A Decade of DAY6

Photo: JYP Entertainment

Ten years is quite the milestone, and yet, for a band as decorated as DAY6 it still feels like just the beginning. The past year alone has been one of their most fruitful yet, so it’s only fitting to commemorate ten years of hard work and memories with a new album, appropriately titled The DECADE.

The Twin Title Tracks

For the first time since their debut, DAY6 released twin title tracks. “Dream Bus” and “INSIDE OUT” could not be more different. “Dream Bus” is soft and playful, lending itself as a pick-me-up to those with weary hearts. It’s the kind of message the band has seen crazy success with (“HAPPY,” we’re looking at you). Synths and electric percussion take the lead alongside the members’ soaring voices, starting the album off in safe, familiar territory. “INSIDE OUT” quickly flips this on its head, reminding listeners that DAY6 are known for experimenting. 

Where “Dream Bus” is light and airy, “INSIDE OUT” is choppy and full of guitar-driven grit. Gone are the electric beats, with Dowoon bringing a classic drum sound to the forefront. The bass even gets a chance to take the melody in the second verse (something I’ll never take for granted as a Young K stan). It’s no surprise that a rock-heavy track like this suits Sungjin perfectly. Between the rock influence, shifting tempos, and catchy hooks, “INSIDE OUT” really sets the stage for the rest of the celebration.

The Music Videos

DAY6 have had their share of acting roles in their music videos, but “Dream Bus” kicks this up a notch, with the boys adopting characters in a story as they travel together on a bus. Any fan of the band is bound to want to watch this video on repeat: it takes the already joyful song and increases the fun tenfold. And while it’s hard to pick a favorite part in this quirky coming-of-age-esque video, it’s hard not to adore the wide-eyed Wonpil.

“INSIDE OUT” is theatrical in every way, featuring dancers, actors, flashing lights, out-of-this world effects, and more. It’s clear where the budget from their newfound levels of fame have gone. Gone are the days of simple sets and conceptless videos: Korea’s favorite band deserves only the best and “INSIDE OUT” finally lets them have it.

The Rest of the Album

“Sun, Stay Asleep” is the first B-side of the album, instantly sounding like summer and brightening things even further with a trumpet line (correct me if I’m wrong, but this is a first in DAY6’s very diverse discography). The soft-pop song transitions perfectly into the upbeat “Disco Day” which is easily the most pleasant surprise on the album. DAY6 is no stranger to disco themes, with past tracks like “How to love” and “EMERGENCY” sharing influences from the 1970s genre. Maybe the title should have been a dead giveaway, but “Disco Day” isn’t just disco-inspired, it’s legitimate disco as the members croon over strings, a funky beat, and a surprising amount of key changes.

“My Way” goes back to pure rock and is your classic party song with a repetitive chorus that’s reminiscent of western 2000s pop rock. “Before the Stars” goes back even further, pulling from 90’s rock (I can’t be the only one who thinks of Lenny Kravitz’s “Fly Away” during the opening). Sungjin composed the song (alongside Hong Jisang), and his influence is clear, as this song could easily slot in alongside any track on his solo album 30. While it’s not the most daring cut on the album, it is a personal standout for me: no one does sadness and yearning like DAY6. And I’m always a sucker for guitars.

“Take All My Heart” traverses into 80’s rock, another genre DAY6 have definitely mastered in the past; however, this take on the 80s stays bright and poppy compared to predecessors like “Deep in love” and lets the synths lead the way. I can only imagine how fun this song will be live with Wonpil at the helm. “Dream Rider” brings back the lighthearted fun, utilizing anthemic countdowns to keep the energy up as the album nears its end. Speaking of ends, “So It’s the End” is next and, in contrast to its name, serves as the penultimate track on the album. The forlorn title keeps you guessing, as the song is actually incredibly upbeat: instead of a breakup ballad, DAY6 delivers a cathartic anthem for completing a long journey. 

“Our Season” is the closing track and the album’s quintessential DAY6 ballad. Perhaps a simple love song, perhaps a promise to their longtime fans or those just finding them for the first time, “Our Season” swells with as much emotion as DAY6 is capable of delivering. It starts off solemn and sweet, with Wonpil on piano (something that will instantly pull at the heartstrings of every “I’ll try” enthusiast). The song builds slowly, as the vocals grow more passionate in the second verse before finally exploding with percussion in the final chorus. If Young K’s sustained high notes aren’t enough to get you, the wailing guitars in the end certainly will. It’s the kind of goosebump-inducing song I guarantee will have me crying at a concert, and exactly the kind of song I would hope DAY6 would release as a testament to their last decade.

It’s been the wildest of rides to get here, with the end of the ride still nowhere in sight. The DECADE is a love letter to their past, a celebration of their present, and a declaration to their future. Happy ten years, DAY6. Here’s to hoping our season lasts forever.

Edited by Cara Musashi