TVXQ are set to release a 20th Anniversary album in Japan early next month. They already unveiled its lead track Sweet Surrender a few weeks ago and now they’re teasing again with the classic ballad Dearest. Some of their most successful Japanese work has been within this musical realm, and given the special occasion it’s not surprising to hear a song with this kind of emotional heft.
Speaking of special occasions, there’s a track (“Christmas Is Loving“) on their 2014 With album that I return to every year during the holidays. It’s such a cozy sound and draws upon their vocal charms perfectly. On the surface, Dearest gives a similar feeling, but I wish the song was more stripped back with a greater focus on texture. What begins as a subdued piano ballad soon embraces the sappy bombast that often characterizes songs like this. Sadly, Dearest‘s melodies are nowhere near TVXQ’s best, leaving its musical drama unsupported. Those who simply want to hear the group’s strong and impactful vocals have so many better options within their enormous discography.
| Hooks | 7 |
| Production | 7 |
| Longevity | 7 |
| Bias | 7 |
| RATING | 7 |
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This is about a K/JPOP ballady as it gets. The sung harmonies at 2:17 during the bridge are lovely. They know what they are doing here, and who they are singing for.
For TVXQ Christmas songs, my go to is usually Magic Castle. It isn’t really an xmas song, no more so than “My Favorite Things” is xmas. (I mean, how did that happen?)
Magic Castle is a cover of a 90’s original. Many many many people have covered the cover of Magic Castle, but my favorite is Forestella. Sharing, because sharing is caring. This song got me through quarantine.
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