Cutie pie Lee Hi is back after a three year hiatus and we couldn’t be happier.  Dropping two new singles for from the new EP, she shows some evolution and

The first track, Breath (which can also translate to Sigh), is a traditional Korean-style ballad and, while we usually don’t go for these, the lyrical content and the vocals are enough to keep us invested until the end.  I guess it shouldn’t have surprised us then that SHINee’s Jonghyun has a co-writer’s credit on the track because he is one of the few who makes these tracks accessible for a western audience.

The highlight of this track is the vocals and the lyrics.  Lee dials back on her more soulful style but doesn’t completely leave it behind as she still gives us just enough personality to make this a good listen.  The lyrics convey her trying to tell someone who is having a rough time that, although she can’t fully understand why they feel down, she will be there until it’s better.  While the production is a bit of a drag on the total product, it’s the kind of song that lets someone know that they are not alone and there is nothing wrong with that.

Lyrics courtesy of Legend of OneHallyu.

Lyrics:
Take a deep breath,
so that both of your chest aches,
until it begins to hurt a little.

Breathe out more,
until it feels like there’s nothing left inside of you.
It’s okay if you’re out of breath
No one will blame you
It’s okay to make mistakes once in a while
Everyone does that
To say it’s okay,
even though it’s only words of comfort.
Someone’s sigh
That heavy breath
How could I possibly understand
Your sigh
Although I won’t be able to understand that depth
It’s okay
I will hold you
It’s okay if you’re out of breath
No one will blame you
It’s okay to make mistakes once in a while
Everyone does that
To say it’s okay,
even though it’s only words of comfort
Someone’s sigh
That heavy breath
How could I possibly understand
Your sigh
Although I won’t be able to understand that depth
It’s okay
I will hold you
From other’s eyes,
it might look like a sigh that lets people down
But I know
that you spent a hard day to let out even a small sigh
Don’t think anything else now
Take a deep breath
and breathe it out
Someone’s sigh
That heavy breath
How could I possibly understand
Your sigh
Although I won’t be able to understand that depth
It’s okay
I will hold you
You’ve worked hard