SS501 - FIND

SS501's fifth single FIND was released towards the end of a very active 2008, following the single Deja Vu, Japanese single Lucky Days and their first digital single Neon Naui Cheongok. FIND was another first for them, as this single was released as a limited edition with only 30,000 copies made.

Neowa Sumswida is a short instrumental track that opens the single with a soothing piano and guitar melody, leading perfectly into Neon Naui Cheongok (You Are My Heaven). Previously released as a digital single, the song is also the theme to the historical TV drama Strongest Chil Woo. Listeners might find themselves in the mood for summer with the song's bright, sunny feeling, and the electronic altering they did to Hyungjun and Jungmin's parts near the beginning adds a cute and fun atmosphere. This type of song really suits their voices, with Kyujong sounding particularly strong and Youngsaeng's voice simply shining throughout the whole song.

Possibly the best track of this single is the title track, FIND, an up-tempo ballad that uses an orchestra to great effect. It starts slowly, with piano accompanying Hyunjoong's breathy vocals, and Hyungjun showing that he can do more than rap; then the full orchestra kicks in to give the song more energy as Youngsaeng takes center stage for the rest of the song. People might wish that the other members were given more equal airtime, and the track certainly could have used another minute added to its length, but it is without doubt Youngsaeng's vocal strength that takes FIND to a whole other level.

Next the leader of SS501 takes the spotlight in Gomapda (Thank You), which was also released as a separate digital single. Having already done a rock song with his Japanese solo RIZE UP, Hyunjoong took a different approach this time with a ballad. Those familiar with Hyunjoong will note that the lyrics suit his humble personality, lyrics about a man thanking girlfriend for sticking with him despite his problems. Hyunjoong's voice in this song has a strength and richness to it that is rarely heard outside of their concerts, and indeed fans of SS501 may be left wondering if this is really the same Hyunjoong they know. His vocal improvement is something to be proud of and despite his preference for rock it is clear that ballads suit him best. There is also an acoustic version of Gomapda included on the single, and it actually improves on the original.

Saranghae x 5 bookends the single with another brief track only this time it's a remix of Neon Naui Cheongok's instrumental music with the members of SS501 saying "Saranghae! I love you!" in a way that is sure to leave listeners with a warm fuzzy feeling inside.

This single showed a more vocally mature, polished side of SS501 with solid song choices, great arrangements and harmonies that hint at what could be in store for fans in the future. Can they continue their streak of hits with their upcoming second album? Based on this single it would be hard to believe they couldn't.