Global popstar Jackson Wang, a soloist from China and popularly known as a rapper in K-pop group GOT7, has finally released his first full-length album MAGIC MAN. The album was released on September 9, 2022. It contains 10 tracks including the two pre-released singles ‘Blow’ and ‘Cruel’. The singer-songwriter-producer has released the album after almost a year of teasing the fans about it through his social media. It was recorded throughout Los Angeles, South Korea, and China. The album is unlike his previous releases for it comes from a place very vulnerable and raw. For the past year, Jackson has opened up about his mental health, his workaholic nature and how this period has been difficult yet music making experience has been cathartic. He grew closer to himself, to his art and to his fans. In his letter, which was released before the album, he summarizes his journey in the past year and shares a message of hope and strength with his fans. Over the past year, Jackson has released a slew of singles which dipped into genres like RnB, pop, grunge, punk, noise, etc.
Jackson Wang – MAGIC MAN Review: Singer casts a spell as he is driven by love, sincerity and vulnerability in his sophomore album
MAGIC MAN sports a nice blend of grunge, pop, rock & R&B and natural progression from 2019 solo release Mirrors. The storytelling that Jackson attempts in the album paints a stunning picture of a disaster waiting to happen and how timely efforts have resurrected the man. Each track sports a title that may or may not exactly give away the song’s meaning. He uses quirky symbolism to express what he wants to say. Be it using champagne’s imagery to depict the glitz, glamour and murky underbelly or be it dopamine to speak about the need for a heady rush and happiness.
The album opens with the track ‘Blow’. The emo-rock music is matched beautifully with Gothic visuals in the music video. The song speaks about being on the edge of a dangerous temptation – “I felt her coming and I couldn’t escape/I’m in the belly of the beast again/My dirty secret that keeps me awakе”.
‘Go Ghost’ speaks about leaving a toxic relationship. There is an urgency in the track and the fast-paced nature reveals the unsettling behaviour one can indulge in – “I can’t leave you even if I tried to / Late night when I slide through / Can leave you when it’s time to Go Ghost.” The stretchy bass beats accompanied by an atmospheric chorus make the song a banger. The next track ‘Drive It Like You Stole It’ speaks about the heady rush of stardom. The smooth RnB disco beats accentuate the imagery that Jackson wishes to express. The reverb in the chorus and Jackson’s breathy singing decorate the song beautifully.
‘Just Like Magic’ is a magical track featuring eclectic strums of an electric guitar. The chorus feels like it is taken straight out of an orchestral piece. The fast-paced singing highlights the ‘magic’ that Jackson is seeking – “I-I, I think I need her/I-I, I gotta have it all/I-I, I wanna see her/Ooh, it’s just like”. ‘All The Way’ speaks about Jackson’s cry for help and to not let go of something. The urgency and the desperate feeling in the song is highlighted with the rock music – “I’m not usеd to you /Saying goodbye, saying goodbye for the all timе.” The song feels like it is plucked from a road trip playlist for it sports a rock based progression that adds in to the liberating sense.
‘Dopamine’ delves into the primal hedonistic need. It speaks volumes about the very basic and unsettling need to achieve happiness and that feeling of fulfilment. The ballad-like beginning paves way to a delightful blend of Jackson’s vocals and trippy music apt for a track titled Dopamine – “I need a little smoothing out the rough/I want relief, I want to feel your touch/I want release, a little something in the cut”.
The track ‘Blue’ was released as the third lead track accompanied by an enigmatic video. In the music video, one can see Jackson underwater falling deeper and deeper. He sings about his desolate state and cries for help as he sings – “When the water runs dry / I know that I can always come find you/You’re the only one that picks me up / When I’m so blue? Can you feel it, too?” The alt-rock beats give the song a hauntingly beautiful depth.
He is a multi-hyphenated superstar who not only produces and writes his own music with his team, of course but also storyboards, even directs sometimes and produces his craft in order to bring his vision to life. That reflects in all three music videos – it is a vision of Jackson Wang – and that he has a team that brings it to life. Listening to, MAGIC MAN feels like hugging someone as they speak words of assurance to you. Wang draws inspiration from artists like Prince, Michael Jackson, Jackie Chan and others. His inspiration can be seen in songs like ‘Drive It Like You Stole It’ where he mentions “Little Red Corvette” to give a nod to Prince’s hit track of the same name. After dropping singles like ‘Pretty Please’, ‘Drive You Home’, and ‘LMLY’, Jackson has found his voice and sound that is captivating just like his personality but there is more balance and nuance in the music which adds a nice flavour to the whole music listening experience. With MAGIC MAN he has shown the world once again his ability to create magic with his talents and he has also shared a message that everyone can create their own magic. Jackson Wang has cast a spell with his sophomore album and has officially carved a road to experiment and explore the world.
ALSO READ: GOT7’s Jackson Wang is the new global brand ambassador of M.A.C Cosmetics
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