Jihae

2 out of 3 Asians say, "enh"

After lots of performances, working with Duncan Sheik and David Steel of English Beat and Fine Young Cannibals, Jihae debuts her solo album "My Heart is an Elephant" in March. Here's her video for "Black Pearl" off the album.

First the back story. She was born in South Korea and started singing in church at age 4. Her mom is a piano teacher and had training as an opera singer. She lived in South Korea, Nigeria and Sweden before arriving in the U.S. as a teen (apparently her father was a diplomat?)

Listening to the album can take a bit of patience. The music is somber, subdued, and there's not much variety to mix things up. Best to listen as you're waking from sleep or trying to wind down for the night. Definitely not road trip music, nor songs to listen to while operating heavy machinery. I think "Lullaby for the Lonely People" is my favorite. After several listens, there's enough here to enjoy. It just will take an investment and an open mind to find it all. Fun facts: Lenny Kravitz guests on the album. So does director Michael Gondry ("Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind"), who played all kinds of crazy percussion.

MC (Asian #2) says: I like her voice but I didn't like the music. I think I liked #3 ("Faint"). She has a good voice but...

AY (Asian #3) says: Ummm, I didn't like it

Mike, token white guy, says: Maybe there are some crazy people out there who like it

Check it out yourself on MySpace though.
Or listen to "Cement Garden" now
You New Yorkers and people who get to hear her shows in person might think differently