Over 5 months ago, CHA EUN WOO from ASTRO made his official solo debut with the mini-album ENTITY. Leading the mini-album was the single STAY. Following the release of ENTITY and STAY, CHA EUN WOO also released music videos for the side tracks WHERE AM I and You’re The Best (thus making both songs eligible for a separate review). Today’s review focuses on the former – WHERE AM I.

CHA EUN WOO takes us down a balladry path with WHERE AM I. The track features an instrumental consisting of alternative rock and stilling piano. I liked the presence of the alternative rock, as it a different energy to the genre, as opposed to the usual classical form. Combining it with the piano allowed for the retention and channel of a slow pace and delicateness all throughout to maintain that balladry motif. But while I do like the instrumental, it was not the scene-stealer. Rather, it set the scene up really well for the actual scene stealer – CHA EUN WOO. His vocals are so beautiful in WHERE AM I. I remember being utterly captivated by WHERE AM I whilst checking out his mini-album when it was first released and that was because of the emotions CHA EUN WOO had put into his deliver. I thought the way he did was refined, as it did not sound like he was pouring his feelings into this vocal delivery. Rather, a slight rasp, the airiness and lightness, deeper tone in various parts of WHERE AM I and the pace of his delivery/melodies really highlighted and brought the emotions to me (and the audience) with little effort. He adapted really well with the changes in the instrumentation, and his push to complement the changes remained effortless. I particularly like the ‘Where Am I‘ in the choruses, and how heartfelt these 3 words sounded. Overall, a very stunning and mesmerising ballad.

The lyrics talk about to void that is left behind and the feelings following the departure of someone important from one’s life. I can only imagine what CHA EUN WOO (and the other ASTRO members – past and present) had gone through, but you can’t help and make the connection that the song is a tribute to his fellow member and friend MOONBIN, who passed away last year. The last line “I will see you again” definitely makes me eyes well up. In the video, we see CHA EUN WOO give into his desire to drift away upon remembering that someone. To me, it represents his longing for the person and that he wants to reach out and be with them. At the start of the video, he is seen wandering the streets alone and in his own bubble. But at the end, he comes back to the surface and continuing on with his life as he continues to comes to terms with the fact that someone is no longer in his life. It is definitely a thought provoking and emotional music video, so have a box of tissues next to you when do watch it!

Song – 10/10
Music Video – 10/10
Overall Rating – 10/10