MUSIC
‘Seventeen 9 Years’ viewed from previous title songs
◼ Refreshing: The beginning of Seventeen
Seventeen's beginning was 'refreshing'. Starting with their debut song 'I Love You' in 2015, they performed 'Hurray', 'Pretty', and 'Very NICE', and were called the representative 'refreshing idols'. It was a nickname given due to the combination of bright and cheerful music, the members' cheerful energy, and dynamic performances utilizing multiple members. The reaction was hot. Seventeen won the first place trophy on a music show just one year after their debut with the title song 'Pretty' from their first full-length album. 'Very NICE', which was released in the same year, was inserted into an entertainment program and continues to be popular regardless of generation even eight years after its release. Seventeen has constantly changed the refreshing concept. The title song of the 3rd mini album, ‘Boom Boom’, gave a refreshing yet powerful feeling. The title song '_WORLD' from the 4th full-length album repackage doubles the sweet atmosphere by combining the funk and urban R&B genres. The title song of the 11th mini album, ‘God of Music’, also continues the lineage of Seventeen’s ‘refreshing hits’. This song, released in October last year, became the first male group song released in the same year to reach the top of Melon's 'Top 100'.
◼ Expansion: Seventeen’s Evolution
Seventeen, who gained fame as 'refreshing idols' at the beginning of their debut, expanded their musical spectrum by absorbing various genres. 'I Don't Want to Cry', a lyrical interpretation of EDM, 'HOME;RUN', a swing genre based with oriental instruments added, 'Rock with you', which leaves a strong impression by combining rock sounds, and 'F', based on old school hip hop. *ck My Life', etc. They expanded the 'Seventeen sensibility' by challenging new music for each album title song they released. Seventeen's limitless challenge also attracted attention in the global music market. They placed the title song 'Son Goku' of their 10th mini album on Billboard's 'Global 200' for 12 weeks. The 'Global 200' chart is a chart that counts popular songs around the world, including the United States. Seventeen has expanded its global influence by including 'God of Music', 'HOT', 'Ready to love', and 'Rock with you' into this chart. Foreign music media outlets also praised the group, saying, “Seventeen pursues ‘Seventeen-ness’ and continues to experiment and test new things” (Billboard) and “They will rise to the ranks of global superstars” (The Guardian, UK).
◼ Authenticity: Seventeen’s completion
What makes Seventeen complete is authenticity more than anything else. Seventeen's past title songs contain the members' sincerity. Since their debut, they have gained a reputation as 'self-produced idols' with all members participating in album production. Among them, Woozi, who plays a leading role, is active in creative activities, having registered more than 160 songs with the Korea Copyright Association. At a showcase commemorating the release of his 3rd full-length album in 2019, he said, “When making an album, we asked, ‘What kind of story can we tell well?’, ‘What story is right for us now?’ “I’m worried,” he said. In this way, Seventeen's music is completed based on the members' thoughts, emotions, and experiences. This is the secret to SEVENTEEN's deep connection with CARAT (CARAT (fandom name)), and it is also the reason why 'Team SEVENTEEN (TEAM SVT)' with CARAT is possible. Prior to the release of their best album, Seventeen will hold 'SEVENTEEN TOUR 'FOLLOW' AGAIN' at Seoul World Cup Stadium on the 27th and 28th.
Reporter Junho Yoon, Ten Asia delo410@tenasia.co.kr
