The Tone has been set by TVXQ

Music is an art I think we can all agree brings people together. No matter what language if the song calls to us it tends to travel with us for a long time. Music manifests our feelings, thoughts and it even chronicles our changes in life. TVXQ has certainly become something entirely different since their debut. Tone by TVXQ is certainly setting a new ground; there is a slight brilliance behind it all.  All it takes is putting on your favorite headphones or listening to the music they have created for the fans full blast through your speakers. That singular word Tone which titles the album has a definition that is intricate and from this moment on TVXQ is limitless.

Setting a tone does not necessarily mean it has to have one definition. It can be a singular note, idea or overall feel of something but that singular entity could be layered with many intricacies to make it have a desired feel.  An example can be when entering a room full of flowers. They are not just flowers; these flowers have an aura and definition to them, we may have tulips, lilies or orchids. The colors of these particular flowers could be used to set a romantic or welcoming tone to a room. The beauty behind it is how different they are and yet still manage to convey what is needed too. TVXQ has done this with their latest album, it has managed to layer Tone with an array of music that leaves absolutely nothing out. Not only do we receive a multi-faceted album in music but in vocal arrangement as well.  An example of this is the track Back to Tomorrow. Their voices are hard to tell apart, keeping that slight high pitch and baritone to their voices running with the piano and cello taunting them to keep going higher and suddenly they bring you the pinnacle at the chorus.

Art changes, we can see that in art galleries, same with music. We can go as far as the 50’s and see that music has changed quite a bit but that does not mean that some of those elements are forgotten, those compositions are broken down to become part of what is now modern music.  A great example of a merged genre is having a pop rock track or pop music mixed in with a bit of electronica.  All of these different forms of creativity are present in TVXQ’s Japanese album Tone. The snippets that we have been able to hear from the album in musical and vocal arrangement are a refreshing new sound to ears.  The spectrum is so full and diverse that there is something for everyone. Two tracks that stick out that are at both ends of this array of creativity are B.U.T, the upbeat tempo song that has a very catchy Dun, dun, dun phrase in the chorus that even if the upbeat songs are not for you, one cannot help but catch yourself chanting that phrase.  Back to Tomorrow is the other track that totally completes me in awe of the arrangement. The very first thing one hears when this track begins is the haunting cellos.  TVXQ’s voices once again are able to captivate the listeners’ emotions by each intonation, it is almost as if they are lamenting along with the instrument.

The album of course is this distinct because of the artists behind the mold.  TVXQ has to have evolved in some way in order to be able to get the results they have with this Japanese album.  The first hint of this was during SMTown Tokyo.  A more energized and fearless TVXQ stood on that stage in Tokyo Dome. The energy exchanged between artist and fans was immense. It seemed to be that this spark within TVXQ was fueling the light sticks that were enthusiastically waving from side to side. It was almost a tease of sorts. Would we see this TVXQ again? There seemed to be a reversal of personas during this day. Changmin teasing the crowd, showing off his charm and Yunho letting his brother take it all in right behind him.  One can even say Yunho was having fun seeing Changmin this way. It was a Changmin that gave a smile almost daring the night to go against him.  They were not done there, once the PV for B.U.T (Beauty) was released we witnessed it again, the same charisma that exploded Tokyo Dome was felt through the P.V. They both can be seen enjoying the song, teasing the audience with the flawless choreography. Yunho’s subtle smile as well as Changmin’s left us to spazz in our own spaces. It is inevitable to not fall for it all.

TVXQ as different as they are in personalities they have managed to learn from each other’s traits, ones that they are taking full advantage of.  In this time, writing another part of history in their lives they have become well rounded artists and people. There is not an air of arrogance, they are two young men that have learned from each other and have a mutual respect and admiration for one another, coupled with friendship and determination to see TVXQ go very far. They are certainly a pair to be admired. “Changmin went through a lot of things and matured greatly during the two years. He sometimes leads me and our staff members now.” Yunho has always been known to be the leader of TVXQ but Changmin growing alongside Yunho there was never a doubt that Changmin is a valuable person to Yunho, not just as Changmin the singer but the person he represents, the trust and friendship Changmin gives Yunho unconditionally is something he appreciates. The assurance Yunho gives Changmin and the ability to be able to voice his thoughts to Yunho without any mocking, to be listened to wholeheartedly is something Changmin takes to account. It has become a bond of mutual friendship and dreams. Changmin, “It is not good to have excessive expectations of others. I am happy if he just stays the way he is now” and Yunho “It’s the same for me. Everyone knows how firm our friendship is. We want to continue to do our best to rise to new heights just as we are doing now.” TVXQ has become an entirely new driven force. All of this is another layer of Tone. Their differences is what has made this album shine.

TVXQ has said plenty of times they want to continue having that TVXQ feel. Great choreography, upbeat music that makes you forget your current troubles and ballads that make you reminisce. TVXQ is great at all of this but what makes them stand out even more so today is the fact that they have kept learning, advancing, adapting and moving forward. TVXQ is keeping its great appeal to molding that into the brilliant sound that is music. This is where the new TVXQ comes in; this is now their playing field.  At first there was a small platform, a little bit of uncertainty but still with the desire to get up on stage and perform. Now, there are still things as artists they want to accomplish and they want to perfect to their own ideas but everything from now on will be done their way, whether it is singing a particular song, performance and what they want to do with that artistic license. That is what makes you a true creator of worlds; one all of us can be a part of and absolutely be proud of.

Tone by TVXQ is an album that certainly makes them comes full circle. There is not a doubt left when listening to every single track.  Everything from the upbeat tracks B.U.T, I Don’t Know, Superstar and Keep Your Head Down to the great arrangements that are Telephone, Back To Tomorrow, Magenta and Shawaseiro no hana (Flowers with the Color of Happiness) is an album that certainly captures the heart and ear of many. Time has passed by and to look back from January until now there is only a feeling of pride that swells within that makes one smile wide for TVXQ. Tone is doing more than just presenting how diverse Yunho and Changmin are; it is presenting a determined group full of charm and talent. It is putting in our hands an entirely evolved TVXQ and the most exciting thing about it all is that they are artists that want to change. Evolution does not stop just because we believe we have reached a certainly pinnacle. They keep wanting to keep digging within themselves to see what else lies inside that can be shared with the fans that have stayed behind them until now and in the future.

TVXQ’s friendship, appreciation for the fans, creativity, talents, charisma, and overall who they are as  Yunho and Changmin is what has made Tone what it is, an intricate and fabulous reflection of why everyone loves them, a brilliant canvas of self expression and originality. There is nothing left but to leave you with their thoughts. Yunho,“We’ve been always Tohoshinki and still are” and Changmin, “Because we are Tohoshinki and will continue to be Tohoshinki.” They certainly are. Continue to make mix and share the different colors of who you are in music. Please, Continue on TVXQ.

Source=Nubia @ continue TVXQ