[Album Review] SEVENTEEN’s ‘FML’
Jumping off the success of their world tour Be The Sun and repackaged album Sector 17, SEVENTEEN is back with their 10th mini album FML.
The 13 members of SEVENTEEN are already breaking records with FML and the title track “Super”. Image: SEVENTEEN Official Twitter.
The album starts off strong in usual SEVENTEEN style with the first of two title tracks, “F*ck My Life”. The track takes on a more RnB feel from their usual upbeat tracks like “_World” and “Pretty U” or their full-on dance tracks like “HIT”. The simplicity of the beat allows the members individual vocals to shine through, highlighting that the group don’t need theatrics to prove themselves as icons of the K-pop genre.
“F*ck My Life” utilises its lighter moments in the pre-chorus to prepare fans to scream the lyrics to the chorus: “From now on, fight for my life / Fight for my life for me / In a world where you’re used to getting used to it / Now I want to find myself”. It’s a sentiment that many CARATs and non-fans will find comforting.
In contrast to “F*ck My Life”, the second title track, “Super”, is a powerful song with a multitude of surprises packed into its three minute runtime. “Super” uses an interesting anti-drop chorus that suits the kind of intense choreography that the group is known for. But the track's real driving force comes from its post-chorus. The chant “I love my team, I love my crew / We already made it this far” is one that only amplifies SEVENTEEN’s sense of unity.
With all 13 members renewing their contracts just two years ago, the group continue to remind fans that they aren’t going anywhere: “Listen up, we’re on our way now / Switching up the generation till now / We’re not stopping, we’re racing now”.
The next three tracks take on the usual form of being unit songs. First up is the hip hop team with “Fire”. The track is instantly recognisable to fans of the unit with its heavy focus on rap. The lyrics almost take on a diss track energy, reminding doubters that SEVENTEEN continue to be extremely successful: “Been touring domes now / Haven’t you heard now / Stadium tours now, hey”.
The unexpected sounds of cowbells and staccato drum beats make “Fire” an addictive listen. Being composed by members Wonwoo and Vernon alongside their usual producer and friend BUMZU, has allowed the members personal tastes seep through on “Fire”. Mingyu is a standout on this track with his moreish verse and absorbing vocal colour.
The performance team is up next with “I Don’t Understand But I Luv U”. Hoshi, Jun, The8, and Dino are known for their mixing of genres and surprises in their unit tracks and this song is no different. The boys utilise their perfect vocals and rap skills to prove themselves as more than just the dancers of the group.
The Taemin-esque sound of “I Don’t Understand But I Luv U” will make the song enjoyable for even non-fans. The track takes full advantage of layering vocals and sounds to create a dreamy atmosphere that will fully consume listeners. Hitting high notes and stealing the show with his verses, Hoshi reminds us that he is the rightful leader of the performance team. But of course, all members are given time to shine.
“Dust” feels like it has been taken straight from a retro coming of age movie with its use of funky synths and jaunty piano. The heartfelt lyrics mean that “Dust” can be any CARAT’s go-to break up song: “The dust of stinging and better longing / That is stained by your scent / They don’t float away / They just stack up in my heart”. Woozi and Jeonghan’s unique vocal colours take centre stage in this track.
Whilst the song is fairly short, it still allows listeners to be swept away into a sweet trance. The vocal team's light voices makes “Dust” perfect for spring.
The 13-piece group explore a wide mix of styles across their six-track EP. Image: SEVENTEEN Official Twitter.
In typical SEVENTEEN style, the mini album ends with a slower pop track. “April Shower” will uplift CARATs that may be going through difficult times and reminds them that they will pass eventually: “When the April shower falls in late spring / Put down your umbrella and walk in the rain / We are like flowers that bloom in May / We go from waiting to beauty / We will go bloom more, more, more”. “April Shower” brings the EP perfectly to a close and will leave fans in awe of the group’s sheer talent.
FML covers a multitude of genres and is the perfect display of every member of SEVENTEEN’s talents. The group prove that they are able to try new things without feeling the need to follow trends making them a supergroup to be reckoned with. The album will satisfy long term fans of the boys but is also an ideal introduction to those unfamiliar with the group. FML truly encompasses all of the best aspects of the K-pop genre.
Edited by Gabii Rayner.
