UP10TION Continues the Groove in Latest Comeback
Following a similar formula to their comeback in September of last year, UP10TION is back on the scene with a super groovy title and upbeat concept to match the summer mood. Having been on the scene nearly six years now, the group has reached seniority status. While members Wooseok and Jinhyuk continue solo promotions and sit out from group activities, leader Jinhoo is currently on active military duty. The new album CONNECTION is the first full album release since 2018, and a welcome change of pace for fans of the group.
The Title: “SPIN OFF”
“SPIN OFF” takes a lot of inspiration from previous title release “Destiny,” and understandably so. The traditional pop track has a groovy bass line driving the beat that is particularly infectious. The driving beat remains consistent throughout, save for the breakdown for the rap verses, which adds a fresh tone to the overall sound. This is a classic summer jam, one that many would label as a hit summer bop if it had been released by one of the quintessentially popular K-Pop groups.There’s no doubt it’s infectious, even if it has a similar composition to previous releases.
The music video shows a sophisticated and mature side to the group, matching their years on the K-Pop scene. Bright pastels and the classic theater stage are the main focal points, with color splashes highlighting each member in their solo shots. The black outfits with pops of blue color are particularly eye-catching, and strongly contrast with other choreography shots featuring white suits and pastel pink matching outfits. It’s a fun visual experience overall, and helps to bring out the full impact of the title track.
The Album
CONNECTION features ten tracks including the title and three unit songs. After the title is the first B-side “Liar,” which takes a much more dance-heavy focus to the melody. The opening is what really throws you off at first listen, with a softer R&B type sound taking center stage and giving you the impression that the track will be a more sensual, slow tempo, before the beat drops and takes off. Personally, I find the contrast in melodies to be intriguing, and it gives “Liar” better potential as a title track.
“Summer Drive'' is the type of song that’s exactly what you’re thinking based on the title. The upbeat dance track is a perfect song to blast on a long summer drive, and if you’re not yet in the summer mood, it’ll definitely get you there. “Paradise” has a bit of a softer tone, opening up with a basic beat and a subdued electronic melodic line that opens up as the song progresses toward the chorus. “Destroyed” feels like the antithesis of “Paradise,” placing a piano at center stage with a slower tempo that gives off a lofi vibe and takes on a more intense feeling. If you’re looking for the fierce track on the album, you’ll find it in “Destroyed.”
“만약 (If)” is the first unit track, a ballad sung by Kogyeol and Hwanhee. It seems fitting for this emotional track to follow the heaviness of “Destroyed,” placing emphasis on the tormented vocals with a little sprinkle of smooth jazz added into the melody. It stands in stark contrast to the rest of the album, which up to this point has been dance pop focused. Next comes “혹시라도 (Forever),” a unit track featuring Kuhn, Sunyeol, Gyujin, and Xiao. This track is also a slower ballad, but with a more moderate tempo and softer feel from the previous song. It’s a warm and sweet song that certainly elicits feelings of contentment.
Moving toward the end of the album, “Believe in you” restores the bright atmosphere with an upbeat acoustic guitar melody driving the song from the very beginning. There is far less electronic influence in this song, instead keeping a simple acoustic base to allow the vocals to shine. “Sky Line” is a duet between Kogyeol and rapper Bit-to, blending vocals and rap into a nice package. The song is somewhat of a hybrid between the electronic dance and acoustic influences, and maintains the overall sunny feeling of the previous tracks. Finally, the album concludes with “Honey Cake,” a playful and cheery track that has a particularly infectious chorus. Concluding the album like this leaves a smile on the listener’s face, the brightness of the final tracks unable to deny.
Overall, CONNECTION is a solid album with enough genre diversity to keep it from being too stagnant. While it may not be a standout album, it’s certainly solid enough to stand well on its own. It is a shame that two crucial members to the group still are not participating in the full group comeback, and part of us wonders if more light would be shined on UP10TION if they were still in group activities. Regardless, be sure to give the group a listen!