Kang Daniel released his 3rd mini-album on April 13, 6PM KST. Titled YELLOW, this is the third album of the COLOR series, following CYAN and MAGENTA. The mini-album features the title track โAntidote,โpre-released single โParanoia,โ and three other new songs โ โDigital, โMisunderstood,โ and โSave U.โ The last two tracks include features with Omega Sapien and Wonstein, respectively.ย
Courtesy of KONNECT Entertainment
Vibrant Anticipation for the Albumย
Even before its release, anticipation for this album had fans of Daniel excited as the mini-album surpassed 100,000 pre-release sales. Kang himself is lyrically credited in every song on the album.ย
Producers on this album also had much to say about YELLOW. Anthony Russo, a singer-songwriter credited on three tracks for YELLOW, spoke excitedly in an interview about the song โDigital,โ saying โThat song actually has little elements of [rock] in it, and I really, really think that [Kang Daniel] did so well on it. Itโs like the most hype song, like, ever. Itโs so high energy and insane.โย
Paul Thompson, another producer for the album, shared similar sentiments about the track โAntidoteโ in an Instagram Live, saying โThat song is one of my favorite demos of all time. Thatโs not an exaggeration. Iโm so excited for this song to come out. Usually the title is not my favorite song off the album that we do, but in this case it is.โ He also shared insight into Danielโs efforts in the album, saying, โ[Kang Daniel] worked really hard. His album is about โฆ he wrote all the lyrics to every song. Itโs about his life, his story. Itโs really meaningful to him.โย
A Diverse Palette of Songs
The album opens with โDigital,โ an upbeat song that tackles the subject of hiding oneself and oneโs truths from those with malice. Speaking on the proliferation of lies and the noisiness of the world for celebrities, the song encourages one to let go of their feelings. It takes a more resolute stance after the bridge, the singer laughing and saying despite othersโ ill intentions toward him, they will not be able to take him down.ย
โParanoia,โ released on February 16, 2021, has an eerie thrill to it and portrays the image of living with oneโs inner demons. Coupled with a strong bass and resonating lyrics, the song emphasizes the fear and paranoia one may feel with theirย inner demons.ย
The next track, โMisunderstood,โ featuring Omega Sapien, takes a slower, dark turn. True to the title, the song speaks on the sensation of being misunderstood and feeling alone. A relatable anthem for listeners of the song, โMisunderstoodโ is a self-reflection recounting oneโs own darkness.ย
Next up is the albumโs title track, โAntidote.โ The song begins with a strong beat, and Daniel exudes strength and emotion with his sharp dance moves and high notes. This song perfectly complements the latter three, now speaking on the artistโs quest to find an antidote to protect him from the darkness. As his desperation increases and wounds deepen, he begs for a clean erasure of his problems with a remedy.ย
A song of hope, โSave Uโ is the perfect conclusion to the mini-album. With a sweet melody and even sweeter lyrics, the song encourages listeners to share their pain and not fake a smile. A stark contrast to the former songs, โSave Uโ promises hope for an end to the darkness, with lyrics saying, โWhen the cold lonely darkness traps you, Iโll be there to save you.โ The song reminds listeners that darkness does not last forever, and there is solace to be found in others.ย
Although the album touches serious concepts such as mental health, loneliness, and the downplay of oneโs own emotions, Daniel has stated, โPlease donโt feel that this album is too dark; just like when we watch sad movies when we are sad, I hope that people who are exhausted and going through tough times can listen to the songs and gain strength from it.โย
An Eye-Catching Responseย
Response among listeners of the album has been great as well. Sixteen minutes after the release of his mini-album, Kang Daniel was #1 on Melon real-time search. He was also #1 on Genie real-time search.ย
Accruing 4 million views for the music video โAntidoteโ within five hours of its release, Daniel has even broken his previous record for music video views!ย
Daniel has kept busy in his activities, most recently participating in KCON:TACT3, in which he performed โParanoiaโ and other songs. Talking about whatโs coming next, Daniel has said, โBut in the future I want to make music honestly. Although this wraps up the COLOR series, it doesnโt mean the color of my music stops here.โ As Kang Daniel expands on his musical color while sharing heartfelt messages true to him, he is sure to bring more great music for all to enjoy!ย
Listen to YELLOW on Spotify and Apple Music!
Thumbnail courtesy of KONNECT Entertainment.
Looking for something else to listen to after YELLOW? Check out our review ofย “The Moon” by Moon Sujin and NCT’s Taeil!
