paradise lost

This is Dong Bang Shin Ki’s second album released in Korea on 14.09.2005.

Opening with Tonight which sounds like a live version with the spoken opening, along with some beautiful adlibbing. It’s a pretty romantic ballad with that slight RnB beat that can be expected by now. The song has a lovely feeling to it too. It features some very pretty instrumentation that mainly stays in the background, allowing DBSK’s stunning vocals to shine. DBSK really show off their vocals in this song, with some beautiful long notes, adlibbing and whatnot (I also love the spoken parts in the song- it’s incredibly sexy). Overall it’s a lovely relaxing song to start the album off- and definitely worth a listen just to see how powerful and absolutely beautiful DBSK’s voices are.

Next up is Beautiful Life which would later feature on their Japanese album T. This opens with some rather sleazy instrumental and an RnB beat. Again the spoken introduction to the song before the song really gets going, the instrumental toning down a bit and the song developing to be a rather smooth RnB number where once again DBSK’s beautiful vocals really bring out the best in the song. It’s a very smooth and laid-back RnB ballad and although it doesn’t stand out as anything special, and especially drags towards the end, it’s still quite lovely to listen to. DBSKs’ vocals are stunning…

The album picks up after two ballads for the hot dance number Rising Sun. It’s so catchy yet at the same time filled with so much emotion. This really is a gorgeous song with a brilliant darker, angstier edge to it. The electronic instrumentation and the distorted screams along with the heavy beat is pure genius, and the vocals continue to be impressive. The rapping, those screams and the singing build a fantastic, dark and angry atmosphere. All the electronic effects only add to the effect. I love all the variations the song goes through, constantly shifting in mood and sound. The lyrics are great too: “Be like me. My heart is filled with a growing Innocence. Like a flame burning brightly, Like the last radiant sunset (I’m) waiting for Rising Sun” This is a signature DBSK tune, and definitely one of their best. I really do love this song (Check out the PV too!! ^^)

After such a hot dance number the album goes back to ballads with 바보 Unforgettable. On saying that it is a lot more melancholic than what has been presented so far. It is a beautiful song with sincere and beautiful vocals and simple but good instrumentation. The song doesn’t really stand out, but it’s pretty and calming to listen to. Again, the song is saved from total boredom by DBSK’s stunning vocals.

Track 5 내거 허락할 테니(Love is never gone) has a very interesting opening, starting very quietly. It builds up and yeah….it’s a ballad with nice instrumentation and gorgeous vocals. This ballad in particular has a lovely feel to it- pretty hopeful and upbeat. The beat gets really repetitive for this though and it really does feel kind of boring.

Following is Love after Love which is a slightly more up-tempo RnB number with that darker edge to it. The song really shines by the time it gets the chorus; I really like the sound and the feeling of the song. It’s a lot more interesting than any of the songs since Rising Sun. The rapping is really sexy too. I think this song definitely has a kind of sexy feeling to it and I like it.

Then comes another hot dance number with that dark angry edge much like Rising Sun- Dangerous Mind. I love the electronic effects and the heavy beat as well as the beautiful vocals from DBSK. The rapping and the way they exaggerate at points is really cool. Also love the distortion on their voices at points. There’s slight attack of engrish in there- but it’s not too noticeable. The guitar part is pretty damn cool and really adds to the gritty darker feel of the song. It’s very strong, attitude filled dance number with some very interesting effects and an overall darker, mature feel.

Next is One which is a bittersweet ballad with very beautiful instrumentation and vocals. Ok, it’s another ballad but it’s got some really interesting instrumentation, lots of different variations and a great deal of power and emotion that makes it all very dramatic and lovely to listen to (not to mention, actually interesting). I love the piano and the strings. The chorus borders on cheesy but it’s not too cheesy- just a little sudden at first. I adore the bridge, especially those strings and the vocals. The ending with the adlibbing is gorgeous too. The song feels all dramatic and emotional and overall it’s just really beautiful. Once more, DBSK’s powerful and emotional vocals contribute to its awesomeness.

After such a bittersweet song comes Love is… which is an upbeat, hopeful love song. I do like the beat, and the vocals are beautiful too. It’s beautiful and relaxing to listen to, but is another track that doesn’t really stand out much.

Track 10 is Free your mind…remember TRI-ANGLE? Well, we have an even preachier one here. OK, the actual song isn’t too bad. It’s got some awesome rock instrumentation and a real gritty, angry feeling to it. All the shouting at the beginning can get annoying, but the actual singing is stunning. The rap is hot too. It’s a pretty dark and powerful song, with really nice instrumentation and vocals. “A new world, utopia If we don’t start it, it won’t ever happen Let’s create it together Take on me Just Free your mind ” though? *cue sceptical “Yeah….of course”*

Back to ballads AGAIN with 작은 고백(Your love is all I need). This one has some beautiful instrumentation and a lovely upbeat feel to it. The vocals are beautiful and sincere of course. Then the album ends with the pretty accapella love song 약속했던 그때에(Always There…)…although I’m tired of this album by now it is quite pretty and gives DBSK a chance to showcase their beautiful vocals once more. It’s suitable to end the album like this, when the opening was a similar sort of style with an emphasis on their vocals more than the instrumentation.

Overall rating: 8/10 (Good but let down by weaker tracks)
Favourite Tracks: Tonight, Rising Sun, Love after Love, Dangerous Mind

There are far too many ballads on this album. Most present different feels and emotions, but at the same time they do blend together a lot with but a few ones that stand out. The ballads for the most part are beautiful- but lumping them all together like this is cruelty. Stand out track would be the title track, Rising Sun which is perfection. It manages to be a hot dance number, yet still be mature with a darker, deeper meaning to it. I prefer this over the rather preachy Free your mind. I really hate when groups sing about all this we need to save the world crap. But I won’t go into it. Another stand out was Dangerous Mind, because it was similar to Rising Sun with a darker, mature feel and interesting instrumentation. It’s not a bad album but I can’t help but feel I preferred their debut album, there are certain tracks here and an overall lack of variety that lets this album down.