Singer J.ae Back, Sentimental as Ever

By Han Sang-hee

Staff Reporter

Music these days is like the genre of thriller novels: the songs stick in your memory for a while, but never really leave a lasting impression. For idol bands, this method is an effective way to show off their talent in the fast-paced music industry, while listeners get a chance to hear the next ``bestseller." But for singers like J.ae, who debuted in the late 1990s, music is more than just consumable material ― it provides an original soundtrack to life.

The 32-year-old singer is back with a ``special'' album titled ``Sentimental,'' and although she admitted that she was so tired she couldn't feel her tongue, she looked enthusiastic and thrilled to meet her fans.

``I sleep about four hours a day because of all the promotions, interviews and my midnight radio show. I'm tired, but I'm (still) smiling,'' J.ae told The Korea Times during an interview last week.

``Sentimental'' has eight tracks, all impeccably written and produced with a hint of nostalgia for the 1990s and featuring the sweet and emotional voice of J.ae.

``This album was going to be a Lady Gaga-type album when we first started last year. But now, there's nothing even remotely similar to that,'' she said laughing.

The album can be categorized as a ``mini album,'' she explained, adding that a mini album is somewhere between a full album and a single (which include bonus tracks).