2PM Makes a Long-Awaited Return to Music with a MUST Listen Album
Legendary K-Pop group 2PM has finally returned to music with their seventh studio album MUST, supported by the R&B single “해야 해 (Make It).” The group returns after a five-year hiatus due to mandatory military enlistment of the members, and while the group didn’t have any activities as a collective, individual members continued to show their charms with solo music and drama appearances. The new album is a treasure chest of R&B jams with a light jazz influence. Let’s take a look at what they have to offer their listeners.
Let’s Talk Music
Tracklist
Intro.
해야 해 (Make it)
괜찮아 안 괜찮아 (OK or Not)
보고싶어, 보러갈게 (On My Way)
Champagne
집 앞 카페 (The Cafe)
Moon & Back
둘이 (Two of Us)
놓지 않을게 (Hold You)
우리 집 (My House) (Acoustic Ver.)
“해야 해 (Make it)”
The title track “해야 해 (Make It)” was co-written and co-composed by member Wooyoung. Over a smooth R&B melody, 2PM sings about what they would do if they get a second chance at love. Referring to not only romantic love but also the love of their fans, by the end of the song, 2PM reveals they would feel an irresistible attraction the second time around as well.
The music video is set in the backdrop of an apocalypse. In the midst of a comical meteor strike, the members catch the eye of the female lead, posing as suave male leads. The music video also showcases the sexy choreography, undeniably a signature of 2PM in K-Pop ever since their debut. Watch the video for “해야 해 (Make it)” below!
B-Sides
The full-length album offers a nice series of B-side tracks which showcase the group’s maturity. Track three, “괜찮아 안 괜찮아 (OK or Not),” was written by member Jun.K, and the members express how we often pretend to be okay when we’re actually not to selflessly provide comfort to others. The repetitive chorus conveys this message perfectly.
“보고싶어, 보러갈게 (On My Way)” is a fun pop song with a funky beat, and the Korean title translates to “I miss you, I'm coming to see you.” This lively track with a beautiful key change in the second half is definitely a hidden gem in the album. Co-written by member Taecyeon, “Champagne” is a signature 2PM song giving off a luxurious and trendy vibe. Reminiscent of 2PM’s old songs, “Champagne” is a throwback done right.
Track six, “집 앞 카페 (The Cafe),” is a pop song with minimalistic production and sweet lyrics expressing their desire to spend time with the person they like at a pretty, local, and quiet cafe. “Moon & Back” is a slow R&B love song as the title suggests, and the track’s highlight is the members’ vocal delivery. “둘이 (Two of Us)” extends the same sentiments as “Moon & Back,” but this time over a jazz arrangement and soulful harmonizing by the members.
“놓지 않을게 (Hold You),” written and composed solely by Jun.K, is a song that expresses their gratitude toward their fans who have always been by their side—an appropriate addition to the album considering their five-year hiatus. 2PM closes the album with a re-recorded acoustic version of their viral hit “우리 집 (My House),” a beautiful surprise for fans.
During their hiatus, all members either released solo music and appeared on variety shows, or in popular dramas while continuing to enlist one by one. 2PM is the latest second generation group to make their return to music, gaining renewed support and appreciation from new and old listeners alike. 2PM has always carved their own space in Korean music, and despite the controversial narrative around their image, they once again prove that there are several ways of incorporating sensuality without promoting toxic masculinity and hypersexuality in music. MUST is an incredible collection of sincere but sexy love songs.