Chung Ha Comes Back “Sparkling” With New Album “Bare&Rare, Pt. 1”

*NEW ALBUM ALERT!* 

Soloist Chung Ha is finally back with her newest kpop album, “Bare&Rare, Pt. 1,” after her last single released in 2021, “Killing Me,” showed off a new mature side to the kpop singer. She has also been featured in some Kdrama OST between albums, including Bloody Heart and Seoul Check-in.

In “Bare&Rare, Pt. 1,” Chung Ha shows fans how far she’s become since debuting as a soloist, separating herself from her past cuter image in I.O.I and early debut tracks. Down below, I’ve done a deep dive on each of the songs and given my honest opinions on each track on her new album.

OMG. Definitely not what I expected Chung Ha to start her album with at all; it leaves you feeling intimidated but in the best way possible. The opening words just leave you absolutely speechless and definitely show the bare and raw version of Chung Ha’s persona. It’s such a powerful and aweing way to start out this album.

I just want to say that I'm LITERALLY OBSESSED. I am in love with the direction that this title track decided to go in and actually cured my summer blues on the first listen. Chung Ha is truly sparkling in this song and combined with the retro feels that the track gives off, this is one of my top candidates for kpop song of the summer.

The music video for “Sparkling” is also just stunning. From the outfit choices, to Chung Ha’s makeup, the colorful, aesthetic sets, and just her confident presence, there’s no way you can’t fall in love after watching the 3-minute masterpiece. Just go watch it and see for yourself, you won’t be disappointed.

Within the kpop album, I would say that this is one of the easier and simpler songs out of the entire album. It gives a more youthful feel as Chung Ha sings about encouraging others to build the confidence to raise our voices and to bring our plans in the future into today. I especially like the extra touch of the children’s chorus added in near the end, it gives the song an extra youthful vibe.

The transition to “Crazy Like You” from “Louder” is ABSOLUTELY INSANE. These two songs are like night and day and the fact that it's a collaboration with another powerhouse of a Korean Female Soloist, none other than BIBI herself??? This is the can’t miss song on Chung Ha’s “Bare&Rare, Pt. 1.” I especially love the intense and darker vibes that this song gives out paired with the two’s voices.

This is another one of the simpler songs on the album and it gives off chill party vibes. I can totally envision hearing this song playing at the next LA rooftop pool party or while sunbathing on the hot summer beach. It makes me want to get up and go experience the California Dream myself!

This song feels like it should be in a Kdrama OST with the amount of emotion that Chung Ha puts into this song. While the song starts out sounding like a nighttime lullaby, Chung Ha transitions to showcasing her powerful vocals in a ballad-style finish within the latter half of the song. 

The lyricism in this one is also intense as it might make you share a tear as you listen (or read) about the protagonist’s turmoil in their separation from their mother and hardships in their daily journey.

Chung Ha decides to transition from the heart-wrenching masterpiece she just presented us with “Love Me Out Loud.” IMO, this is THE perfect song for a summer road trip with your besties as you play the track and all of you scream the lyrics at the top of your lungs together. It’s such a fun, simple song to bear your heart out to together.

Lastly, I would say that Chung Ha ended on a rare sounding note as the melody and overall feel of the song were very unconventional and leaves you feeling like you’ve been left on a cliffhanger. I believe that was the intention and that Chung Ha will transition the piece well into the second part of this album when it comes out.

In the lyrics, Chung Ha bears the facts and exclaims that she IS rare; she IS the masterpiece and she IS the moment. It was a great finish to a great kpop album. 

Here are my personal rankings for the songs on Chung Ha’s “Bare&Rare, Pt. 1”

1. Sparkling 

2. Good Night My Princess 

3. Crazy Like You

4. XXXX

5. Love Me Out Loud

6. Louder

7. Nuh-Uh

Let me know which song was your favorite on “Bare&Rare, pt. 1” down below! If you’re looking for where to buy official kpop merch online, you’re in the right place at The Daebak Company!

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