Akdong Musician Welcomes Fall with New Album

After more than two years, brother and sister duo Akdong Musician (AKMU) has made their long-awaited return to the music industry. The duo has returned with a full album that is fall-season ready, with listeners reaching for a hot beverage, pulling on their hoodies and sweaters, and curling under the warmth of blankets. It comes as no surprise that AKMU will bring another emotional and wholesome album with a multitude of ballads and acoustics.

Tracklist: 

  1. Chantey 

  2. Fish In the Water 

  3. Featured: How can I love the heartbreak, you’re the one I love 

  4. Moon 

  5. FREEDOM 

  6. Should’ve Loved You More 

  7. Whale 

  8. Endless Dream, Good Night 

  9. Farewell 

  10. Let’s Take Time 



”How can I love the heartbreak, you’re the one I love”

As the main track of the album, AKMU does not fail to bring an emotional song. The song speaks of heartbreak and love, something listeners of all ages can relate to. There are many times in life where a person will be faced with having to break up with the one they love, and deal with the pain that comes with it. “How can I love the heartbreak, you’re the one I love” is a song that reflects on wanting to turn back time and almost not wanting the breakup to happen. Whether the heartbreak may be romantic or platonic, experiencing it at can really bring a person down, no matter the age. Despite the song having such sad undertones, this beautiful acoustic-piano ballad will pull at heartstrings. 

The music video for the song features both Soohyun and Chanhyuk, with each doing their own activity. As the theme of the album is sailing and going out to sea, blue is the prominent color that is featured throughout the music video, from the blues in Chanhyuk’s paintings to the interior of Soohyun’s room.  The song personifies the amount of love as the wide open sea—endless and full. AKMU impresses with another deep and meaningful music video and it comes as no surprise that upon the release of their album, they soared to the top of the music charts. 

The Album 

SAILING is an easy-going album that offers a blend of acoustic stylings that range from country, to latin-inspired, to acoustic rock. AKMU never fails to deliver an album that ranges from happy and bright, to sad and soulful. They continue to stick to their signature style that has been with them since their time on the K-Pop survival show K-Pop Star. The album kicks off with a slow and steady vibe, first wanting to tackle the darker and moodier songs, but gradually progresses into a lighter, coffee-shop vibe type of album. 

As the first album from AKMU in two years, this is a highly recommended, fit-for-fall album that will be guaranteed to be on repeat this season. For those who have not gotten the chance to listen to this brother-sister duo, this is the perfect introduction to their entire discography. There is a song that is meant for someone on this album and because of the long tracklist, it’s going to be hard to pick just one favorite song. Congratulations to Akdong Musician for returning to the music industry! 

“How can I love the heartbreak, you’re the one I love” Title Score: 9/10

Music Video Score: 8.5/10 

Sailing Album Score: 9.5/10 

Overall Score: 9/10