SEVENTEEN’s ‘HAPPY BURSTDAY’ Album: Songs Ranked

Probably the most thrilling facets of a SEVENTEEN album listening expertise is the experimentation showcased all through the information. Making a shock premiere throughout January’s Louis Vuitton Fall/Winter 2025 runway present, Pharrell Williams debuted the collaboration, which was lastly launched in its official kind 5 months later. “Unhealthy Affect” is a low-pitched, bass-heavy ode to residing with out worries because the album’s solely all-English monitor.

It’s unusually understated for a bunch that has a number of the most bombastic and impactful singles, to not point out Pharrell’s Grammy-winning physique of labor. Whereas we’re all for the Pharrell x SVT linkup — and the tune is little question a bop and a half — the change as much as a delicate sound may need been somewhat too sudden and we’d like to listen to all of them return into the studio quickly.

Probably the most sudden style jumps on Pleased Burstday, “99.9%” lets rapper Wonwoo strive on a throwback jazz idea full with twinkling piano, crisp percussion, and daring brass horns. The candy, confessional monitor reminds us that the rapper is able to much more music past the Hip-Hop Unit’s signature sound and that he’s obtained a gentle aspect delivering Korean lyrics that translate to cute traces like: “You’d say, ‘Am I actually that particular?’/ Smiling whereas hiding your coronary heart/ However my coronary heart is already at 100%/ So don’t fear — I’m positive.” 100% swoon-worthy.

Whereas the timing of Wonwoo’s obligatory navy enlistment this yr might have prevented him from collaborating in creating the monitor (with Woozi writing and assist co-compose the tune), we’re keen to listen to Wonwoo’s full work on future solo tracks.

Whereas it’s each Carat’s dream to go clubbing with Mingyu, his dance-ready rap monitor is a enjoyable shift for the rapper-singer-model; nonetheless, we don’t get to listen to practically sufficient of him all through, because the manufacturing takes over massive components of the tune. Nonetheless, this will likely have been a deliberate selection, as Mingyu flexes his manufacturing abilities, credited as a co-composer of “Shake It Off” alongside rising hip-hop producer ioah.

Nonetheless, we wish extra Mingyu! And as evidenced by international campaigns for manufacturers like Calvin Klein and Innisfree, in addition to current appointments as model ambassadors for Dior and Snickers, the world does, too.

As the primary member of SEVENTEEN to enlist in his obligatory navy service, Jeonghan’s voice returning to listeners via such a beautiful, gospel-inspired ballad monitor makes the monitor all of the extra particular. And it’s no “Coincidence” that Jeonghan completely embodies this monitor together with his emotional supply enhancing such a fragile piece.

As soon as once more, probably because of his navy enlistment final yr, Jeonghan didn’t take part within the writing or manufacturing of this monitor, nevertheless it makes us all of the extra keen to listen to what he creates when he releases extra of his personal solo music.

DK’s “Pleased Virus” is likely to be probably the most completely titled solo monitor because the vocalist with the large grin takes this light-rock/pop to ship traces like, “I’ll be there for you…smile, smile, smile” in a tune that’s positive to contaminate listeners with the all of the fuzzy, heat emotions.

The delicate nation influences on the monitor make it one other unexpected style exploration on Pleased Burstday, pairing nicely with DK’s messages of wanting to assist heal and defend one’s smile.

It’s wild to assume SEVENTEEN’s youngest member Dino, who debuted with the group when he was solely 16, is now an grownup, whipping out mature songs like “Set off,” co-crafted by BIGHIT MUSIC producer Pdogg. We get to really hear his development as a vocalist via the falsetto-heavy refrain, which seems like a real declaration that Dino is now not a child.

“Skyfall” is the primary of the SEVENTEEN members’ solo tracks in Pleased Burstday‘s tracklist with THE 8 kicking the power again up after the Pharrell Williams–produced “Unhealthy Affect.” Refined electronica beats encompass THE 8’s mild supply earlier than booming 808s, laborious synthesizers, and bustling breakbeats enter the combo, making a euphoric mix that represents the singer-dancer-model’s hope to let go and drift like a feather.

