One Pact and B.D.U member, Boys Planet finalist and fan favourite Jay Chang makes his highly anticipated comeback on November 22nd with his second solo EP. A year after the release of Late Night, his debut solo EP, Jay releases a bittersweet and nostalgic mini album. Neighborhood takes us through his childhood memories and his very own neighborhood.
The album was highly anticipated by fans: while Sunlights (Jay’s fandom) had been able to enjoy beautiful self-written songs and poems shared on Soundcloud since his debut EP release, many of Jay’s solo songs were missing from the line-up and left fans hungry for more.
Through all 4 songs on Neighborhood, Jay takes listeners on a trip through the nostalgic feelings and bittersweet memories of the childhood he spent on the streets of New Jersey.
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Mending a heart that’s been torn
Opening with Jay’s lower register notes, “Paper Cut” starts with simple guitar chords that’ll be repeated throughout the entire song : acting like a melodious base for the artist’s voice. The song is reminiscent of the infamous Justin Bieber and Ed Sheeran collaboration “Love Yourself” in that sense.
Poignant and heart-wrenching, « Paper Cut » portrays a devastating, almost tragic breakup. The narrator’s heart bears a wound so profound it feels nearly physical, as if the end of this relationship has left a tangible scar. Having loved this person with all his heart, Jay reveals that the depth of this rupture is directly proportional to the intensity of the love he once felt for the one who captured his heart. Now, he seems to have lost all hope in love.
He compares his wounded heart to a paper sheet that’s been torn: while it may be possible to piece the paper back together, it will never become pristine again. Like this fragile piece of paper, his heart, though mended, will forever bear the marks of this past love.
Jay elevates his heartfelt lyrics with his vocal mastery, conveying raw and genuine emotions. Throughout the song, we feel the turbulence, the pain of this lost relationship, and experience with him the bitterness he carries when reflecting on this wasted love. Tired of fighting to mend the irreparable, Jay concludes the song by mentioning the only way to piece his shattered heart back together: stapling it.
Going back to LaSalle Ave
« LaSalle Ave », named after a street in the neighborhood where Jay grew up in New Jersey, holds a special significance. As the title track of this mini-album, the song was composed by M.O.N.T member Roda, with whom Jay had previously collaborated on « Liar, » a single much beloved by fans.
« LaSalle Ave » is a groovy track with unmistakable echoes of Bruno Mars – a fitting comparison given that Jay, a huge fan of the artist, composed and wrote the song himself. The track masterfully incorporates classic pop elements while adding Jay’s distinctive personal flair.
Through this title track, Jay invites listeners on a journey: the song paints New Jersey as a warm, welcoming place with friendly, down-to-earth people. LaSalle Avenue represents the path destiny has laid out for him – a place where he feels at home, where life is as easy as a « Sunday morning. »
The music video is relatively simple but evocative. It alternates between solo shots of Jay performing the song in an expansive field and cozy indoor scenes featuring Oreo, a gray cat who plays with Jay throughout the video in a sunlit, homely living room. In the second half of the clip, we see Jay struggling through a songwriting session. Seeking inspiration, he steps outside for fresh air and spots a shooting star in the night sky. What wish he makes is left to the viewers’ imagination.
While the video is undeniably cozy and the scenes with Oreo are particularly heartwarming, one glaring omission is the lack of visual references to New Jersey – a missed opportunity that leaves fans wanting more.
Watching the Four Seasons go by
The third track of this mini-album, « Four Seasons, » holds a special place in the hearts of Sunlights. Not only is it the first song Jay ever wrote and composed in his career, but it was also created during a time of isolation, uncertainty about his future in music, and deep self-reflection. The lyrics of this ballad transport listeners, placing them as spectators watching the four seasons pass through a window.
Neighborhood features a new version of this beloved song. Still as poignant, emotional, and moving as ever, « Four Seasons » has been reimagined and recorded in a studio for the first time. Jay shared that he had high hopes for this updated version. For this new arrangement, the sentimental ballad takes on a more dramatic tone, notably through the use of the organ – a rarely used instrument in K-pop that we find particularly striking. Its inclusion adds a subtle gospel quality to the song. However, in our view, this aspect could have been pushed further to give the track an even more distinctive character.
Jay himself describes this song as the product of a period of deep solitude. Yet, as the lyrics reveal, each season brings a renewal of hope: “With every season comes every reason to start again.” While the seasons change, his love for music and performing will never fade. The lyrics of the ballad invite us to become spectators, observing the four seasons unfold gracefully before our eyes through a window.
Jay had the opportunity to perform the fan-favourite « Four Seasons » during the final dates of B.D.U’s North American tour last October. A wave of emotion and joy swept over the Sunlights, who were thrilled to hear Jay revisit a song so close to their hearts. Once seemingly forgotten after being written five years ago, « Four Seasons » made a triumphant return to the stage, delighting fans who never gave up on its significance. The emotional resonance of this release is undeniable, and the excitement it has stirred among the fanbase shows no signs of fading.
The song’s poetic and heartfelt lyrics are beautifully highlighted by Jay’s vocal timbre. Known and praised by judges during his appearances on survival shows like Boys Planet and Build Up, Jay has proven himself to be an exceptional singer. Through « Four Seasons, » he delivers a flawless ballad, showcasing his talent and leaving an indelible mark on listeners.
One Pact’s Troublemakerz invite us to party
Neighborhood concludes with « What You Need, » a funky collaboration with Tag from One Pact. Without a doubt, this track is the standout of the album. The harmony between the two friends is palpable throughout the song, and their voices blend seamlessly together.
Set to a high-energy rhythm inspired by the groove of the ’80s, the Troublemakerz clearly invite listeners to join them for a party. With its catchy basslines and irresistible whistles, « What You Need » sticks in your head from the very first listen.
Tag’s rap adds a dynamic edge to the song, infusing it with an energy that perfectly captures the chemistry between the two artists.
Final review
With Neighborhood, Jay Chang showcases his exceptional talents as a singer-songwriter and further develops his sense of musicality. While the album feels a bit short, it offers a diverse glimpse into the different facets of his musical universe. One year after the release of Late Nights, Neighborhood truly highlights Jay’s growth as a lyricist and composer.
With its nostalgic theme reminiscent of childhood, the album also feels deeply personal and almost introspective. Through the artist’s childhood memories, his feelings, and emotions, the listener is drawn closer to him, forging a more intimate connection.
