Jinyoung released his solo debut mini-album, Chapter 0: WITH, back in January of this year, prior to his military enlistment last month. It is lead by the single Cotton Candy and features an additional four songs (including the side track Letter, which also got the music video treatment). Jinyoung is the final member of GOT7 to make his solo debut, who I noted continued to focus on his acting career following GOT7’s departure from JYP Entertainment back in 2021 in the Cotton Candy review. Despite that, Jinyoung is not the final member of GOT7 to be reviewed on my blog. So, once again, an apology to Yugyeom. Hopefully, I will actually review one of his solo singles soon.

As for Jinyoung, he leaves us for the next two year or so with a really beautiful mini-album, which focuses more on his softer side and vocal tones. Ballads were the main feature of this mini-album, but there were some artistic ones that just sound so good. So, if you like ballads, definitely explore this mini-album. More on the individual songs below.

1. Animal – Chapter 0: WITH starts off with Animal, a beautiful and stunning ballad. The classically traditional balladry instrumentation of Animal stands out for its super captivating properties and being a stilling backing piece. Without even consideration of the vocals/lyrics, the instrumental adds a layer of emotions and complements Jinyoung’s vocals wonderfully. Whilst on the topic of vocals, Animal shows Jinyoung’s vulnerable side, as he expresses his feelings and emotions around loneliness and heartbreak following an unsuccessful relationship. But even without the context or translations of the lyrics, Animal manages to still hit hard – confirming Jinyoung’s skill of captivating the audience. (9/10)

2. Cotton Candy (Title Track) – Click here to read the full review for Cotton Candy. (8/10)

3. Our Miracle (너를 만남이란 기적) – Following the title track is Our Miracle which feels like a callback to JJ Project’s second mini-album era (Verse #2). Our Miracle features some riveting instrumentation through the use of electric guitars and synths. The guitar work was particularly intriguing and gives the track so much uniqueness. The combination gives the song texture, but yet Our Miracle manages to also come off as consistently smooth. Jinyoung’s vocals are the main driver of this (but the instrumentation manages to contribute to this as well) and he oozes so much personality in this song from his vocals. Overall, a favourite of mine from this mini-album. (10/10)

4. Sleep Well – We re-enter balladry territory with Sleep Well. But rather than having a repeat of the classical instrumentation we heard in the opening track, Sleep Well continues the use of electric guitars from the previous track and incorporates some trap elements as well. Despite these elements usually lending well to more upbeat numbers, Sleep Well comes off as soothing and peaceful for the most part. When it comes to the choruses, however, Sleep Well pulls off a soft yet impactful punch that helps give Sleep Well a moment of memorability. Once again, Jinyoung sounds really nice in the track, but his vocals are lesser compared to the above tracks. (8/10)

5. Letter (편지) – Acoustics and classical instrumentation close out Jinyoung’s first mini-album. Again, the instrumental diverts the song back into balladry territory, but the combination of Jinyoung’s vocals in the verses and the resultant combination of acoustics and classical instrumental gives Letter a folksy tinge. This is interesting and stunning in its own way. It is a beautiful ender to the mini-album and leaves us with a beautiful song whilst Jinyoung is away on his military enlistment duties. (8/10)

Overall Album Rating – 8.6/10