Summary
I’ve been impressed with SEVENTEEN since their debut song, but with only two small releases to go off of it’s been hard to really grasp their sound. I think this first album LOVE & LETTER has really defined what these boys want to do with music, and it’s a very good thing (for them and us). I didn’t dislike a single track on this album, and each had their own distinct sound while holding the general overlaying SEVENTEEN sound.
Individual Song Reviews:
1. “엄지척 (Chuck)”
This track definitely draws you in immediately, making it the perfect choice for the first on the album tracklist. The pre-chorus transition to the chorus itself surprised me, as I can hear heavy trap influence (a theme in the album, I found out as I listened). The rappers shine in this song, which is great as in many of the others I find the vocals shine. Only complaint I have is I would’ve loved to hear live brass instead of the sample.
2. “예쁘다 (Pretty U)” music video
The harmony at the very start snatched me right away, I hope in future albums they have at least one song that opens like this. The vocals in the beginning are very sweet, and flow right into a smooth rap. (I can’t leave it out, yes I heard “ice ice baby” I see you Vernon). The pre-chorus builds with great chord progression to a really catchy, cute chorus! I loved the two parts that go a bit higher so I had to search, props to Jeonghan and Woozi (as well as Seungkwan with those powerful pre-chorus vocals). The 4 note climb at 2:52 had me on the FLOOR. This song just made me dance without thinking, a great title track.
3. “이놈의 인기 (Still Lonely)”
I knew I would love this song immediately, it’s so groovy. The rap over such a classic sounding beat created a really nice, artistic contrast. Vocals are beautiful as always, I just expect it from them at this point. Whoever had the first chorus lines really suits this style. On a side note, the groove of this song reminded me (in a good way) of B1A4’s “Sweet Girl”! This is saying a lot as that song was in my top three releases of 2015. I could’ve gone without the hip hop inserts in the last chorus, but overall I absolutely love this song, it made it to my top three without second thoughts.
4. “유행가 (Hit Song)”
The use of low tones at the beginning was a great choice, very intriguing. The split second beat drop out before the chorus created great suspense. I loved that they went from a slow groove and switched up the beat to something more uptempo, it kept the feel of the song while still holding the attention of the listener. The power vocals in that breakdown, praise the lord. The trap high-hat was a questionable choice for this kind of song, but they surprisingly made it work.
5. “Say Yes”
As soon as I heard piano I was sold on this song, props to the player and composer because it was consistently beautiful. The vocal team has impressed me so much on this album, those high notes were fantastic. The fact that it went to an almost 90’s love song sound made me feel some kinda way. I even got oldschool SHINee vibes in there, also big praise from me. This song was the first to give me goosebumps as soon as they came back for one more chorus. My favorite track on the album, easily.
6. “떠내려가 (Drift Away)”
The track was very chill, almost like a break before those remixes to come. The guitar mixed with some synth provided an organic but modern sound that I really love. I feel like you could hear this playing at your local coffee shop in the midmorning. As always, those low vocals (I’m assuming a part of the hip hop team slowing it down) are a great touch.
7. “Adore U” (Vocal Team ver.)
Now Let Me Tell You About This Song. As soon as I saw the title I knew I was gonna be wrecked, I remember the acoustic version very well. But this. This. The harmonies literally made me clutch my chest they were so well done. SEVENTEEN’s vocals are so damn impressive, it’s as if they’ve been out and singing for years, not debuted within a year ago. In conclusion someone play this at my funeral, it’s in my top three.
8. “Mansae” (Hip hop Team ver.)
This track gives me mixed emotions. I adore the beat, really simple and cool. The raps soar over the beat in the verses, each member’s own style able to shine. It’s been changed a lot as a remake should be, until the chorus. The pre-chorus build is the coolest part of the song, but once they get to the main “mansae” section it loses traction a bit for me. I wish they would’ve changed that up, otherwise this song totally sold me on the hip hop team.
9. “Shining Diamond” (Performance Team ver.)
Definitely the coolest song on the album, edm vibes with well placed vocal samples, a.k.a. good shit. As it’s the performance team version, I’m sure they’ve choreographed something amazing for this and I’ll have my eye out for videos. Slip into the diamond life.
10. “사랑쪽지 (Love Letter)”
Our final song almost made it to my top three, I really like this one. I’m so weak for guitar and clap beats (but aren’t we all). The raps in this track were my favorite on the entire album, they just blended so well into the vibe of the song. Unlike in “이놈의 인기”, the hip hop inserts with the main vocals totally work here! Just a hopeful sounding song, and the perfect way to close the album.
Ending notes:
This album gets a solid 8/10 from me, can’t wait to hear more from SEVENTEEN.
- Say Yes
- 이놈의 인기
- Adore U (vocal team ver.)
Released April 29th 2016
Listen on Spotify here
Support SEVENTEEN and buy this album on iTunes here
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