An In-Depth Review of Wendy’s Solo Album: A Fan’s Perspective

Wendy, the stunning vocalist of Red Velvet, has made her solo debut with an album that showcases her talent and vocal range. This review aims to break down each of the songs, offering my personal takes and scores, as well as providing a comprehensive overview of the album’s strengths and weaknesses.

Album Overview and Review Methodology

For this review, I will examine each song of the album based on their track order and rank them from my favorite to the least while providing an overall score. This method will help in understanding the flow of the album and Wendy's dominating presence throughout.

When This Rain Stops (B-side)

Opening this review with the B-side, “When This Rain Stops,” it is evident that Wendy's versatility as a vocalist is showcased in this pretty, simple, yet powerful song. The song flows smoothly, with Wendy’s vocals being the highlight of the track. Her vocal runs and control are a testament to her abilities, and the lyrics are soothing and calming. However, the instrumental might have been the limiting factor, as it made the song a bit too straightforward, which detracts slightly from the overall impact of the performance.

Score: 7/10

Like Water (Title Track)

“Like Water” is one of those songs that are reminiscent of what made “When This Rain Stops” so enjoyable. The combination of beautiful lyrics, an aesthetically pleasing MV, and Wendy's excellent vocals make it a standout track. However, there is an underlying feeling that it lacks a certain depth that elevates it to a more memorable song. It’s comprehensible why the song didn’t click for the reviewer, as it might not have the same level of emotion as “When This Rain Stops.”

Score: 5/10

Why Can't You Love Me (B-side)

“Why Can’t You Love Me” stands out in the album as one of Wendy’s best tracks. The instrumental is vibrant, creating an energetic backdrop that complements Wendy’s powerful vocals beautifully. Her vocal runs are commanding, and the backing vocals add a layer of richness to the composition. This track is Wendy at her strongest, making this my favorite in the album.

Score: 10/10

The Road (B-side)

“The Road” occupies a middle-ground position in the album, neither fully resonating nor failing to impress. It’s interesting, with a catchy chorus that features Wendy’s vocals shining through. Nevertheless, the song feels a bit too generic, lacking the unique flair that marks some of the other tracks. The performances, however, are still commendable.

Score: 6/10

Best Friend (with Seulgi) (B-side)

Collaborating with Seulgi, “Best Friend” is a track that shows the duo's mutual admiration and bond, though it doesn’t quite hit the same heights as the other solo tracks. The lyrics are sweet and meaningful, but the song might come across as a bit contrived. Wendy’s vocals are still stellar, but it’s an album track rather than a standout performance.

Score: 5/10

Album Rankings and Thoughts

Based on this ranking, “Why Can’t You Love Me” takes the top spot, followed closely by “When This Rain Stops,” “The Road,” “Best Friend,” and “Like Water.” It's important to note that these rankings are personal, and your taste might differ.

Overall, Wendy’s solo album is a well-rounded effort with a mix of hits and misses. Each track attempts to explore different styles, but the album’s standout track, “Why Can’t You Love Me,” makes a strong case for being the title track, garnering a score of 10/10 due to its compelling narrative and empowering message.

The album remains a good entry for Wendy as a solo artist, though it could have benefited from a slightly more varied range of tracks that specifically showcase Wendy's vocal prowess. In the grand scheme of solo debuts, this album stands as a solid effort, highlighting Wendy’s immense talent and potential in the solo space.

Overall Score: 7/10