TXT (Tomorrow x Together) has had a jam-packed year, filled with chart-topping hits, newsworthy collaborations, a sold-out world tour, and breakthrough performances. Fortunately for fans, their blockbuster year is far from over. TXT are back with a brand new full-length album and various promotions, all while preparing for back-to-back encore concerts and major year-end award shows. The Name Chapter: FREEFALL, released on Friday, October 13, is the group’s third full-length album since their debut in 2019. It marks an important transition point in TXT’s career as the five young “STAR SEEKERS” move into a more mature reality. Music critics have deemed it the “most satisfactory TXT album,” and it’s not difficult to see why. The Name Chapter: FREEFALL is sonically excellent and conceptually cohesive, telling a relatable tale of hardships, acceptance, and growing up.

“Growing Pain”

The opening track sets the tone for the rest of the album, with brutally honest lyrics and hard-hitting vocals. TXT are in the midst of an “endless freefall” that they know will only end in pain. Instead of being fearful or backing away from the unknown reality that lies ahead, the five boys throw themselves into the thick of it. Their message for listeners manages to find balance between hope and realism. Even if a painful crash is inevitable, you have to make it through life’s trials and tribulations in order to grow. The punk rock vibe adds an edge of perseverance, and the strength behind TXT’s vocals makes “Growing Pain” an inspiring opener.

“Chasing That Feeling”

With a beautiful blend of synths and 80’s pop, TXT continue their freefall in the album’s title track, “Chasing That Feeling.” Produced by Rock Mafia, the bright genre shift is a welcomed sigh of relief; however, the lyrics are drenched in realism. The opposition of cheerful tracks and deep lyrics are perhaps one of the things that TXT does best. They’re high on the feeling of pain because everything else is uncertain. The music video displays this in real time. It’s equivalent to a Marvel movie as the five boys chase after their individual stars, each possessing a unique power, as time and space bend around them. In the end, they’re faced with reality, accepting their fate and joining the stable world around them.

“Back For More (TXT Ver.)”

“Back For More” was announced as a pre-release track one month ahead of TXT’s newest album. The first performance, however, came three days prior at the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards on September 12. The five-member group teamed up with Anitta, a Brazilian singer and songwriter whose long-standing career has skyrocketed to global fame in recent years. The collaboration garnered a lot of positive attention from fans and non-fans alike, which raised some questions as to why Anitta’s version didn’t make it to the official tracklist. I think it all boils down to live performances. TXT are promoting “Back For More” in Korea, and will undoubtedly have many more live performances where Anitta isn’t available to attend. It only makes sense to include the TXT version on FREEFALL so fans can become more familiar with the song. Regardless, every version of “Back For More” is worthy of a listen. Huening Kai and Taehyun’s vocals especially shine in this blend of Latin pop and disco.

“Dreamer”

“20cm” enthusiasts, this one’s for you. Track four shifts into seductive R&B layered with heavenly falsettos. If you’re able to look past the eargasm of glittering vocals, you’ll find a track loaded with easter eggs. TXT cleverly references past songs like “Maze in the Mirror” and “Farewell, Neverland” while also tying in the complex lore of five star seekers who have finally found their path to growing up. Somewhere between a child and adult exists “a grown up that doesn’t dream at all and a boy that only dreams.” TXT find their name in this lingering space of gray. The cloud of temptation is finally gone, replaced by a sky of shining stars.

“Deep Down”

The easter eggs continue in “Deep Down” whose full title is a throwback to TXT’s debut song, “CROWN.” Sonically, the two songs are contrasting interpretations of pop music. Where “CROWN” is cheerful and trendy with energetic synths, “Deep Down” is earnest with an edge of modern EDM. When asked about the connection in an interview with Teen Vogue, Taehyun shared,“There's a horn growing out of my head. I thought it was a pain, but because we have that horn, we could grow. So, it's actually a crown, not a horn.” The message aligns well with FREEFALL. Instead of hiding their “horns,” TXT embraces what once felt shameful with the powerful tagline “deep down, I need you more.” The five young boys from 2019 have grown into young men accepting of all their flaws and insecurities, letting the heavy crown of thorns turn into a radiant “silver lining.”

“Happily Ever After”

The sixth track is perfectly placed, lightening the mood at just the right moment. As the title suggests, “Happily Ever After” is the sequel to “Happy Fools” from TXT’s previous album, The Name Chapter: TEMPTATION. Both songs are a fun take on jersey pop with lyrics that act as a call and response when listened to in succession. TXT acknowledges the foolish attitude of wanting to live like “the main character,” yet still manages to maintain a carefree vibe. The lyrics challenge the idea of the modern fairytale’s happily ever after, opting instead to accept the notion that life is unpredictable. With relaxed vocals and effortless harmonies, TXT embraces an open ending and the opportunity it gives them to write their own story moving forward. The only true let down in this album is the severe lack of Beomgyu’s velvety baritone in the track’s otherwise flawless composition.

“Skipping Stones”

This was perhaps the most anticipated B-side in the nine track line-up, with Soobin, TXT’s reliable leader, constantly singing his praises. He even went as far as declaring it his new favorite track, overtaking “Our Summer” which has held firm since its release in 2019. The indie-rock ballad is sung entirely in Korean with powerful vocals, showcasing each member’s individual strengths alongside their innate teamwork. It’s hard to convey the full depth of the song’s lyrics in simple translations, but the sincerity is palpable in the delivery. TXT embraces listeners with the soothing promise of a better future. They weave a beautiful metaphor of skipping rocks across a once calm river. With each throw of a jagged stone, with every release of bottled up emotions, our troubles sink and become more bearable. The shared experience of growing pains is a burden we don’t have to bear alone. No matter how heavy the weight becomes, “you and I, still breathe.” If you can tread through the storm, the water will become calm once again.

“Blue Spring”

TXT unveiled “Blue Spring” earlier this year during the first stop of their ACT: SWEET MIRAGE tour. As an earnest fan song that details the members’ gratitude for their fanbase, MOA, it quickly became a crowd favorite. “Blue Spring” even made its way into TXT’s 20-track Lollapalooza setlist as they headlined on day three for a sold-out audience. It’s definitely one of my favorite B-side tracks from the group, and I hope to hear it again at their Seoul encore shows this December.

“Do It Like That”

The nine-track album wraps up with yet another collaboration. “Do It Like That” was released far before the announcement of FREEFALL, officially dropping as a hot summer song on July 7. It's a strange transition from the quiet sincerity of “Blue Spring” to the English single’s funky pop track, but it certainly assures that FREEFALL ends on a high note. Plus, if you’re listening on a digital platform, an English version of “Chasing That Feeling” closes out the album and provides a perfect loop to “Growing Pain.”

Through every comeback, one thing’s for sure, TXT are not afraid to experiment with concept and sound. The Name Chapter: FREEFALL is proof, not only of their versatility, but also their solid team work and dedication over the past four and a half years. In the world of K-Pop where new albums are expected every six months at minimum, it’s easy to stay inside your comfort zone and stick to the status quo. For the five members of TXT, “taking the easy way out” doesn’t seem to be in their vocabulary. They have curated an impressive, genre-bending discography with realistic messages of hope for the next generation of dreamers. Finally face-to-face with the starry future they sought after, TXT’s FREEFALL is sure to end in a field of flowers.

Edited by Cara Musashi