Kim Ji Yeon: Over and Over 1st Mini Album Review

On October 8th, 2019, Lovelyz' Kei debuted under her real name Kim Ji Yeon with her first mini album Over and Over! Kei is the first Lovelyz member to debut solo with a physical album, and this release comes after Lovelyz' comeback on May 20th, 2019 with Once Upon A Time.

Similar to the photobook from Sujeong's solo debut mini album from May 2020, the dimensions are about the same for Jiyeon's mini album.

The album cover feels like it's made of a thin canvas material and has a matte finish. The text on both the front cover and on the spine are a pretty reflective gold.

The back cover has the tracklist, along with the KOMCA certification sticker instead of the Woollim authentication sticker.

Essentially the packaging of this mini album is a photobook. But the unique feature is that the first page is made of parchment paper that wraps around the entire photobook.

The end of the parchment paper meets the last page of the photobook and the inside of the back cover. The inside of the back cover has cardstock attached to it, and the CD rests inside a slip within this cardstock.

Here's how the parchment paper looks like when unwrapping it. I've heard a few instances where people have damaged the spine of the parchment paper while opening their albums, so please be careful while opening yours.

After the parchment paper, the photobook begins with Jiyeon's thanks to message. The photobook contains 84 pages.

Next are the song credits. There are also random photos throughout the photobook. As much as I love photography and how such random photos can create at aesthetic within a photobook, this time they really just feel like wasted space that could have gone towards another photo of Jiyeon.

This photobook contains photos from 6 different photoshoots. Jiyeon looks so ethereal in this shoot.

The next 2 shoots include Jiyeon in a beige dress outdoors, and her in a plaid suit. I am absolutely in love with this outdoor shoot; she is like a fairy! Also I really like how they mixed up her wardrobe by adding this suit to stray away from always being so feminine.

These next 2 shoots are also really pretty; along with the outdoor shoot, here with Jiyeon in the checkered button down are my favorites, followed by Jiyeon in that teal dress! Also I really like the layout of these photos; the previous inanimate object photos weren't to my taste, but these light fixture photos fit well here.

The last shoot is wavy haired Jiyeon. The layouts are different per 2-page spread.

I can't get over these looks! And I also love that both photos take up the entire page since they're so beautiful.

There is 1 page dedicated to each track (excluding the intro track) to display the song lyrics. Also here is a better look at both of these outfits, my favorites from this album!

There are also several photos that take up 2 pages; this one's really pretty with the window.

At first it was definitely shocking seeing Jiyeon blonde, but she really pulls of color so well.

Jiyeon is just such a natural; all the photos came out so well!

I'm just so speechless. The photos are all so beautiful.

This album also comes one 1 photocard and 2 special photos. These inclusions were all within these 2 pages together.

There photocard is random out of 5 designs. The other 4 photocards are closeup shots while this one is the only full body shot. These cards have a matte finish.

The backside of the photocard has Jiyeon's printed message and sign. Even though she is debuting under her full name, she still signed it with her stage name^^

All albums come with these 2 special photos. These photos are really pretty; I just wish the one on the left was more high quality rather than blurry.

The backside of these special photos are reminiscent of a Kodak print.

This era also includes 2 first press posters, which I regret not getting because they're really beautiful!

And lastly, here is the design of the CD.

This mini album contains 6 tracks:

1. Back in the Day - is the intro leading to the title and sets up the tone of the album well with its soothing and serene instrumentals.
2. I Go - is the title track, co-created by AARAN, TAK , and others. This duo has worked together, along with others, to create Lovelyz' "Twinkle", "SHINING STAR", and "Like U", and TAK has also worked on many upbeat songs for other Woollim artists. Just the first few seconds the song already sounds so enchanting, then paired with Jiyeon's vocals, makes for a beautiful piece that differs from Lovelyz' sound.
3. Dreaming - is created by SEION, who also co-created Lovelyz' "Close To You", and Golden Child's "Thank You", "Genie", and "Don't Run Away". This is a beautiful B-side that matches well with "I Go" and showcases Jiyeon's voice so well. The song is so soothing and feels like a lullaby.
4. 종이달 - (Paper Moon) is much different from the other tracks, and adds more diversity to the album.
5. Cry - Another gem that really showcases Jiyeon's voice.
6. 이 비(雨) - (Rain) is co-created by Stardust, who also co-created Lovelyz' "Oliviate", Rocket Punch's "Fireworks", and Golden Child's "Make Me Love". This song is a great way to close the album again with her beautiful vocals.

The tracklist itself is beautiful; each song really focuses on Jiyeon's voice and differs greatly from Lovelyz' sound. All the songs are slower and are more like pop ballads that are very soothing to the ears. There isn't much diversity in the genres, but there doesn't have to be because Jiyeon really owns this style and is making it her own sound.

Congratulations to Kei for being the first Lovelyz member to release a physical album! I've always appreciated how the members released individual and joint digital singles predebut to showcase their talent, and it's even more exciting that 5 years into Lovelyz' debut Woollim is providing the members with full blown promotions.

Overall, this was a great solo debut! The style and song choices fit so well with Kei, the photobook is absolutely gorgeous, the inclusions are beautiful, I really love it all and am excited to see where Kei will go next!