Quartet describes the album as ‘buffet’ of different genres

Ulala Session, the winner of the nation’s famous TV audition program “Superstar K3,” has made their professional debut with their first mini album on Thursday. 

“We are so overwhelmed by the release of our debut album. The mini album is the start of our journey in our music career,” said the group’s leader Yim Yoon-taek at a news conference on Wednesday.

The quartet, which consists of Yim, Kim Myung-hoon, Park Seung-il and Park Kwang-sun, rose to fame after they won Mnet’s reality talent show last year.

They were the first group to gain the highest scores from the program’s judges in every round with their musical-style performances, complete with perfectly choreographed dance and vocals.

Their main track on the album, “Beautiful Night,” composed and written by singer-songwriter Psy, reminds the listeners of their previous performances with an upbeat rhythm and catchy melodies.

Titled after their fan club name “Ulala Sensation,” the two-part mini album includes seven songs reflecting a variety of genres from punk, electronic and rock ‘n’ roll to a capella and ballad.

The first part of the album represents the group’s signature funky and cheerful image, including the intro “Urbanic”; “Ulala,” which is composed by former hip-hop duo Deux’ member Lee Hyun-do, who is Yim’s role model; and the title track “Beautiful Night.”

The second album, which shows their different personalities, has a sad ballad song “Nothing left,” and “Dynamite” featuring famous female rapper Yoon Mi-rae.

Completing the track list are “Wedding Singer,” a remake version of Quincy Jones’ “Sanford and Son,” celebrating the wedding of Kim Myung-hoon on Saturday and “I am Happy,” which expresses the group’s gratitude to fans.

“The album is like stir fry with many ingredients. We try to create a variety of colors and feelings in one album,” said Park Seung-il.

“Our album is like a buffet that has every kind of food. From track one to seven, people will listen to the music without getting bored,” said Yim.

Of the seven songs, three songs will be introduced on Thursday as Part 1 and four other songs on May 17 as Part 2.

“Ulala Session is a group that can sing songs of any genre. So we filled their first mini album with a variety of genres. Their songs are hard to miss so we separated the release dates,” said an official from CJ E&M, which produced their first album.

Ulala Session said they modeled themselves after the hip hop group DJ DOC and the singer Psy, well-known for their artistically creative music and lively and upbeat performances.

The group has drawn the public’s attention in aspects other than music, as well.

Many were moved when the group’s leader Yim, successfully led the group to win the competition last year and release their first mini album on Thursday despite fighting stage-four stomach cancer.

Defying worries about his deteriorating health, Yim looked healthy and upbeat at the news conference.

“I try not to be preoccupied with my health to enjoy every moment of my life,” said Yim, who received chemotherapy a few days ago.

“My wish is to always sing and perform together with other members like we did today.” 

By Lee Woo-young  (wylee@heraldcorp.com)