In a cool nod to his crossover attraction, “Skyfall” contains lyrics in Korean, English and THE8’s native Chinese language.

Past the joy surrounding three new group songs and a solo monitor from every member, the most important shock when SEVENTEEN revealed its Pleased Burstday tracklist needed to have been the featured visitor look from Timbaland on Hoshi’s monitor, “Injury.” The monitor opens with a cool bassline hook that screams traditional Timbaland with the Efficiency Unit chief introducing the monitor by asserting himself and SEVENTEEN’s foremost producing member with “Hoshi, child/ Prod. by Woozi and…” earlier than Mr. Mosley drops his signature “Timbo” tag.

With contributions from Hoshi, Woozi, Timbaland, and a few of his go-to collaborators equivalent to Angel “BabeTruth” Lopez and Federico Vindver, “Injury” seems like a balanced mixture of the 2 artists’ worlds. We might to see all sides push the opposite right into a extra experimental place subsequent time, like the most effective Timbo bangers, however we’ll gladly take this clean solo tune for now.

A cool rush of electro-pop beats punched up by electrical guitar riffs star alongside Jun within the infectious “Gemini.” In one of many album’s best-written cuts, “Gemini” paints a poignant image utilizing the celestial twin’s zodiac signal to symbolize aching over a misplaced love, as if the opposite half of its soul has been misplaced.

Along with his birthday on June 10, 1996, Jun is a real, multifaceted Gemini, as evidenced by his skills in singing, rapping, dancing, composing, appearing, internet hosting, and modeling, all demonstrated over the previous 10 years alongside SEVENTEEN.

Written and composed by Seungkwan with introspective indie songwriter Ha Hyunsang of the band Hoppipolla, the traditional energy ballad “Raindrops” recollects the particular moments with somebody who could also be gone however stays in a single’s coronary heart. The emotional monitor is sure to fire up intense emotions as Seungkwan particulars the happiness and ache of his reminiscences, finally coming to phrases together with his emotions and deciding that every part is all proper.

Whereas Seungkwan has not confirmed the that means of the tune, many interpreted “Raindrops” as a tribute to his late buddy Moonbin, a member of the Okay-pop group ASTRO, who tragically handed in 2023. Followers have found a previous interview with the late singer the place he shares a reminiscence of him and Seungkwan strolling within the rain collectively. The sentimental lyrics now tied to this reminiscence make this a poignant tribute monitor that Seungkwan may be proud to dedicate to his expensive buddy.

Vernon has proven his tastemaker music preferences via solo collaborations with the likes of A. G. Prepare dinner, Charli XCX, Omega Sapien, Tobi Lou, Drunken Tiger and Rina Sawayama, whereas shouting out his love for rising stars like 100 gecs and Bladee. With manufacturing that recollects William Orbit’s spacey pop-rock stylings, “Shining Star” as soon as once more showcases his inventive vary with a monitor that employs starry metaphors to remind the listener that they nonetheless shine, even once they’re feeling burned out.

Talking of William Orbit, can we hyperlink him, Vernon, Woozi, and the crew collectively for a particular monitor on the following SEVENTEEN album?

Because the member producing a majority of the songs on SEVENTEEN’s albums, Woozi had a hand in two of the group songs and 5 solo songs for Pleased Burstday. However for his solo monitor, the musical mastermind relatively unexpectedly doesn’t have any credit, as an alternative singing a monitor written by Bumzu (who has been a producer with the group since their debut single “Adore U”), who co-produced the monitor with Kitae Lee (who has credit throughout a number of SVT albums together with their sophomore file, Boys Be).

The musical admiration and closeness among the many three is crystal clear in “Future,” with references to a few of Woozi’s most well-known productions, because the star angelically delivers the introspective lyrics about embracing the inevitable highs and lows in a single’s unfurling destiny.

