Since their debut in 2019, JO1 has made an impact with their music, proving themselves as diverse and all-rounder idols. On October 22, the group are set to make a comeback with the 10th single called “Handz In My Pocket,” getting fans excited with teasers online.
Yet, they didn’t want to keep fans waiting so ahead of the release, JO1 has released a special single called “ひらく” (Hiraku). The song is a complete antithesis of the single teasers, once again cementing their versatility. The track beautifully uses metaphors involving nature, with mentions of flowers, rain, and wind, using the elements to describe the feeling of love and promises.
The song starts with a beautiful piano instrumental, and if you close your eyes, it feels like diamond raindrops hitting a window pane, calm, peaceful, and magical.
Following the introduction, the music momentarily stops, creating a perfect sense of silence before Mame’s beautiful vocals start the song properly. After this, all of the members have their time to shine, showing off their own vocal textures and ability in a song that needs not only perfect singing talent but the ability to add emotion to each word and line. Each members’ voice is so unique but perfectly blends together in harmony.
When member Junki comes in, it sparks a change in pace and tone for the song. The added drumbeat makes it more intense, seemingly marking a new chapter in the song. The vocals also see a change, becoming more intense and with a renewed sense of yearning compared to the start of the song, moving the narrative along.
The song’s ability to keep changing pace and tempo with the instruments and voices makes it such an attractive release, creating layers to match the lyrics. Adding parts where the members harmonise, “ひらく” becomes more alive and dynamic, taking listeners on an audio journey.
Even the instrumental breaks add to the song, giving it the vibes to be the perfect soundtrack for a romance film. The song ended on the same instrumental it started with, completing the story for those listening. Even the artwork has a beautiful feeling, emphasizing the harmony and feelings you get when listening to the song.
Although only a single track, the song lasts over four minutes, taking fans on a journey and creating a narrative based on their own lives. Whether you are fluent in Japanese or know nothing, the melody of the song, combined with the members’ vocals, has created a beautiful ballad. It feels like the perfect song for times when you are feeling nostalgic but also emotional enough to be an outlet when you are sad.
“ひらく” is out now. JO1 can be found on Instagram here.
