Robot : A Wonderful Box of Chocolates

If they say life is like a box of chocolates, then I can also say Robot is the same.  It’s a surprising album with so many different flavours, all of them good.  If I were to liken the three songs in the Robot album into chocolate varieties, here’s what I would choose.

Robot – Dark chocolate with 70% Cacao.  Bittersweet.  Because life’s like that.
With a theme of being controlled, feeling like a Robot and not being able to do what we want most of the time.  Yonghwa says this is not neccessarily CNBLUE’s story, it can be anyone’s story.  Which is true.  All of us are in some ways bound by certain rules to do what we’re currently doing, aren’t we?  Relating this to my own experiences, if I don’t have any ‘rules’ in place, I’d probably have murdered a few idiots that passed through my life, heck care about responsibilites and hightail it to the South of France to sip champagne by now.  Unfortunately (or fortunately), that wasn’t the case.  Reality of life.

Ring – White Chocolate with Cherry Liqueur.  Sweet with a hint of surprise.  Perfect for the holiday season.
As Yonghwa said, very Christmas-sy.  I think of snow and Christmas lights and falling in love.  And he actually put into the lyrics the movie ‘Love Actually’.  One of my favorite feel-good movies of all time.  The song gives me an overall sweet vibe and yet something is different about it.  Don’t think Yonghwa has ever tried this kind of sound before and it comes as a pleasant surprise.  Ever the maverick, I can feel Yonghwa is experimenting again.  Like the chocolate, this is not something I’d pick out for myself but having popped it into my mouth, it gives a wonderful burst of flavour.

Starlit Night – Chocolate Chip Cookie.  With a tall glass of milk.  Basic but oh-so-good.
I’m not calling this a chocolate because there’s nothing fancy about it.  That doesn’t mean that I’m belittling Jonghyun’s songwriting or lyric writing efforts.  On the contrary.  It is my favorite song in the album.  This is very personal and probably has something to do with the phase I’m currently in but I love this song to bits.  The song is simple with quite a basic melody and minimal mix of instruments, just beautiful vocals harmonizing.  So uplifting and filled with so much love between the boys and the fans.  If I were to hear this live in one of their concerts with all four boys singing, I know I’ll cry.  It feels like coming home.

Confession of A Fan

I wanted him to progress too fast.  I was impatient for him to be revered, recognized and respected.  I wanted him to blaze his own musical trail the world over. 

I may not like all of his music all of the time but something in him makes me root for him.  His sincerity and earnestness when talking about his music.  The way he tries his best.  And because of that, I keep wanting him to do better, go further.  I have been too impatient.  I may not have been fair.  I have to give him time.  Time to go far.  Time to rock the world.

Conversations With Yonghwa #8

Hey Yonghwa-ssi,

Loved the interview you gave on the January 2013 issue of Pati-Pati.  Especially the part where you explained about Robot’s lyrics.  It displayed your maturity and wisdom that is beyond your young age.  I’m happy to read your wise words, that there is a time and place for everything and that you play by the rules.  It strengthened my faith in you, that you know what you’re doing and that you’re never a victim.  Thank you because honestly, the lyrics of Robot had me a little worried at first.  I can rest easy now.   

Just some quick notes on Robot.  I dig the catchy tune and the MV.  The ‘story’ in the MV fits the lyrics well and made sense.  Also, I love that the MV is bright and I could actually see all of your pretty faces clearly unlike your past few Japanese releases where I had to squint.  Loved the lyrics of course, because I remember in a couple of posts back, I actually wished you would write about something other than the ‘hope and dreams’ theme and you fulfilled my wish in Robot!  Dare I think that you actually read my blog and saw the request?  Of course not but I’m happy with the coincidence nonetheless. 

I’m proud of the whole concept, music, lyrics and message behind Robot.  It shows your growth as a musician and I like the direction that it is heading.  All in, I have no complaints about Robot (except what I’ve already pointed out some posts back but that applies to all your work in general and I’m not going to bring it up again here). 

For me, Robot shows that you’ve taken CNBLUE’s music up another notch and I’m anticipating it’s official release in Japan and the general public’s reaction to it. 

That’s all for now.  Keep healthy, stay happy 🙂

Sincerely, b

Ouch!

As much as I love you, dear boy, I have to tell you that I hate that horrendous suit you wore to the K-Drama Awards.  And I hate the hair too!  I can’t believe someone with your fashion sense will allow your coordi noona to put that on you 😦

Not trying to belittle your lyrics for ‘Robot’ when I know you meant more serious business but the part you sang on “I am not my own” in this instance is so apt……hehehe!’

Congratulations, by the way 🙂

Photo credit to : Newsen.com

Edit : 12/12/2012 1.30pm – Best dressed huh?  Well, guess the joke is on me then, since I’m still not seeing it.