What makes The Beginning by JYJ notable?

'The Beginning' debuted at number one on the Gaon Album Chart and was significant for being one of the first K-pop albums to be released globally. It received critical acclaim for its production and vocal performances, helping to further popularize JYJ internationally and influencing the trajectory of independent K-pop acts. Released on January 1, 2010, 'The Beginning' marked JYJ's first album after leaving TVXQ, signifying their transition to a trio and a new artistic direction. This debut album established them as a formidable force in the K-pop industry, allowing them to assert their individuality and musical vision.

Who is The Beginning for?

The Beginning works well if you're into short bursts of emotional depth, dynamic melodies for upbeat moments and heartfelt ballads for reflective moods.

How many songs are on The Beginning?

The Beginning has 9 tracks, running approximately 33 minutes.

The Beginning

JYJ · 2010

33 min · 9 tracks · K-pop

Dynamic K-pop melodies fuse with heartfelt ballads, showcasing JYJ's vocal prowess and emotional depth throughout the album.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Empty — This track stands out for its poignant lyrics and haunting melody, encapsulating the themes of loss and longing that permeate the album.
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Be My Girl — With its upbeat tempo and catchy chorus, this song showcases JYJ's playful side while blending elements of pop and R&B effectively.
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Still In Love — This ballad highlights the group's vocal harmonies beautifully, conveying deep emotion that resonates with listeners through its relatable theme of enduring affection.
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Ayyy Girl — Featuring a blend of urban beats and smooth vocals, this track exemplifies JYJ's versatility and willingness to experiment with different genres.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

50 /100

Foothills

Higher than 23% of albums we've rated

The album features strong vocal performances and varied styles but lacks a cohesive flow throughout.

What we noticed

The album opens with a brief intro that sets a dramatic tone before transitioning into the upbeat track 'Ayyy Girl'.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

short bursts of emotional depth
dynamic melodies for upbeat moments
heartfelt ballads for reflective moods
catchy tracks for sing-alongs

Maybe skip if you

prefer lengthy, immersive albums
want experimental soundscapes

Where this album fits

Career context: Released on January 1, 2010, 'The Beginning' marked JYJ's first album after leaving TVXQ, signifying their transition to a trio and a new artistic direction. This debut album established them as a formidable force in the K-pop industry, allowing them to assert their individuality and musical vision.
Stylistic neighbors: TVXQ· Super Junior· SHINee

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 Intro 0:47
2 Ayyy Girl 4:31
3 Empty 3:35
4 Be My Girl 3:16
5 Still In Love 4:22
6 I Can Soar 4:40
7 I Love You 4:54
8 Be the One 3:11
9 Empty (DJ EON Remix) 4:00

What to play next

Listen next

In Heaven

2011

Full JYJ discography Artists like JYJ

K-pop

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata