In a world where everything is done and made easy by AI, SEVENTEEN kicks the door open to show who is the real maestro.
Rather than releasing an EP, SEVENTEEN surprises global fans with the best album that showcases their nine-year history. Spearheaded by “MAESTRO” and three other new tracks, the anthology, 17 Is Right Here, compiles 33 songs.
Specifically, the CD1 features 8 Korean versions of their Japanese tracks. This includes “CALL CALL CALL!,” “Happy Ending,” “Fallin’ Flower,” “24H,” “Not Alone,” “Power of Love,” “DREAM,” and “Ima.”
Included on CD2 are 20 of the group’s Korean title tracks, which established them as self-producing idols. The most popular singles by SEVENTEEN, including “Adore U,” “MANSAE,” “Pretty U,” and “Aju Nice,” “BOOM BOOM,” “Don’t Wanna Cry,” “Clap,” “Thanks,” “Oh My!,” “Home,” “Fear,” “Left & Right,” “HOME;RUN,” “Ready to Love,” “Rock with you,” “HOT,” “_WORLD,” “F*ck My Life,” “SUPER,” and “God of Music” signify the group’s longevity.
With 3.33 million pre-orders, SEVENTEEN’s best album, 17 Is Right Here, shines with creativity and pure artistry.
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SEVENTEEN conducts the musical world as the maestro
“Maestro” is a title given to someone skilled in a specific field, in this sense, music. SEVENTEEN’s title track, “MAESTRO,” encourages listeners to “conduct the world” any way they see fit. SEVENTEEN also aims to convey the need for unity in leading and striving to be the best version of ourselves.
Particularly, the dance R&B track samples several of SEVENTEEN’s earlier singles, including “Aju nice,” “Oh My!,” “Fear,” “Rock with You,” and “Super.”
SEVENTEEN “Maestro” Music Video Musings
The piano-led introduction of “MAESTRO” sets the tone for an impressive start that includes SEVENTEEN’s trademark slogan, “SEVENTEEN right here.” This phrase, on its own, commands every listener to pay attention. And the group pulls it off, particularly with its unconventional music video.
The music video features the song’s choreography, showcasing the smooth transfer of a conductor’s baton from one member to another. As Hoshi pointed out during their global press conference, they wanted the spotlight to shine on each member equally.
Conversely, the music video explores the concerns of artists in a world where AI, or artificial intelligence, can create everything. The genius producer, Woozi, exclaimed that rather than complaining about the inevitable technological advancements, they decided to use them to their advantage. Robots danced throughout the music video, even sharing scenes with the members. “In such a technologically advanced society, we’re wondering how we can preserve SEVENTEEN’s identity.”
Seungkwan further brought attention to the group’s intention to use AI in the “MAESTRO” music video. “We wanted to show what real creation is,” the Kpop professor stated. “We also included various beings, with SEVENTEEN leading them as one team. The music video also has a lot of meaningful symbols.”
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SEVENTEEN’s hip-hop, performance, and vocal teams
As it might be difficult for a group of thirteen to fully boast the abilities of each member, SEVENTEEN’s best album serves as a great way to introduce new fans to the group’s hip-hop, performance, and vocal teams.
Three teams comprise SEVENTEEN: hip-hop, performance, and vocal. Each team has a new track on the album.
“LALALI” is a song presented by the hip-hop unit, composed of S.Coups, Wonwoo, Mingyu, and Vernon. The song has dubstep elements added to an aggressive EDM base, making you groove effortlessly with every beat. What made a deep impression was the electronic, wavy bass sound in the chorus, accompanied by the catchy “lalali, lalali, lalali.”
Next, “Spell” is sung by the performance team. With an Amapiano style that draws inspiration from Afrobeats, Hoshi, Jun, The8, and Dino adopt a relaxed vibe while expressing their sincere sentiments. It is hardly an exaggeration to say that “Spell” is yet another testament to Woozi’s talent, especially when combined with Bumzu’s creativity as a co-producer.
Additionally, “Cheers to Youth” is the vocal team’s song. Jeonghan, Joshua, Woozi, DK, and Seungkwan flawlessly harmonized their sweet vocals to celebrate the innocence and charm of youth. The upbeat tempo and catchy melody serve to further the message of self-love and being lenient with yourself even when the world is cruel. The nostalgic bass sound also highlights each of their distinctive tones, with DK and Seungkwan’s stable high notes.
Meanwhile, SEVENTEEN has released its best album, 17 Is Right Here, on April 29, 2024. The same day also saw the release of the music video for the title track, “MAESTRO.” While the music videos for “LALALI,” “Spell,” and “Cheers to Youth” will be posted on May 10, May 17, and May 24, respectively.
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Image: PLEDIS Entertainment
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