S.Coups is intrinsically linked with SEVENTEEN after a decade because the staff’s chief — which might be why his solo monitor “Jungle” sounds as if it may very well be a monitor sung by all 13 members. Celebrating the group and their followers’ journey collectively, “Jungle” delves right into a hard-hitting, hip-hop sound that S.Coups has constantly embraced all through his profession, dismissing negativity and specializing in the constructive. He sings and spits via English and Korean lyrics: “I don’t want respect, our lives are totally different/ I would like followers, when I’ve them, it’s good/ I would like love, even when the world adjustments, that doesn’t.”

Written completely by S.Coups, “Jungle” is the ultimate monitor on Pleased Burstday to go away listeners with a long-lasting reminder that SEVENTEEN is a bunch from Okay-pop’s “third era who’s been rising for 10 years” and plans to maintain on doing so within the years to return.

Opening with no-frills synth beats that trace on the tune being a easy dance monitor, Joshua delivers probably the most satisfying songs on Pleased Birthday with “Lucky Change.” Soothing synthesizers and heat guitar riffs mix with Joshua’s breezy tenor and falsetto deliveries, making a tune that forgoes conventional tune construction with no second verse or repeating chorus but nonetheless feels totally entire and encompassing as a standout solo lower.

The acid jazz influences of “Lucky Change” are among the many most sudden but refreshing sounds on the file. Plus, Joshua’s pleasure is palpable via the tune as he sings about seeing the world in a brand new mild thanks to like. It’s a common message that SEVENTEEN can dedicate to followers, and followers can share again with them. However one may also dedicate the tune to a lover, buddy, staff, colleague, group, relative, or anybody else you need to say, “Thanks for coming to me.”

The appropriately titled “HBD” opens Pleased Burstday with one in every of SEVENTEEN’s most rock & roll tracks thus far. Nonetheless, as with most SEVENTEEN tracks, there are quite a few twists and turns as “HBD” is infused with influences of big-room EDM and breakbeat percussion for a very explosive listening expertise.

Utilizing birthdays to represent rebirth, the band shares their mantras to stay as authentically as potential and light-weight up life just like the candles on a birthday cake. They chant in Korean and English, “At the moment, it’s my means/ Gentle a candle, make a want — it’ll all come true/ Pleased birthday to you…/ Tonight is my celebration evening, I received’t cease for something.”

As the primary of 16 new tracks on Pleased Burstday, “HBD” very a lot settles the listener into the true musical journey of SEVENTEEN’s earn album, which marks their most expansive set of genres and types but.

Placing collectively the tune to symbolize SEVENTEEN after a decade isn’t any straightforward job (Billboard’s Abby Webster by some means pulled off the unattainable job of selecting their 10 best songs), however “THUNDER” feels just like the sort of monitor that captures the true electrical energy surrounding the group at this second.

With an simple whistle hook included all through to present it common High 40 attraction, “THUNDER” is a booming surge of advanced, highly effective Okay-pop that enables every of the 12 members on the file to shine via its varied shifts and shakes. (thirteenth member Jeonghan was the primary member to serve his obligatory South Korean navy service and seemingly enlisted earlier than recording.)

The lyrics present a extra mature SEVENTEEN that’s nonetheless bursting with rebellious youth as they check out extra grownup traces like “Now I’m funked up, step on the gasoline,” but additionally has SVT’s signature sense of realizing one’s self (Vernon boasts, “Rumors unfold like fireplace, chatter in every single place/ Now they’re crowding round, ah, what a sense”). Produced by SEVENTEEN’s longtime producer Bumzu (who is typically referenced as their “14th member” given what number of songs he’s executed with the group) with Woozi and S.Coups serving to on the lyrics and composition, “THUNDER” additionally brings in an offbeat component that solely SEVENTEEN could make work, with a refrain largely made up of the blokes buying and selling off the mantra, “ALO! ALO! T.H.U.N.D.E.R. ALO! ALO!”

It’s explosive, it’s charming, and it’s in contrast to any tune on the market. “THUNDER” does a worthy job of serving because the consultant single for SEVENTEEN’s Tenth-anniversary album, indicating that the group will proceed its musical greatness for the following decade and past.