[Album Review] BLESSED (8th Mini Album) – HA SUNG WOON

1 month ago 24

The next album for review is HA SUNG WOON’s 8th mini-album, BLESSED. It was released in July 2024 and was his first major music release since finishing his military service. BLESSED features 5 songs, including the title track of the same name. I have always been excited to review his new music and albums, as he had some great solo tracks since his Wanna One days. While I don’t think that sentiment is as strong on this mini-album, there are still a few singles on BLESSED that I quite enjoyed.

The last HA SUNG WOON release I reviewed was his 7th mini-album, Strange World, which featured the title track Focus. It was released prior to his military enlistment in 2022.

1. Blessed (Title Track) – Click here for the full review for Blessed. (7/10)

2. I Wanna – The first side track on the mini-album is I Wanna, which is a softer pop number. I really enjoyed this one, thanks to its pleasant vibe. Even as the song picks up and adds new elements, this was a constant in I Wanna. HA SUNG WOON sounds so nice throughout the track, and the melodies just make this such an appealing number. (9/10)

3. All I Need (ft. ERIC of THE BOYZ) – All I Need is such a vibrant number, stepping up the energy, beat and colour of the mini-album. I like the dominance of the piano in the verses, and the drumming just gives All I Need so much momentum. I wish there was more variety when it comes to the melodies. I liked how brighter HA SUNG WOON’s tone is, but he sounds similar throughout the song. This slightly dampens the liveliness of the song for me. ERIC from THE BOYZ appears briefly in the song during the second verse. His quick delivery does add to the song’s momentum and forward drive. (9/10)

4. I Already Lost You – HA SUNG WOON delves into pop rock for I Already Lost You. This is another strong number from the soloist, and I enjoy it thanks to its pleasant vibe. I Already Lost You is a bittersweet song, reflecting on a partner one likes but knows they cannot be with them. I liked the build-up to the chorus and how profound the chorus sounded once the rock elements kicked in. The resulting energy is perfect and well-balanced for HA SUNG WOON’s vocals. (8.5/10)

5. Mystery – Mystery makes for a decent dance track. This was an impression I got from the song after so long not listening to it. But repeat listens to Mystery made me quickly realise that it is also the mini-album’s most skippable track. I don’t remember much of it since it sounds quite similar instrumentally and vocally through and through. This ends up making Mystery sound very neutral and stagnant. The extra bass that comes into play is a nice touch and gives the song some heft. But it doesn’t do much to make the song more appealing. (6/10)