K-Pop group “TOMORROW X TOGETHER” also known as TXT, made their comeback with their eighth mini-album, shortly after the renewal of their contract with BIGHIT MUSIC. The group debuted on March 4, 2019, and consists of 5 members: Choi Soobin, Choi Yeonjun, Choi Beomgyu, Huening Kai and Kang Taehyun. This album is the first to be released after the conclusion of their storyline, “The Star Seekers,” in their previous release. This album takes a different approach to their music style, with a more emotionally turbulent album that represents the members and what they have felt since their debut. The members of TXT are now starting their new chapter, taking a step back to reflect on where they are in their lives and careers now. Their fandom, “MOA” (which I am a part of), has also been with TXT on this journey, so this serves as an emotional album. As someone who has been a fan of this group since their debut, I also felt deeply connected with the album when I found out it had to do with their anniversary as a group.
The album includes a mix of several different sounds, from romantic ballads to electro-pop, so if you are looking for a song to hype you up or calm you down during finals season or simply looking for some new music, this album just may be for you.
“BED OF THORNS”
The first track on the album is an electro-pop style song about the pain and suffering the members have gone through to get to where they are now, the scars that they wear to remind themselves of past struggles. The bed of thorns used in the lyrics shows how they made their own bed of thorns, and they must lie in it. The song starts the album out on an emotional note, letting you feel what the group went through and how that led them to their seventh year as a group, especially when many K-pop groups do not make it that long.
“Stick With You”
This song serves as the title track on the album, with a similar electro-pop style and a techno twist to the song. The song has a romantic vibe about wanting to stick with someone even for just one more day. Even if it is meaningless, all they want is to be with the person they love. The song, albeit short, makes its presence known as the title track, as the chorus is catchy and makes you yearn for your person too.
“Take Me to Nirvana (featuring Vinida Weng)”
This track takes a psychedelic twist on the album, which I enjoyed. The song opens with a unique beat that immediately catches your attention. It is about releasing all your worries and burdens and wanting to be taken to “Nirvana,” in which there is nothing to worry about, besides being with the person you love. Vinida Weng, a Chinese rapper and singer, makes her feature on this song in the chorus. She adds a dreamy feeling that makes you feel the concept of Nirvana being voiced.
“So What”
This track is more of a pop-rap song with a synth approach that focuses on members Beomgyu and Yeonjun, showcasing their rap skills with the other members’ vocals. The song is about not caring about what other people think, saying “so what?” and moving on with your life to do what you want. The song serves its purpose on the album, especially after member Yeonjun experienced criticism for his solo album “No Labels: Part 1,” which seemed to affect his confidence. The lyrics about letting go and shaking unnecessary criticism off tell MOA that the criticism does not matter to the group; they will keep making music for the fans.
“21st Century Romance”
This is my favorite track on the album that I have listened to about 10 times already; this song takes a romantic ballad approach with a dreamy beat that makes you feel like you’re in a movie. The youngest member of the group, Huening Kai, composed the medley to feel romantic. The song talks about how romance in the 21st century is fleeting. Although the narrator feels numb inside and yearns for something to feel, they still follow the signal of the romance, even if it is only fleeting.
“Dream of Mine”
This track closes out the album with an alternative pop feel about the members chasing their dreams and making their own way. Adding a song about them chasing their dreams together to become successful idols no matter how tired they are or how much they struggled felt like the perfect conclusion to the album, as well as an ode to “MOA” who have been with them on this journey.
If you are looking for an electro-pop album that has a romantic and emotional twist to it, not only is this album for you, but TXT as a group may be the perfect group for you. As a MOA for seven years, this album fits perfectly with their discography, as they have always sung about their struggles in the industry. The album, although mini, felt like the perfect length for the feelings they were trying to convey in the music. I look forward to the next albums they release, and hopefully a tour to accompany this album. If you are a Vanderbilt student from Los Angeles, you can catch them performing Aug. 15 at K-Con!
