Super Junior Returns with 9th Full Album!
It’s been a year since Super Junior’s One More Time album. Since then, the remaining members of the veteran boy group returned from their military services and offered another brilliant album! With the inclusion of Ryeowook and Kyuhyun (two members who have played vital roles as lead vocals of the group), the Super Junior lineup has once again bumped up to a total of nine members who have participated in their latest album. Titled Time_Slip - The 9th Album, Super Junior brings a total of ten tracks for fans to enjoy. Readers should note, however, that Heechul is not actively promoting with the group due to health reasons.
Tracklist:
The Crown
SUPER Clap
I Think I
Game
Somebody New
Skydive
Heads Up
Stay with Me
No Drama
Show
”SUPER Clap”
It comes as no surprise that Super Junior is back with a song that makes fans of all ages get up and dance. The song is heavily laced with trumpet instrumentals and clapping noises that blend together to bring an addicting electro-pop sound. The high energy can be felt the moment the introduction plays out and Eunhyuk starts off the song. “SUPER Clap” is a song that is all about letting loose and having fun. Enough of the dull day and other things that can take a toll, there are moments when we all need to have a good time and dance to some good music. “SUPER Clap” is sure to be stuck in everyone’s heads, whether it be from the beat or from the chorus. Super Junior does not disappoint with another pleasant featured track.
The music video is set in an office building, with the members sprinkled around in different rooms and causing quite a stir. One endearing detail of the music video is the emphasis of the color blue throughout most of the video, whether it was in the members’ clothes, on the extras and backup dancers, or in the various sets. This blue gives a nod to their beloved fans, alluding to the fact that Super Junior’s fandom color is sapphire blue. Having been active in the music and entertainment industry for a long time, it pulls at heartstrings to know that the group still finds ways to show their appreciation for their fans. The music video also places heavy emphasis on the choreography for “SUPER Clap,” and despite not actively promoting with the group, it’s a delightful sight to see Heechul make his quirky appearances throughout the music video. Although the music video is a bit dizzying (primarily due to the camera pacing and zooming in and out), it is always a delight to see Super Junior up to their usual comedic antics and having fun throughout the music video.
The Album
Prior to the release of the album, Super Junior pre-released the album B-side “I Think I,” which is a song that incorporates a Latin-feel and vibe. The music video is very much reminiscent of their “Lo Siento” release as it features the members walking through a similar set, but instead of Leslie Grace or another female interest as the member’s main focus of attention, “I Think I” chose to only focus on the members themselves. As this was the pre-release to the rest of the album, “I Think I” does a good job of getting listeners ready for what was in store for the album and could have easily been the featured track for Time_Slip.
The rest of the album is intended to make listeners dance, as the tracklist offers a range of retro-disco, electro-pop, and R&B-pop mixed with Latin-inspired sounds that all work together to bring a cohesive album. Songs like “Heads up” and “The Crown” are a bit darker and slower in feeling and tempo, giving the album a sultry and sexy feel, and songs like “Skydive” and “Show” are more bright, feel-good songs. Fans and listeners should note that off the album, “Show” is a remake of Kim Wonjun’s original song with the same title. Super Junior pays homage to the veteran singer, giving their own take on the high energy ‘90s pop song. Super Junior’s latest album is surely a diamond in the rough, standing out as one of the more brighter albums that have come out this fall season of K-Pop releases.
Super Junior does not fail to bring another solid album to the table. This veteran group shows no sign of stopping as they continue to bring a refreshing feeling to the music industry. Time_Slip is sure to bring joy to those who give this album a listen. Super Junior does not fall short with another feel-good album in their extensive music history. Despite the current trends of having darker and more serious themes for the fall season, Super Junior’s 9th album brings in bright and happy feelings, reminding us that just because summer is over, it doesn’t mean the party and fun has to stop.