First Se7en [Import]

Se7en | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (March 14, 2006)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Import
• ASIN: B000E3K3ZK
• Also Available in: Audio CD
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #751,216 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Great Korean Artist with a meandering JPop Debut, June 5, 2007

By 

Cabir Marc Davis (Amazon) - See all my reviews

This review is from: First Se7en (Audio CD)

I discovered Se7en in 2005 when I happened to come across his third album (24/7) - one that still finds repeat plays on my Ipod - and I dont even speak Korean! Granted, Se7en's unique voice alone is worth the full-price on any CD he puts out, which is probably why I made a wise decision when I decided to download his first Japanese album before actually buying it off the Web. Boy am I glad I did that.

As an avid listener to male and female Jpop (Ken Hirai being my favorite), this albun struck me as oddly lifeless, which is weird because Se7en is known for being especially energetic and playful during his studio sessions. Perhaps this is because Se7en only speaks Korean in real life and doesn't know a word of actual Japanese (which would explain his weird pronunciation - evident even to non-native speakers). This is a pity, because Se7en is perhaps the most blessed of all the KPop singers (vocally even better than Rain, even though Rain has better stage presence).

The best track here is "Hikari" (with an equally lovable video), and this is followed closely by "Start Line". Both are rather pretty and melodious (though meandering and plodding at the same time), but they are just so, so average, that I am afraid no ones going to remember this a year from now. When a stunning and stupendous ballad such as "Aika" by Ken Hirai is already forgotten by the general public, there is no chance for an album like "First Se7en".

I liked Rain's Japanese debut "Eternal Rain" much more than this. Now that wasn't a perfect album either, but at least it was partially coherent. This album on the other hand is a desperate effort to get both the Japanese sound and feel - abandoning all of Se7en's actual roots and personality in the process. Being in his early twenties, Se7en hasn't got enough personality to pull off a foreign language record at this stage. To be fair, he is definitely the best looking man in the Korean music industry right now, and his dance moves are up there with the best (again, bettered only by Rain), but I guess at the end of it the fact remains that even an exceptionally stunning face cannot revive a weak and insipid album.

There were two things I liked about this debut Japanese album by Se7en : 1) his voice (as gifted as ever), and 2) the fact that the record was made by Se7en. Other than this, the melodies are nothing to write home about.

I would recommend downloading a few tracks from this CD before actually deciding to buy it. I haven't bought it, but have the whole thing on my Ipod anyway (with very few plays, I might add). Get it if you're a rabid Se7en fan, but if you're into male Korean Pop, I would suggest getting works by either Rain, Kangta or the criminally underrated singer Tei (especially his debut CD "The First Journey")

2 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Worth every penny, March 31, 2006

By 

Daisy Lee (California, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: First Se7en (Audio CD)

I bought this album not expecting too much, having heard from others that his Korean albums are much better. Boy was I surprised! Even on the first listen, my impression was nothing short of WOW! True, his clean image in Japan is a 360 degree turn from his hip-hop, gangsta image in Korea. Honestly, I prefer his clean image more b/c the gangsta image gets old. His music really breathes life into a music industry that I feel has gotten stale recently. The one word that best describes this album is 'refreshing.' I love all the songs, and I'm not exaggerating-- I don't skip any songs. The ones that stand out are 'Puzzle,' 'Style,' and 'Forever.' The album really shows off his vocal ability instead of drowning it in background music like most albums these days. Although the price is intimidating, I guarantee you won't regret it. This is quality music that will put a smile on your face.