By Sophie Vu
On July 4, 2022, Enhypen returned with their third mini album that expresses the group breaking off from existing paths (traditions) set by their seniors.
Enhypen is a South Korean boy group, consisting of seven idols between the ages of 16 and 20. These members include: Jungwon, their leader; Heeseung, the eldest; Jay, considered the rich one; Jake, whose Half-Australian; Sunghoon, former pro-athlete; Sunoo, their little sunshine and Ni-ki, the youngest.
As they approach a new starting line, they stop trying to please the world while trying to balance the process of uncovering who they really are. Therefore, they leave a powerful message that they will “Pass the Mic” to their peers and persevere to a promising future together in an effort to better connect our future generations.
Starting with their title track “Future Perfect (Pass the Mic),” a Chicago drill-inspired piece that expresses how the seven young boys tackle the chaotic world around them and begin to seek out their own answers of success. Through powerful lyrics, loud and upbeat melodies, Enhypen’s members Jungwon, Heeseung, Jay, Jake, Sunghoon, Sunoo and Ni-ki demonstrate their new unbelievably synchronized choreography. This song just has such powerful beat drops that urges you to dance and sing along at the same time. By far, a game-changer song, that needs to be given a listen to. Not to mention, I’ve had this song on repeat for days, “You stay still? You stay? You stay?”
Following with a piece that has title-track potential, “Paradoxxx Invasion” is an old hip-hop song with a message in defiance to the adults who think teenagers are immature. The lyrics, “The world is filled with contradictions” sung by Sunoo, describes how the group feels toward expectations of today’s community. By arguing that “illogic is logic,” the lyrics say the new established paradox “is no disorder” for the modern generation. It also contains a lot of similar instrumentals to “Future Perfect,” but a little less aggressive and heavy. The song also has an “I’m-going-to-take-control-of-my-life” vibe—a total headbanger that I definitely recommend listening.
This isn’t one of your ordinary “defying authority” type of songs, but one that is blustering with confidence against adults and haters. I personally love the Let’s not forget to check out the insanely trendy footwork that they’ve got over here.
Introducing, “TFW (That Feeling When)” and “SHOUT OUT,” their more sentimental and light pieces that are similar to their previous popular and sugary B-side tracks like “Polaroid Love.” “TFW (That Feeling When)” is a youthful romance theme, paired with the member’s angelic voices, a soothing sound to the ears. As for “SHOUT OUT,” it makes you want to yell your heart out along with them. Enhypen member Jake helped co-write this song that dedicates their sincerity towards ENGENEs, their fans. I’d also “Shout out my heart for you”, Enhypen!
As a fan myself, I absolutely fell in love with everything about “SHOUT OUT.” From the lyrics to the meaning behind it, their effort and the melody itself, the song was so captivating and intriguing. Therefore, I also feel a sense of satisfaction because of Jakes effort in helping write this song, which is a step forward in their career as a whole and as an individual.
In the next track, “Foreshadow,” the intro of the song features a narration done in Korean, English and Japanese. The song has a slighty mysterious feeling almost similar to a soundtrack of a movie that slowly plays as climax comes into action. It leaves you listening and wanting to hear more of how the story of this song continues with a little feeling of hope. The gradual quickening of the song is so nostalgic to many, a sense of home almost, that stays constant throughout the song.
This mini album has so much diversity to it and is beyond enjoyable to listen to. Their live performances are extremely addicting to watch; their footwork and powerful hooks are a solid 10/10. This album’s release was definitely one of the main highlights of my summer and along with some of my favorite songs yet! From the heavy beat drops to the sweet sound of their voices, you’ll be dazed.
