New SEVENTEEN Sub-Unit, JEONGHAN X JOSHUA, Has Made Their Stunning Debut: DREAMSCAPE
Photo: PLEDIS Entertainment/HYBE
With many SEVENTEEN members enlisted, fans wondered about the group's upcoming plans, with some members returning from mandatory service and others not required to serve. Would they release solos? Maybe a new sub-unit was in the works, or maybe a small group release? Fans got the answer sooner than expected. Before the sub-unit was announced, fans saw videos of members JEONGHAN and JOSHUA traveling together and having fun. Now, with those earlier sub-unit hints, fans had a clearer picture of what was next.
So when they announced the next SEVENTEEN sub-unit, JEONGHAN X JOSHUA, fans were excited and ready for what was to come. The next lingering question was, “What is this going to sound like?” Since both members are part of the vocal unit, many thought this unit was going to be ballad-based, with some upbeat pop tracks to showcase the majestic vocals of the members. Their debut album, DREAMSCAPE, is a seven-track release, each song rewarding in its own right.
DREAMSCAPE Tracklist:
“Like You”
“12 o’clock” (Title Track)
“Outside”
“One plus one”
“Not Personal (JOSHUA Solo)”
“Coloring (JEONGHAN Solo)”
“No looking back”
The album starts with the upbeat, groovy track, “Like you.” A dance track with pop, house, and techno elements, “Like you” is an enjoyable song that gets listeners hyped for the rest of the album. While the track is techno-heavy, the members' vocals are prominent, and their smooth delivery still matches the track's energy.
Next is the title track, “12 o’clock.” Still sticking with that retro, groovy sound, the track is synth-heavy with some R&B influence. Fans will want to dance along to this track. The instrumental is smooth but has a funky beat that will get fans moving. The members' vocals are smooth, sensual, and upbeat. In certain parts of the song, the members match the verses' intensity. For example, at the beginning, their voices are in a lower register, almost like a whisper, but as the song progresses, JEONGHAN and JOSHUA use their ranges and sing in falsetto. Their vocal interplay is a clear highlight of the track, and CARATs will love to sing along.
The music video is very artistic and quirky. It follows JEONGHAN and JOSHUA as they move from scene to scene with swiftness and stoicism. The setting, quick cuts, and fast-paced movements remind viewers of what dreams are like. It’s majestic and captivating. The music video features striking visuals, with both members commanding the frame—full of oments that make fans want to rewind and watch again, like scenes of the members in open fields, basking in the light. It’s a beautiful video that tells the track's hidden story.
@seventeen17_official Now it’s twelve 🕛 #JxJ #정한X조슈아 #DREAMSCAPE #12oclock ♬ 12 o'clock - JEONGHAN & JOSHUA
@seventeen17_official I forgot my earphones ◠‿◠ #JxJ #정한X조슈아 #DREAMSCAPE #12oclock ♬ 12 o'clock - JEONGHAN & JOSHUA
The next song is called “Outside.” The track is upbeat and leans more toward pop than the previous two tracks. Still using the running house sound the album has established, “Outside.” is a chic track with a driving beat that gets listeners ready for the next track. Next is “One plus one,” an R&B track with a strong bass and slow-jam presence. Their voices carry a velvety warmth, and their harmonies are soulful and passionate.
Before the release, fans wondered whether the album would include solo tracks, as some previous sub-unit releases have, and it did. The first solo was from member JOSHUA. His solo track, “Not Personal (JOSHUA Solo),” is a punk-pop rock song that shows JOSHUA's angsty side. His voice is raspy, and throughout the song, he shows his skillful vocal range. His English-language track is vibrant and hard-hitting. Next is “Coloring (JEONGHAN Solo).” This bright, pulsing track has a propulsive beat that will get fans ready to dance. JEONGHAN's high-energy vocals match the track's pop sound.
To end the album, the members have their song “No looking back.” Leaning firmly into an early-2000’s punk-pop sound, this upbeat track invites fans to sing along at full volume. It is a fitting closer that sustains the album's high-energy tone through to the end.
JEONGHAN X JOSHUA's debut release DREAMSCAPE is a confident step into a distinct sonic world. The album blends genres across a range of tempos and moods, showcasing the members' versatility and talent. So, check out DREAMSCAPE and see which song is your favorite.