please create more videos reactions for Mamamoo, like Illella new songs of Mamamoo ty.

[@sendarian]

One of the song writers is Solar herself. This song is extremely good, shocking it less than 3 minutes and Solar is clearly meant to be a visual person, her facial expressions really work considering the album is Face. It would be great to see you react to the Live performance of the entire album video, which is on the mamamoo youtube. Live(4 new outfits) all 5 songs and one of them entirely written by her is full on big band jazz. Also, if you want to see Moonbyul sing Honey and Solar sing Lunatic, then go to Solarsido and watch. It is really good. They switch up singing and rapping for Um oh ah yeh and Hip as well.

[@owl9704a]

Solar Rapping! Remember she is the one that taught Moonbyul how to rap origionaly

[@Occuria1]

You need to react to Rik Emmett (Triumph).

[@Lol-qi5yd]

Hey julia really love your reaction pease do us a reaction to "iu" there's a dingo killing voice too

[@yoshiking6056]

Please react to Tommy Johansson Swedish pagans (DISNEY VERSION) 🙂

[@darrylstrong1261]

Please react to paulo nutini iron sky live next

[@anilkumar9884]

react to chaap tilak by coke studio............................................ u must see thiss..

[@playerclashwong427]

Please react to Jackson Wang released a new single Blow Mv just check it out Thx💥🔥

[@anonygent]

Not your focus, but I'd like to draw your attention to something else that seems unique to this video, and that's the tiny movements she uses throughout. K-Pop in general is noted (IMO) for big, wide, dramatic movements, everything is intense and strong, but Solar goes the other way entirely, she uses small, limited hand movements that are soft and almost weak. The "do do do" with the head shake is about the strongest movement in the whole video.

[@TheGroovyJones]

Solar and Wheein have been rapping since the beginning of Mamamoo; and very often their freestyle is better than this written and produced one (Solar wasn't exceptionally confident about it so she hedged it with cuteness). They even had a sub-unit called MC Dduk and MC Ddak until controversy got in the way. Here they are messing around in the car coming back from a concert kzbin.info/www/bejne/n3bTfZyPbLWUac0

[@Hogtownboy1]

So auto-tuned you might as well just react to to dancing and hotness of K-pop lead.

[@iSpextor]

way too quiet sound editing.

[@oldmanjimh3165]

Ton of production but not a ton of talent.