Seventeen’s new single ‘clap’ deserves round of applause

Published : Nov 6, 2017 - 22:18 Updated : Nov 6, 2017 - 22:18

Leading the group into a new direction, Seventeen’s new single “clap,” a lead track off its second full-length album “Teen, Age,” was an announcement to the world that gone are the good old days of boyishness of the 13-piece group.

Two years into its career, K-pop rookie Seventeen returned Monday with its second full-length album, where all 13 tracks were composed and written by the members. The group released its first full-length album “Love & Letter” in April last year.

“Teen, Age,” which was released via local streaming sites at 6 p.m. on Monday, is fronted by “clap,” a mix of blues-rock and funky sounds. As the title implies, the members said that they wanted to send a round of applause to themselves for having wrapped up the group’s first part of its activities, as well as celebrating its maturity with the new album.

(Yonhap)

“‘Clap’ is an upbeat song, while it spans a lot of meanings. The song shows how a boy, who has been living in solitude, grows up by stepping into a bigger world,” explained member Woozi, who participated in crafting the song, during a media showcase for “Teen, Age” in Seoul on Monday.

“The song is an embodiment of Seventeen, as the boy in the song then meets his dear in the new world and realizes he is not alone.”

The album also includes “Camp Fire,” a song dedicated to fans and “Hiding Behind My Hat (unofficial title).”

“The album marks out our last project of this year, which makes it more meaningful. I think it well represents Seventeen’s musical color,” S.Coups said.

(Yonhap)

Asked how they felt about competing with veteran K-pop act Super Junior, which also made its comeback Monday, Hoshi said, “Being able to promote our music at the same time with Super Junior is my dream come true. Super Junior’s hit ‘Sorry Sorry’ came out when I was a sixth grader, and I used to dance to the song.”

“I achieved my dream, and I want to follow Super Junior’s footsteps.”

Ever since debuting in 2015 with its first EP “17 Carat,” also self-created, Seventeen has continually impressed as one of K-pop’s most innovative groups, guiding multiple works to Billboard’s World Albums chart. “Don’t Wanna Cry,” a lead track off the group’s fourth EP “A/1” out in May this year, debuted at No. 2 on the US magazine’s World Albums chart. Having garnered a broad international fan base in a short period, the act held six concerts in Japan in February, which attracted over 50,000 spectators.

By Hong Dam-young (lotus@heraldcorp.com)