Precious (Sogumm album)

Precious
Studio album by
ReleasedOctober 22, 2021 (2021-10-22)
GenreR&B, alternative R&B, soft pop
Length28:03
LabelAOMG
Sogumm chronology
Sobrightttttttt
(2019)
Precious
(2021)

Precious is the second studio album of South Korean singer-songwriter Sogumm. It was released on October 22, 2021, through AOMG. It was later nominated for Best R&B Album at the Korean Music Awards.

Background

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In an interview with Bandwagon Asia, Sogumm spoke on the album's creative direction.[1]

I focused on popularity for the music, and artistry for the visuals. I thought the gap between music and visuals would express the confusion that I'm going through, and such imbalance has impacted not only my music but also my relationship with people. I thought it's important to explain and express what I want.

Release

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On October 18, 2021, AOMG revealed an image of an unknown figure between trees marked with a red circle through its social media. On the next day, it released a "card news" article that called the figure in the picture "Jangchung-dong white cloth".[2] On October 20, it revealed the album cover and preview video.[3]

Music and lyrics

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The album starts with the mellow "Precious" and builds up to the "heady" dance-hip-hop mix "My Time Is Gold".[4] The fuzz guitar riff of "Complex" quickly changes the mood of the track and creates tension.[5] Lyrically, Sogumm is straightfoward with her lover without thinking too much.[6] She talks about saying goodbye to her loved ones on "So Soon" and sings about jealousy and love on a trap beat on "My Love".[7]

Critical reception

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Therese Reyes of Vice wrote that the album is "well thought out but still folky and freeform, like it came from a pure desire to depict deep emotions through sound."[4] Jo Ji-hwan of Tonplein commented that Sogumm succeeded in making unique and fun songs.[5] Rhythmer wrote that she created familiar yet new R&B music by properly combining Sobrightttttttt's avant-garde sound with public appeal.[6]

Year-end lists

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Publication List Rank Ref.
Rhythmer 10 Best Korean R&B Albums of 2021 2 [6]

Awards and nominations

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Award Year Category Result Ref.
Korean Music Awards 2022 Best R&B Album Nominated [8]

Track listing

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All lyrics are written by Sogumm; all music is composed by Sogumm, Glowingdog

No.TitleLyricsMusicLength
1."Precious"  2:26
2."Complex" (컴플렉스)  3:23
3."Prescription" (처방전)  3:26
4."Do I Have Your Love?"  3:46
5."Fairytale"  3:20
6."The Person from Yesterday" (어제 그 사람)  3:29
7."So Soon" (아니 벌써)  3:06
8."My Love" (내 사랑)  2:22
9."My Time Is Gold" (featuring Omega Sapien)Omega SapienOmega Sapien2:40
Total length:28:03

References

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  1. ^ Basbas, Franchesca (October 22, 2021). "Asia Spotlight: Korean singer-songwriter Sogumm on challenging herself, finding her dream, and working on her "mysterious" album 'Precious'". Bandwagon Asia.
  2. ^ Kim, Ji-ha (October 20, 2021). "AOMG 공식 SNS에 '장충동 흰 보자기' 등장" ['Jangchung-dong white cloth' appears on AOMG official SNS]. TV Daily (in Korean).
  3. ^ Choi, Na-yeong (October 21, 2021). "AOMG 장충동 흰 보자기, 정체 밝혀졌다" [AOMG Jangchung-dong white cloth, identity revealed]. Osen (in Korean).
  4. ^ a b Reyes, Therese (December 17, 2021). "Sogumm's Song "Prescription" Is a Tender Message to Her Future Self, and a Musical Cure for Listeners". Vice.
  5. ^ a b "온음 2021 총결산 : 후보 목록" [Tonplein 2021 wrap-up: list of nominees]. Tonplein (in Korean). December 31, 2021.
  6. ^ a b c "2021 국내 알앤비/소울 앨범 베스트 10" [2021 Domestic R&B/Soul Albums Best 10]. Rhythmer (in Korean). December 29, 2021.
  7. ^ "소금의 요리조리 (sogumm's Yorizori) / LP [Precious]". AOMGOFFICIAL. YouTube. October 28, 2021.
  8. ^ "sogumm [Precious]". Korean Music Awards (in Korean).