SF9 is the Sophisticated “Good Guy” in Latest Comeback
It’s been a good half a year since we got a comeback from SF9, so the early 2020 release is very welcomed! With just two comebacks in 2019, both of which garnered about five million views on the title track, SF9 is back to shoot higher and hopefully achieve their first music show win.
Though the group had a number of breakthrough hits in “O Sole Mio” and “Now Or Never,” they have had a hard time building up hype back to the level of those tracks in their recent releases. As it currently stands, the music video for latest title “Good Guy” has already surpassed 11.4 million views, proving that it may have the staying power to achieve the results that have thus far evaded the group.
“Good Guy”
Since the beginning of their career, SF9 has dabbled in a number of different musical genres, so it can be somewhat of a mystery trying to figure out what the next concept will bring to the table, though as of late EDM-laced melodies seem to be the common theme. That reigns true in “Good Guy,” but the song itself overall has a very different feeling from “RPM.” Rather than perhaps a traditional trance EDM influence, “Good Guy” takes musical inspiration from a modern jazz melody, much like something you may have found playing in speakeasies in the 1920s. The retro feeling lends itself to the overall sophisticated concept portrayed by the visuals, while bringing a fresh perspective to an otherwise generic EDM sound.
If there’s one thing we can guarantee with an SF9 comeback, it’s that the moves will be sharp and the visuals will be jaw-dropping. “Good Guy” is definitely not an exception to that rule, as all the members are dressed in classy suits, flaunting their out-of-this-world visuals. The sophisticated atmosphere is emphasized not only by the exclusive suit outfits, but by classy activities like billiards and tennis. If you’re looking for an “expensive man” vibe, you’ll find it here. In addition, the recurring theme of a specific gold bracelet on each of the member’s wrists is used, with the bracelet eventually falling to the floor and splitting into seven pieces as a symbol of the group members being together as one. The videography is stunning, but the breathtaking visuals of each member are really what make this video shine.
The Album
SF9 debuted in 2016, but this is the first release that brings us a full album. Aptly named FIRST COLLECTION brings us ten new songs to enjoy from the group. Unlike previous releases, this album dives right in with the title track “Good Guy,” foregoing an intro. The title is followed by “Am I The Only One,” a medium tempo groovy track that has a fairly addicting beat, though it may take a few listens to grow on you. At first listen I wasn’t particularly moved or even fond of this song since it seemed to be rather generic, but it quickly becomes addictive with each listen. “Shh” has a surprising retro feel not unlike “Mamma Mia,” if only a bit more toned down and with a modern twist. There’s an undeniable sensuality to the track as well.
“Lullu Lalla” switches up the expectations, bringing a brighter and cuter sound to the album that hadn’t been present before. It’s a sweet, upbeat track through and through. “One Love” continues with this energy, having a bit of an upbeat melody that reminds me quite a bit of GFRIEND’s discography with an SF9 twist. My opinion of the album really began to change crossing into the second half with “Like The Hands Held Tight,” which may have successfully taken the throne as my favorite B-side on the album. The track has a calm warmth to it, like the summer sunset on the beach, along with just a touch of sensuality that is the X factor in making this song spectacular. I especially favor the muted trumpet used throughout the melody, something not very traditional in K-Pop tracks.
“Fire” kicks the energy back up and is a perfect track to follow “Like The Hands Held Tight,” almost as if the atmosphere shifts from a warm and comforting confession of love at sunset into a burning, intense expression of passion once the sun has gone down. It fits like a puzzle piece, painting a vivid picture of artistry that is truly something to behold and isn’t something that is easily achieved in album cohesiveness. The tiny tinge of Latin influences only add to this picture, eliciting imagery of passionate dancing onto the tropical sands by the torch light.
“Stop It Now” brings this setting to a close, portraying a late night romantic confession full of desire. It’s like a complete expression of unspoken intensity that has built up from the previous two tracks and comes barreling out. These three songs back to back are an absolute work of art in painting a memorable picture of love, and it’s not something that I have felt properly expressed on any album in a long time. In my opinion, these three tracks alone make this album magnificent.
Rounding out the album are the two tracks “Dance With Us” and “Beautiful Light,” both of which have a much lighter and endearing quality to them. These tracks feel like words of comfort that SF9 has for Fantasy. It leaves the album ending on a warm and fuzzy note, leaving the listener feeling light.
I’ll admit that the beginning of FIRST COLLECTION did not catch my attention. “Good Guy” definitely grew on me compared to first listen, but it took until halfway through the album for me to really get invested in this album. That being said, I think that portion of the album is absolutely flawless. It’s not that the other tracks are bad by any means, they just failed to capture me in the way “Like The Hands Held Tight” did at the first moment. I do believe that SF9 has the talent to produce quality B-sides, though they often fall short of the title tracks. Still, I think FIRST COLLECTION is a great kick-off to 2020 and SF9’s latest step in their career and I hope that it will bring them their first music show win (among other achievements) this year.