After capturing the essence of boyhood pop with upbeat and refreshing ‘plot twist’, and the even funkier ‘If I’m S, Can You Be My N?’, TWS treads on unfamiliar waters with their new mini-album Try With Us.
Youth is fleeting and time waits for no one — TWS does their best to tell the story of their transition into adulthood with their latest studio album. Try With Us is, after all, that awkward phase of being a teenager and an adult at the same time; the story of their graduation.
But instead of fear or angst for their unknown futures, the boys of TWS bring their spirit and vigor to face the challenges ahead. They ask the questions of what will change, what hasn’t, and what will stay in the past that they won’t bring into the future. With one foot across the line into adolescence, TWS extends an invitation to their listeners to join them in their journey.
1. Countdown
The title track, also known as ‘Isn’t It Cool to Follow Your Heart’, really explodes with energy. It’s an upbeat and catchy song with a roaring cacophony that’s clear in its message to make you jump. At the same time, it’s reminiscent to the main tracks of their other titles ‘plot twist’ and ‘If I’m S, Can You Be My N?’, grounding on the idea that you can be just as free-spirited as a teenager when you become an adult.
2. Lucky To Be Loved
The opening track of the album, ‘Lucky To Be Loved’ offers something new and different compared to the title track. In fact, it offers almost the opposite of what ‘Countdown’ brings, being more lively and spirited, while ‘Lucky To Be Loved’ is mellower and subdued. As the warmer and more grounded track in the album, this track was all about gratitude to the people who stayed by them in their journey.
3. Random Play
Now this is a song that paints the picture of a road trip with friends. It’s definitely that track that can montage the freedom and exuberance of youth when going on adventures and trying new experiences. ‘Random Play’ has the most fun choreography in the album, and really it’s just a joy to watch as TWS gives us orderly chaos, representing the essence of randomness and life’s spontaneity.
4. Freestyle
Of course, there’s the designated R&B Hip-Hop song in the album. While ‘Countdown’ is upbeat, ‘Freestyle’ has a catchier beat on its own, and the way the group harmonises is even more impressive for a hip-hop track. With a sick beat comes the confidence and enthusiasm that TWS tries to embody from facing their passions to facing their reckless choices.
5. Now Playing
‘Now Playing’ is like the lovechild of ‘Countdown’ and ‘Lucky To Be Loved’ when it comes to beat and melody. It’s both upbeat and subdued, and really presents itself as something in between the opening track and the title track. When the other tracks sing about youth, freedom, and coming-of-age, ‘Now Playing’ focuses more on an adolescent romance and tells the story of a first date in the cinemas.
6. Go Back
The perfect way to end the album, ‘Go Back’ is a funky song with a melodic chorus that’s reminiscent of K-pop love songs from a decade ago. The delivery is strong, and easily a fan-favourite, but behind the lyrics hides the struggles of experiencing new and unfamiliar emotions. It’s about being honest in the face of confusion and hesitation.
When Shinyu, Dohoon, Youngjae, Hanjin, Jihoon, and Kyungmin debuted, the stars sparkled in their eyes and had the whole world in front of them. They didn’t know that a year later, they’d already start looking back at the final moments of their childhood. They probably didn’t know that they’d be gearing up for their first world tour so soon! One thing’s for sure, the childlike wonder is something that TWS wouldn’t let go of.
When all’s been said and done, TWS asks themselves what will change as they become adults? Their answer? Not much!
