Song You Need to Know: Hyolyn, ‘Layin’ Low (feat. Jooyoung)’

South Korean singer-songwriter Hyolyn kicked off 2022 with the seductive and powerful new single “Layin’ Low” which dropped on January 12th. The track features Korean R&B star Jooyoung, famous for his dreamy brand of artistry.

Co-written by Hyolyn and Jooyoung with Mommy Son, John Ofa Rhee and Robyn The Bank, “Layin’ Low” describes an intense, passionate relationship, almost addictive in nature: “1 2 3 4, you I live for/ 1 2 3 4, watch me burning, screaming/ Boy cause you/ Got me layin’ low, you got me layin’ low/ My tears are running down/ Such a bad habit, boy… Crying for you in the glass/ Can you see me?” The track doesn’t shy away from outlining the sexual nature of the relationship, as Jooyoung sings, “Barely high, layin’ low/ Can I slide? Let me know/ Love or lust, back throat/ Yeah we both know this.” There is a touch of toxicity in the relationship since they both realize that while they’re not suited for one another, it’s impossible to walk away, “First you be calling me/ Then you’re all over me/ Tired, I gotta leave/ What are we gonna be/ It’s over now.”

“Layin’ Low” was co-produced by both singers and Robyn The Bank, Ludvig Evers, Jonatan Gusmark and John Ofa Rhee, and keeps it simple with synth-drenched R&B and thrumming bass. The soundscape allows Hyolyn’s breathy vocals to shine and she gets to show off her affinity for effortless background ad-libs and high notes. The music video for the track is choreography-focused and features Hyolyn deliver powerful, sexy and complex moves with her diverse team of dancers.

The track is reminiscent of Hyolyn’s 2018 single “Dally,” which featured producer and singer GRAY–the dance moves are just as bold, and Hyolyn owns her sensuality with complete confidence, breaking the mold and opening doors for women in Korean R&B to express their sexuality. “I’ve always wanted to show you how much I’ve worked hard and grown since the release of ‘Dally,’ but I’m so thankful and grateful to be able to show you through ‘Layin’ Low,’ the singer stated in a comment pinned under the music video. “The performance is cool, but the music itself is fascinating.”

“Layin’ Low” follows Hyolyn’s 2020 EP Say My Name which featured a total of six tracks including “Dally,” as well as the highly successful single, “See Sea.” The singer-songwriter was part of the veteran four-member K-pop girl group SISTAR which disbanded in 2017, but has since established herself as a force to be reckoned with in the South Korean R&B scene.

Check out the previous ‘Song You Need to Know’ here.