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This post is by guest writer Jara Rowe.
Several of the 2PM members contributed to the making of their fifth full length album No.5. This album is heavily influenced by R&B with two-thirds of the songs representing this genre in some shape or form and the rest a variety of pop dance songs. As an older idol group, 2PM shows that they’ve still got their game by turning out a sophisticated, mature sounding album that’s uniquely theirs.
Track 1 – 우리집 (My House)
My House is a flirty synthpop track with an addictive swing rhythm. There is an intriguing balance between acoustic guitar and vibrant electronic synths that gives My House a unique hip hop flavor. 2PM takes you on a ride throughout the track with their airy yet powerful vocals.
Track 2 – Nobody Else
With a sexy hook and rich harmonies, Nobody Else is an urban hip hop song with a hint of R&B in the melody. There is a simple yet pleasing chorus that makes it easy for anyone to sing along to. I also like the mellow and smooth raps in Nobody Else because it suits the feeling of the song very well.
Track 3 – 환각 (Hallucination)
Hallucination has an R&B pop tune with strong EDM synths throughout. There is a kicking drum beat that contradicts the smooth vocals and adds a layer of interesting dimension. I get an early 2000’s boyband vibe from Hallucination that I am definitely a fan of.
Track 4 – 너만의 남자 (Not The Only One)
Not The Only One opens with an English monologue backed by angelic piano instrumentals but quickly throws in weighty drum beats and light synths to kick it into pop gear. 2PM’s vocal abilities are able to shine in this mid-tempo R&B track. I adore the laid back rap interlaced with velvet-smooth voices throughout Not The Only One.
Track 5 – 여름보다 뜨거운 너 (Hotter Than July)
Led by sweet harmonies, Hotter Than July is another sexy R&B number. Though it’s got a fairly common groovy melody, 2PM spices things up with their vocals and raps. I actually enjoy the simplicity of the track because it allows 2PM’s musicality to stand out.
Track 6 – 미칠 것 같아 (About To Go Insane)
2PM is going insane trying to forget a woman in About to Go Insane. An electro-pop track with loads of brass, intensifying synths, and guitar, About To Go Insane gives No.5 an energizing sound. 2PM’s honey vocals complement a song of this caliber and fierceness well.
Track 7 – Red
Red is certainly a standout song and may be my favorite from 2PM. It’s a slow jam embellished with sexy vocals that drift over the sleek melody topped off with baritone raps. Red is about not being able to hide your attraction to someone and becoming red hot.
Track 8 – Wanna Love You Again
This time 2PM presents a dreamy slow tempo R&B track where the members show off their vocal abilities by singing in falsetto, which is later contrasted with yet another baritone rap. What I like the most about Wanna Love You Again is that you can hear and feel the sincerity in the boys’ soulful voices.
Track 9 – Know Your Mind
Sticking with the overall R&B mood, Know Your Mind is up next. This is a sweet old-school number with a hint of funk and subtle guitar playing in the background. The most memorable part of Know Your Mind is its straightforward bridge that is both pleasing to the ears and easy to sing along to.
Track 10 – Magic
Magic is attention grabbing from the start with a funky swing rhythm that is full of bursting brass instrumentals. Differing from the previous swanky R&B tunes, Magic has a bright and bouncy vibe to it. The lyrics are also rather fun with references of having tricks up their sleeves.
Track 11 – Jump
As the EDM track of the album, Jump keeps the high energy going even further with full-on blasting electronic dance sounds. The eruption of synths makes this track a danceable club banger. However, I found it a tad overwhelming and not jiving well with the spirit of the other songs on No.5.
Track 12 – Good Man
Returning to the slower side of things, No.5 closes out with Good Man — a loose R&B ballad with a jazzy saxophone solo. The boys’ sultry vocals lightly interlace with the groovy melody throughout the chorus where 2PM is promising to be a good man. In my opinion, Good Man is a refined grown-up way to finish off the entire album.
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- 337Shares