[Album Review] Park Ji Man – Kim So Wol Project

Park Ji Man – Kim So Wol Project

01 Mountains With Flowers – Lee Yoong Jin (Casker)
02 Road – Yoon Sang
03 Person’s Song – An Shin Ae
04 To The Person – Kim Jung Hwa
05 Person In My Heart – Jung Jin Ha
06 Tears Are Flowing – Jung Sun Yong (My Aunt Mary)
07 Azalea – Kim Tae Hyung
08 Song About the White Moon – Park Ji Man
09 To That Person – Harim
10 First Marriage – Lee Ji Young (Big Mama)
11 Pick Grass – Jo Won Sun
12 Bicycle – Lee Han Chul
13 Person’s Words – Jung Jae Il
14 Memory – Park Chang Hak [LISTEN]
15 To The Person (Bonus Track) – Harim

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After being introduced to each other through Rollercoaster’s Lee Sang Sun, top composer Park Ji Man and lyricist Park Chang Hak finally get the chance to collaborate with the theme, “Kim So Wol.” For those unfamiliar with the name, Kim So Wol is one of Korea’s renowned poets from the 1920’s known for his delicate poetry. In this album, Park Ji Man is able to enhance the meaning of the poems by adding melody to it. Through this, listeners not only get to enjoy poetry through auditory means, but learn more about Korean history while listening to some good mellow music. Korea’s talented artists, Yoon Sang, My Aunt Mary, Harim, Lee Ji Young (Big Mama), and Casker to name a few, partake in this once in a lifetime experience.

The title track is “Memory,” sung by lyricist Park Chang Hak. The song starts off with simple piano chords with soft, almost whispering vocals followed suit. Overall, the arrangements are very relaxing and easy to listen to – the perfect track to reminisce to.

There were many songs I took a liking to, due to the laid-back feeling they gave off. An example would be “Mountains With Flowers” sung by Casker’s Lee Yoong Jin. The familiar piano arrangements heard in the title track would be the sole instrument in this song. An Shin Ae’s “Person’s Song” is another favorite of mine with its soft yet lively melody. In the second half, the song takes an abrupt turn changing from major to minor key. The increase in tempo also experienced in the latter half is unexpecting yet soothing to the ear. Another memorable track was “To The Person,” sung by Kim Jung Hwa. This ballad was a breath of fresh air from what may be a bore from all the soft vocals. Kim Jung Hwa’s strong, husky voice really livened up this emotional number.

In conclusion, I took a liking to this unique album. Making music out of poetry was an interesting idea and Park Ji Man’s take on them turned out well in my opinion. The album jacket was also out of the ordinary, having incorporated oriental-style drawings into the pages. Overall, a different take on music, but a good one at that!

4.5/5

5/5 – Even if you’re not a fan of this artist/group this album is a must buy.
4/5 – If you’re a fan of this artist/group, you must buy this album.
3/5 – If you’re a fan of this artist/group, you might want to add this one to your collection.
2/5 – I don’t think a fan would even buy this.
1/5 – You might as well just flush your money down the toilet