Mark Lee Bears It All In The Firstfruit

Mark Lee, the busiest man in K-pop, has spent the past decade devoting his time and self to others. The prodigy-turned-professional is best known as a member of NCT and Super M. But now, with the arrival of his debut solo album, The Firstfruit, the Canada native is taking time to establish his musical identity outside of these groups. And the fruit of his labor is a testament to his artistry and authenticity. 

Mark uses this album to lay out exactly who he is; the 13-track project is an autobiographical account exploring existential themes like identity, faith, and roots. And it does so in a way only he can execute. 

The four major sections, Toronto, New York, Vancouver, and Seoul (cities that make Mark, Mark), contain tracks that vary in sound but feel representative of the locations they fall under. 

The playfulness of the funky, orchestral-led title track "1999" is a reminder of Mark's adolescent years spent in his birthplace of Toronto. And the braggadocious hip-hop track "Righteous" captures the bold attitude of New York City.

In contrast, the calming piano-based "Raincouver" is a clever tribute to the always rainy Vancouver. While "+82 Pressin" represents Mark's time in Seoul in the most wholesome way, as it is a collaboration between him and longtime friend/groupmate Lee Haechan.

In addition to the album's well-structured layout, Mark's songwriting abilities flourish on this record, with a writing credit on all 13 songs. His lyricism speaks to his love for writing creatively, like in "Journey Mercies," where he describes dreary weather by saying, "I put on my coat 'cause the weatherman said that the clouds are gone cry." And his words are deeply intertwined with his faith, as causal references to his religious journey are present throughout the project.

The Firstfruit couldn't be any more true to who Mark is as both an artist and a person— a feat most soloists aim to achieve, but very few accomplish.

Rating: ★★★★☆ (4 out of 5 stars)

The Firstfruit is available to stream now across all music platforms.