#wings.edits

⟡ To be honest, I am not sure what I can say about Kihyun's artistry that isn't abundantly clear from his studio and live performances. If I say that I believe he is one of the most competent vocalists in the genre, it may sound like an understatement — although it is not something I say lightly, and I mean it with my whole heart. His level of musicality is built on a strong foundation of fundamental skills and would not be possible without it. Minhyuk once described him as a stone that does not shake in the wind, and to me this also embodies his steadiness and reliability in the recording booth and on the stage no matter how challenging the primary and secondary (e.g., ad lib) lines are asked of him and no matter how deep they are into a rigorous concert set. Kihyun excels at singing high and singing loud (genuinely), but he also has a wide and well-supported range, and I appreciate the opportunities to enjoy his lower/mid end and lighter moments just as much as his robust belting. I understand why Hyungwon loves composing for his voice (who wouldn't?). Kihyun has been a strong singer since the beginning of his career and makes many of his parts seem effortless, yet most of all I respect his commitment to growth despite how much effort it takes to improve when you are already among the best of the best. He was honest with himself about when he felt his abilities plateauing, and he sought a way forward by resuming vocal lessons. We are fortunate as fans that he is also open enough to share that with us. I didn't think I could love and respect him more, but for that personal strength and dedication to his craft, I did. I do.

Postscript, to listeners. This was a challenging set of excerpts to compile (and even more to order) because Kihyun has many, many parts throughout the MX discography that showcase his abilities. As with my other compilations, it strives to capture a breadth of his output while also being very much biased toward my own favorites (Crescendo/Lost in the Dream/AND occur successively because they carry the most gut-punching, emotional weight to me). But I expect to revisit these in the future and would love to hear about your favorite moments in the tags. ♡

Postscript, to Kihyun. I miss you. Kpop is not the same without you. At the same time, I am so proud and happy for you that you are continuing to make music, as it is such a core part of your being and (if it is not presumptuous to say) brings you fulfillment and joy. I am absolutely tickled that you play the trombone. I hope you are having the best possible time playing in the band (and that your low brass section is delightfully weird, as tends to be the case — with lots of love to low brass players, from a percussionist who overheard all your shenanigans), and I can't wait to see how this musical experience contributes to your transformation and growth as an artist.

.⟡.

While contemplating what a feat it will be to pare down all my favorite Changkyun musical moments in his eventual full (rap + vocal) compilation, I decided to console myself with a separate post dedicated to his vocal (melodic) introductions in songs. In other words, any time he is the first main voice heard, and he is singing rather than rapping. To the best of my knowledge, this is every MX song that met those parameters to me. I didn’t expect it to be 19 songs, and I didn’t expect this to be over 6 minutes long (although I did consciously make the choice to include the entire instrumental beginnings).

I will save the full ramble rant reflection for that future, full compilation, but I just have to say here (as if it is not obvious every time the #wings bari agenda possesses my keyboard) that I LOVE his vocal timbre. His is actually the voice in mx most likely and with little effort to make me want to swallow a bucket of glass or eat a wall. Changkyun may not be a “main vocalist” by the kpop genre’s standards and preferences, but he is my beloved gentle baritone, he is irreplaceable, he is one of a kind.

(No one asked, but my absolute favorites from this list are Beautiful Liar, all the ones from Shape of Love, If with U, One Day... Blow Your Mind... ok it's hard to pick favorites beyond that because I love them all.)

I'll leave you with some words of wisdom from the king himself.