The phrase “Hello, world” embodies a fresh, wide-eyed optimism (and would be nostalgic for those who’ve ever written their first computer code), as if saying: “I’m here! Ready to experience everything anew!” In a similar vein, Baekhyun’s new mini-album ‘Hello, World’ carries a sense of freedom and self-assurance, with his life having changed by leagues since his last project, ‘Bambi’, came out over three years ago.
In the trailer for ‘Hello, World’, Baekhyun is thrust through cinematic sequences inspired by various genres, mired in confusion and subject to horrors until the sound of a clapboard snaps him back into the real world. Turns out, he’s an actor playing out various fantasies written by, well, himself. A quiet, yet sublime way of assuring his fans – and perhaps himself – that he is in control of his narrative now, and no matter what he is subjected to, his story is his own to write.
The tracks on the mini-album thus not only introduce Baekhyun as a creator, but also Baekhyun as an individual, flaws and all. The euphoria of this newfound freedom translates into lush layering on the tracks, all banding together to make immersive microcosms. As opposed to his earlier releases, which leaned towards the dark, minimal and mysterious, Baekhyun nourishes the songs on ‘Hello, World’ with ad-libs and harmonies aplenty, leading to a lusher sound overall.
On the opening track ‘Good Morning’ – his proverbial re-introduction to the world – he is the epitome of laid-back, as if hop-skipping his way through life. Co-writer Colde’s trademark mellow sound slots in perfectly with Baekhyun’s easygoing vocals, easing the listener into the album. Similarly, ‘Rendez-Vous’ is replete with harmonies of Baekhyun’s voice, weaving seamlessly between piano and a bossa nova progression. He keeps a tight rein on his vocal work, letting the pauses hang a little longer and the melodies linger.
‘Hello, World’ reflects the music that suits Baekhyun best: sultry and laced with playfulness and occasional yearning. The title track ‘Pineapple Slice’ demonstrates this perfectly. His plush voice tethers the song, with bass and synths adding a riotous kick to the progressions – sweet with a noticeable tang, like the fruit it is named after. The feeling is reminiscent of ‘Candy’, although ‘Pineapple Slice’ has a definitive edge of longing when compared to the bravado of the former.
The best example, however, is the album’s closing track ‘Truth Be Told’, where Baekhyun breaks up languish delivery with brisk, tense rap, mirroring the inner turmoil of someone about to bring a relationship to a close. Over a dark R&B arrangement, he keeps the listener on their toes, building anticipation with layered harmonies before bringing the song to a satisfying close.
Although not without its fumbles – ‘Woo’ and ‘Cold Heart’ take too long to build up and thus fizzle out – ‘Hello, World’ is the sound of Baekhyun unfettered. The melting pot of vibes, arrangements and generous layerings provide a buoyancy characteristic of the singer, while still rooted in the sound he’s come to be known for. Just like the phrase it is inspired by, ‘Hello, World’ is only the first step in a long journey for the idol.
