Pop Review: JAY B Finds Growth in Third Mini Album, TR.EE

GOT7’s leader and soloist, JAY B, drops a new album showcasing his artistry and emotional vocals, exploring the roots and growth in relationships.

Nearly four years after his previous mini album release, JAY B returns bold and more mature with his third mini album, TR.EE. The album focuses on capturing raw emotions, providing comfort, and conveying empathy. The music video for the title track “Layback” premiered on June 10 alongside the album’s five featured tracks, which come together to tell a cohesive story.

During the album showcase, JAY B mentioned that the main concept of this album was inspired by the quote, “A tree’s driving force for growth is its shaking,” which he discovered while looking for some meaningful sayings. The idea that a tree’s shaking leads to deeper root growth really moved him. For that reason, he embraced its meaning and used it as a metaphor for relationships experiencing setbacks, whether it weakened or strengthened the bond.

To express his personal sentiments and style, JAY B once again took part in both lyric writing and song compositions as Def. He wants to provide healing with every word and wrap listeners in comfort with each melody. Instead of listening to a random playlist, he carefully arranges the tracks to unfold like chapters of a storybook to create a cohesive listening experience like an emotional journey.

Through this album, JAY B expands his solo identity as he established his own agency—528Hz. Beyond his group activities as a leader and member of GOT7, he has taken another remarkable step in his career by serving as both the CEO and core artist of his own label.

TR.EE Tracklisting

1. Hold onto My Back

“Hold onto My Back” is a great introduction to the album’s pattern of storytelling. This track may sound calm at first, but it actually has a certain weight and deep emotion in it. It conveys desires and commitment into a relationship where feelings keep getting stronger, which is a good start to a love story.

I just wanna be your every moment, babe
I won’t let you go ’cause I decided I want you to be mine, yeah
I ain’t in a rush
But I can’t slow down

Its relaxed pacing and warm instrumentation make it ideal for quiet, reflective moments. Also, for moments when you spent another chance to be with someone you like.

2. Layback

Being chosen to represent the album, the R&B track “Layback” portrays the distance between two people gradually closing and the emergence of tension. The track opens with bass-driven instrumentation and vocal chops that add a feeling of warmth and seduction, making it really sexy. As the song progresses, it becomes rougher, which sonically shows the clash between the existence of comfort and tension.

While the sound of the song is prominent, the music video exhibits simplicity. Instead of being distracted by various graphics and video effects, JAY B’s talent and artistry are the center of attraction. His warm vocals and smooth choreography became the focal point of the video, allowing his artistry to shine without relying on distracting visual effects. The cinematography of gloominess and darkness also creates a sense of emptiness that complements the song’s introspective mood.

3. Overflow

“Overflow” unintentionally used the reverse guitar technique, which adds mysterious texture to the entire song. JAY B also experiments with different vocal techniques to add variety. During the album showcase, he shared that he unintentionally recorded the chorus part using his hoarse voice, but eventually it grew on him, and he decided to keep it for the final version.

Aside from its dreamy vibes, the song also drives one’s personal connection in an emotionally invisible state of longing for love and yearning for someone.

When I see your face
I can hear your sound
I feel your name echo in the silence
One little touch
Got me flying so high
I’m drawn to you, can’t lie

4. One Call Away

“One Call Away” is a track to listen to when you suddenly miss someone or a certain scenario that you may want to happen again. In an interview with Rolling Stone India, JAY B mentioned that the transition between “Overflow” and “One Call Away” is an emotional turning point of the album. Although the song sounds comforting, the shift from invisible connection to call for attention is really noticeable, and it’s just sad.

I only want for you to just call my name
I hope your mind and mine can feel the same
Please, anytime, think of me as you like
I always think of you, trust me, please babe (Please babe)

This Lofi R&B track expresses the distance within a relationship that feels close and far away at the same time.

5. Time

“Time” is more like a JAY B style that has a modern take on 90s R&B. This track has dreamy elements from the soft piano textures, reverb, and delay that have been added for flavor. According to JAY B, the song was inspired by his favorite artist, Nujabes, making it an easy-listening track that can make listeners nod along to its groove.

This track feels like the falling action of a story, where loose ends are gradually tied up. It reflects the beauty of personal growth and sincerity.

6. We

If we are talking about a perfect closing track, “We” is exactly that. The song explores how relationships grow stronger through togetherness, centering on the comfort of having someone by your side, establishing roots, and finding stability in love. In the music aspect, it’s a perfect blend of bossa nova in a modern R&B track, creating a warm and sophisticated sound.

“We” is the album’s soul, not just for its comforting atmosphere but also for its message. The song represents growth, like a tree develops from its roots until it finally blooms, symbolizing the beautiful realization of the true strength found in being together.

2026 JAY B tape:roots Asia Tour

Upon the release of his new album, JAY B also officially kicked off his Asia tour with successful shows in Seoul and Bangkok. The tour will continue with scheduled stops in Taipei and Hong Kong this August before concluding in Tokyo this September. While the current lineup features only five cities, Ahgases hopes for additional stops, including Manila.