Singer Chuu conveys a more mature attitude towards emotions.

Chuu held a listening session for her third mini album 'Only Cry in the Rain' on the 21st at Movie Land in Seongdong-gu, Seoul.

Chuu's comeback is about 10 months after the release of her second mini album 'Strawberry Rush' in June last year. During that time, Chuu participated in various singles, including 'Second Love,' 'IN MY DREAM,' 'nrv,' and 'Why Am I a Fool?' continuing to engage with music fans.

After her 10-month hiatus, Chuu expressed, "Since this is my comeback after 10 months, many fans said they found the concept unexpected. They mentioned that it's refreshing, and I hope it becomes a gift that exceeds expectations with an unexpected concept and a satisfying album. I hope that since this is an album that fans have been waiting for, it naturally blends into their everyday lives, turning it into a delightful gift."

Chuu's third mini album 'Only Cry in the Rain' depicts a journey of moving forward while facing the invisible themes of 'memory' and 'emotion.' It reflects on forgotten emotions, conveying how they have shaped her current self, capturing Chuu's lyrical depth and growth in her musical world.

Chuu explained, "This album features five tracks centered around the theme of emotions. Each track tells a different emotional story. The definition of emotion can feel different to each of us, but since we are addressing the theme of emotion, I want to express that various emotions make up who I am and convey the message to all young people that 'even if memories fade, emotions remain.'"

Chuu added, "I want to express this album in sky blue. I love looking at the sky; the sky before it rains, the gloomy gray sky during rain, and the clear sky right after rainfall are all different, yet they are all sky blue. I want to express it in this way because the ever-changing weather resembles emotions."

The title track 'Only Cry in the Rain' delivers comfort and courage to the youth of this era, who hide their emotions, suggesting that 'it’s okay to be honest about emotions on rainy days.' The emotionally charged lyrics with poetic expressions were co-written by lyricist Seo Ji-eum, and Chuu's unique emotional vocals blend with a dreamy synth-pop sound based on new wave, deeply conveying the album's core sentiments.

Chuu explained, "When I listened to the demo, even without lyrics, I felt emotions. It was rhythmic yet conveyed sadness, and I really wanted it to be the title track. The lyrics encapsulate struggles, loneliness, and sadness, but it also portrays the process of rediscovering myself by concentrating on my emotions in spaces where it rains or when I’m alone."

The lyrics including 'clock' and 'purr' are notable. Chuu mentioned, "There are many appealing points in this song, particularly the lyric 'purr,' which I used as an emotional release element assisting in wiping tears. There’s a point dance that mimics the action of wiping tears. Eight dancers participated, and it will feel like watching a story unfold, like a play, from the start to the end. There’s unique choreography and paths representing another 'Chuu' since there are many dancers."

The transformation in the attitude of revealing emotions is particularly notable. If she learned how to express emotions with 'Howl,' the track 'Only Cry in the Rain' shows a more mature ability to evoke and manage those emotions. Chuu explained, "'Howl' represents a cry, signifying the first step to expressing the accumulated emotions I had to unleash into the world, while 'Only Cry in the Rain' shows maturity by managing and revealing emotions when I want to focus. I believe this is an album that demonstrates a more mature perspective."

Chuu also mentioned, "I often think deeply about emotions and I enjoy documenting my feelings, so I keep a diary. When I write, I sometimes recall events as if they happened yesterday. I feel I can't let those records slip away; I think many people share similar experiences. Whether written in words, recorded on video, or captured in photos, emotions never truly disappear, and I believe the traces of emotions linger. That is why I tried to uniquely convey the fluctuations of memory and emotional depth in this album through drawings like 'ASCII art' and 'synapse sequence.' Although it's not vivid, I believe it exists tangibly."

In addition to the title track, the album contains songs like 'Back in Town,' 'Kiss a Kitty,' 'Je t’aime,' and 'No More.' Regarding 'Back in Town,' Chuu said, "I wanted this song to be the title track as well. Its rhythmic beat and unique lyrics are pleasurable. It's a cute song that feels like returning home and facing first love after becoming a mermaid, awakening forgotten memories, and I want to recommend it on sunny days." She added, "'Kiss a Kitty' aims to deliver a clear message and happy energy. It’s my first attempt at rapping; I wanted it to be cool and bold. I was hesitant because I didn’t think my voice suited rap, but I took it as an opportunity since the fans liked it. I hope you enjoy it beautifully, as half of the song is rap!"

Regarding 'Je t’aime,' Chuu commented, "It seems to encompass several emotions, which can vary depending on when you listen to it. It conveys cute love, poignant love, and nostalgic love, so listeners might perceive it differently based on the moment they hear it. This is the song where emotions resonate the most."

'Only Cry in the Rain' captures a diverse array of emotions, like the changeable weather. Chuu expressed, "It’s my wish to become a singer who sings about emotions. I believe that expressing and allowing others to feel these emotions is the hardest part. Everyone may feel the same emotions, but it’s different whether the listener can feel it just by speaking about those emotions. If I can help even a little, consistently allowing those who listen to feel my emotions brings me great joy."

Chuu added, "While emotions are invisible, records are visible. I hope my songs are widely shared on music sites and social media. I wish for them to be recognized more. I want to show diverse aspects of myself to the fans through various performances. This year, I aspire to engage in more diverse activities."

Meanwhile, Chuu's third mini album 'Only Cry in the Rain' will be released through various online music sites on the 21st at 6 p.m.

[OSEN]