Global pop star Jackson Wang, a soloist from China and popularly known as a rapper in K-pop group GOT7, has finally released his first full-length album MAGICAL MAN. The album was released on September 9, 2022. It contains 10 tracks including the two pre-released singles’Blow’ and ‘Cruel’. The singer-songwriter-producer released the album after almost a year teasing fans about it via his social media. It was shot in Los Angeles, South Korea and China. The album is different from his previous releases as it comes from a very vulnerable and raw place. For the past year, Jackson has been candid about his mental health, his workaholic nature and how difficult this period has been, but the experience of making music has been cathartic. He grew closer to himself, to his art and to his fans. In his letter, which appeared before the album, he summarizes his journey over the past year and shares a message of hope and strength with his fans. Over the past year, Jackson has released a slew of singles immersed in genres like RnB, pop, grunge, punk, noise, etc.
Jackson Wang – MAGIC MAN Review: Singer Enchants As He Is Driven By Love, Sincerity And Vulnerability In His Second Album
MAGICAL MAN has a nice mix of grunge, pop, rock & R&B and natural progression from the 2019 solo release mirrors. The stories Jackson tries to tell in the album paints a stunning picture of a disaster waiting to happen and how timely efforts brought the man to life. Each song has a title that may or may not give away the exact meaning of the song. He uses idiosyncratic symbolism to express what he wants to say. Whether it’s using champagne to portray the glitz, glamor and cloudy underbelly, or it’s dopamine to speak of the need for an intoxicating rush and happiness.
The album opens with the track ‘Blow’. The emo rock music is beautifully matched to the gothic imagery in the music video. The song talks about standing on the brink of a dangerous temptation – “I felt her coming and I couldn’t escape/I’m back in the belly of the beast/My dirty secret that keeps me awake.”
‘go spirit’ talks about leaving a toxic relationship. There is an urgency to the job and the fast nature reveals the disturbing behavior you can indulge in -“I can’t leave you even if I try / Late at night when I slip through / Can leave you when it’s time to go Ghost.” The stretchy bass beats accompanied by an atmospheric chorus make the song a blast. The next song’Drive like you stole it’ speaks of the intoxicating rush of stardom. The smooth RnB disco beats accentuate the visual language that Jackson wants to express. The reverb in the chorus and Jackson’s hoarse vocals grace the song beautifully.
‘Like magic’ is a magical song with eclectic strumming of an electric guitar. The chorus feels like it comes straight out of an orchestral piece. The fast vocals emphasize the ‘magic’ that Jackson seeks – “II, I think I need her / II, I must have everything / II, I want to see her / Ooh, it’s like”. ‘All the way’ talks about Jackson’s cry for help and not to let go of something. The urgency and desperate feeling in the song is emphasized with the rock music – “I’m Not Used To You / Saying Goodbye, Saying Goodbye Forever.” The song feels like it was plucked from a road trip playlist as it has a rock-based progression that adds to the liberating feel.
‘dopamine’ delves into the primal hedonistic need. It speaks volumes about the very basic and disturbing need to achieve happiness and that sense of fulfillment. The ballad-esque beginning paves the way to a delightful mix of Jackson’s vocals and trippy music fit for a track titled Dopamine – “I need to smooth out the rough a bit / I want relief, I want to feel your touch / I want to let go, something small in the cut”.
Rail ‘Blue’ was released as the third lead track accompanied by an enigmatic video. In the video clip you see Jackson falling deeper and deeper underwater. He sings about his desolate condition and cries out for help as he sings – “When the water dries up / I know I can always find you / You’re the only one to pick me up / When I’m so blue? Do you feel it too?” The alt-rock beats give the song a hauntingly beautiful depth.
He is a multi-hyphenated superstar who not only produces and writes his own music with his team, of course, but also storyboards, sometimes even directs and produces his craft to bring his vision to life. That’s reflected in all three music videos – it’s a vision of Jackson Wang – and that he has a team that brings it to life. Listen to, MAGICAL MAN feels like you are hugging someone as they speak to you reassuring words. Wang takes inspiration from artists such as Prince, Michael Jackson, Jackie Chan and others. His inspiration can be seen in songs like ‘Drive like you stole it’ where he mentions “Little Red Corvette” to give a nod to Prince’s hit of the same name. After dropping singles like ‘Please’, ‘Drive you home’‘, and ‘LMLY’Jackson has found his voice and sound to be as captivating as his personality, but there is more balance and nuance in the music that adds a nice flavor to the whole music listening experience. Of MAGICAL MAN he has once again shown the world that he can create magic with his talents and he has also shared the message that everyone can create their own magic. Jackson Wang has cast a spell with his second album and has officially set out to experiment and explore the world.
ALSO READ: GOT7’s Jackson Wang is MAC Cosmetics’ New Global Brand Ambassador
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