Sorrowful Secret is the first album released by Uhm Jung Hwa. It was released after she started her acting career. The album was unfortunately not very successful and pushed her go on a hiatus from music for three years.
Released: April, 1993
1. Sorrowful Secret (슬픈비밀)
2. Like All the Lovers in the World (세상모든연인들 처럼)
3. Urban Mosaic (도시모자이크)
4. If I’m On Your Mind (너의마음속에 내가있다면)
5. Pupil (눈동자)
6. Another Man (또다른 나)
7. Don’t Think About Being Alone (혼자란 생각하지마)
8. You Look Tired (지쳐 버린 네모습)
Starting things off, we get the title track, which is a pretty cool tune. Sorrowful Secret is very much in tune with the sounds of Asia around this time with its late 80’s synth ballad vibes. It’s definitely dark, but it works nicely with Uhm Jung Hwa’s distinctive vocals. Despite the songs slower pace, the arrangement still brings a lot of punch and the melody allows Uhm to launch some belted notes, which is not really heard in her later promoted tracks. It’s a bit oldschool, but I really enjoy the vibe that it brings.
Suddenly we get launched into something upbeat and bright. Like All the Lovers in the World feels like a complete contrast to the last song and I’m not sure what to think. While I enjoy the more positive arrangement, the song is sort of lacking in its melody. It’s a cute tune and I could see it doing well for its time, but I can’t quite find it memorable.
I much prefer Urban Mosaic because it has a harder edge to it with its swirling synths and new-jack-swing-esque vibe. It doesn’t quite hit to the same velocity as I want it to, but there is something really charming of its sensual verses. The chorus is a little more high energy in its melody, but the arrangement doesn’t quite have the same power, which leaves it a little lacking. The added male background vocals is also an odd choice. It’s a funky tune though.
If I’m On Your Mind slows things down to bring the first classic ballad. It’s use of the keyboard instead of the piano definitely makes it more a product of its time, which isn’t a bad thing. The chorus has some power to it, but it is lacking in its melody. It feels a bit messy and while I enjoy Uhm Jung Hwa’s vocals, they also are lacking a bit of control. It’s a solid tune, but I’ve heard better.
I’m pretty sure Pupil was used as a promoted track and it totally stands out with its hip-hop/R&B beat and flashy synths. It’s also quite cool because we get to here a more sensual side to Uhm’s vocals. The only problem is that it takes a while to get to that first chorus and we have to get through some awkward background vocals to get there. The chorus melody is pretty cool and I like the edginess it brings. I can see why it was promoted.
I love that we get launched into a dance track with Another Man. It really keeps the energy high and we get another cool tune. The verses are a bit forgettable and I feel like the arrangement carries things here. However, that chorus is really fun and just soars. It’s obviously a bit bare considering the times of this music, but the overall delivery is pretty exciting and one of her stronger early tunes.
We get back to the bright and summery vibes with Don’t Think About Being Alone. I like the positive and upbeat sounds tied with the new-jack-swing beat, but it isn’t as polished as I want it to be in terms of the blend of music and vocals. The melody isn’t particularly catchy, but the feeling is rather infectious. A decent filler.
Ending the album the same way it began, You Look Tired is a slower tune that goes with the sadder 80’s synth ballad vibe. It’s not as strong as the title track, but it does have a solid melody and the arrangement keeps things interesting with its funky synthwork and jazzy qualities. It’s 80’s vibe is quite charming.
Overall: This is a pretty decent album. Since it is quite a bit older, it does sound like a product of its timing, but it also has a charm to it. The songs were a little lacking in areas like the fullness in arrangements or cleaner blends between the vocals and music, but there were still a number of strong songs and I enjoyed quite a few of the tracks. The album being rather short also helped to keep things interesting.
B+
Kuuki to Hoshi 