SEVENTEEN Thanks Carats with Special Album

A few months after the release of their second full album Teen, Age, which included the addicting title track “CLAP,” SEVENTEEN has returned to deliver a Director’s Cut special repackage of Teen, Age. This addition to the album carries four new tracks with the title being “고맙다 (Thanks).”

Thank You

The title track immediately reminds me of another track of theirs from its first note. As the song carries on with its building EDM beat, it becomes clear that this thank-you track for fans is of the same vibe as “울고 싶지 않아 Don’t Wanna Cry.” Not only is the sound reminiscent of the earlier track, but the dance is of a similar mood and style. It’s quite breathtaking, with many of the group’s moves taking place on their knees, just like the old title track. It’s a style of dance SEVENTEEN pulls off very well, and I’m sure this choreography will see similar fame to “울고 싶지 않아 Don’t Wanna Cry.”

While the song itself is nothing spectacular on the surface—mostly because it sounds almost too similar to the song previously mentioned—it’s in the lyrics that the song holds its real endearment. The song is truly a gift to fans as the members express their emotions through the simple phrase of “thank you.” While the lyrics are mostly ambiguous, as in they can be applied to a multitude of situations, they still hold great meaning. The music video only serves to further the emotion behind the lyrics by showcasing the boys working on their music and dancing in dramatic lighting. Between this and the sentimental lyrics, the song's impact grows with each listen.

Director’s Cut

The very first track, “Thinkin’ About You,” starts with a groovy bass guitar riff. The song is an upbeat pop track with a catchy dance hook. It is one of the best tracks out of the four, especially if you are someone who likes SEVENTEEN’s older songs circa 2016. The third track, which follows the title, is “지금 널 찾아가고 있어 (Run to You).” The song starts with soft falsettos, but quickly bursts into a rapid electric guitar solo reminiscent of Japanese rock (think of the closing rock song of an anime). While I am not a fan of the genre, I know many Carats might enjoy this refreshing change in genre for the group. This sound is incredibly different from their usual style, which is a risky move; it’s loud and busy in the ways Japanese rock is, with electric guitars and heavy drums layering over each other though, admittedly, it can be hard to appreciate the group’s wonderful vocals in this kind of track.

The final track is the day to “지금 널 찾아가고 있어 (Run to You)”’s night. “Falling For U” is muted, only carried by a soft electric guitar and slow drum beat. It reminds me of a sweet OST song—the cute and soft kind played during the fluffiest of moments in a drama. Because of this, the track is a very enjoyable listen, especially if you’re a fan of SEVENTEEN’s vocals. “Falling For U” shows off the gentle side of the group’s vocal ability with falsettos and sweet melodies. Even the rap verses are mellow!

Congratulations to SEVENTEEN for reaching the top 10 on iTunes in multiple countries, and “thank you” for your lovely gift!