Xiah Junsu – Intoxication

The year 2010 was quite unfortunate for TVXQ. It’s been quite some time now since the start of the dispute with SM Entertainment, however its settlement seems to be nowhere near. And though JYJ and the duo TVXQ have moved on their separate ways, let’s return to a solo release of the old TVXQ’s most characteristic voices - Xiah Junsu.

Xiah Junsu’s solo single Intoxication hit the stores in May 2010 and was available in two versions: the first with five tracks, and the second with four tracks and a DVD with the music video for the title song.

Intoxication is naturally present in both versions. It is a dance ballad written by Junsu himself. The base of the song is made of a guitar melody and a synthesizer backing track, and so the most prominent part of the song is Junsu’s singing done in English and Japanese. You don’t really need to know Japanese to understand the message of the song – its title and English parts will tell the listeners all they need to know to grasp its full message. Those who purchased the DVD version will have the chance to watch the singer covered in gold, seductively moving his body to the camera. The song is very pleasant to listen to and it takes only one chorus to start humming the track along with Junsu.

Depending on the version we have, the next song will either be Kanashimi no Yukue or another of Junsu’s self-written tracks, Kimi ga Ireba ~Beautiful Love~. The first one is a quite typical ballad with a string section which intensifies what Junsu is known most for: his beautiful, haunting and emotional voice. It is also the longest of the songs on the single, being over five minutes long. Kimi ga Ireba ~Beautiful Love~ is also a calm song, however it has a faster pace than the previous one. The electric guitar in the background does not mar the ever-present calm nature of the song, and the synthesizer backing track helps to enhance Junsu’s exceptional singing.

This is actually where the single ends as depending on your purchase, the next songs will be instrumental versions of Intoxication, Kanashimi no Yukue and Kimi ga Ireba ~Beautiful Love~. All those who enjoy karaoke and instrumental compositions will definitely feel at home here. The version without the DVD has an additional track - a shorter, over three-minute long version of Kimi ga Ireba ~Beautiful Love~.

Considering Xiah Junsus vocal capabilities, ballads and slower compositions suit him perfectly. Therefore it should come as no surprise to discover that this single presents exactly those kinds of songs. With Intoxication Junsu has definitely surprised his fans by showing a bolder, more mature and sexier side of himself. What remained unchanged though is his voice: many a diva would envy him his range. That is why this single can be recommended to all Junsu fans, but also to all those, who embrace calm melodies and beautiful voices.