What do you get when you combine the words “vibrant” and “fierce” in the form of music? You get P1Harmony’s latest project SAD SONG. On September 20, South Korean boy group P1Harmony under FNC Entertainment, released their highly-anticipated seventh mini-album with seven new tracks that accentuate the group's well-established vocal dynamics and rapping skills through a variety of genres. Following the immense success of their first full-length album Killin’ It earlier this year (which earned them their first Korean music show win), the six members KEEHO, THEO, JIUNG, INTAK, SOUL and JONGSEOB bring in themes of overcoming the feeling of loneliness during one's youth, which many can resonate with.

Debuting under FNC Entertainment in 2020, the group has thus far curated a seamless discography with their distinct storytelling through their music composition and concept, both for which all members are involved. In fact, the members INTAK and JONGSEOB wrote on all seven tracks on the latest project, including the title track, while KEEHO participated in several of them.

With a brand new project out to the world, it is time for us to explore what the group has in store for listeners this time around.

1. SAD SONG

Starting off on a groovy note, the piano riff entices the listeners into what is a first-of-its-kind in the group's discography. A hip-hop track with heavy Latin influences, “SAD SONG” is a testament to the group's vision of constantly experimenting with different styles while maintaining their core sound. The lyrics depict the period of sadness and loneliness that follows after reaching one's goal, which in this case for the superheroes of P1Harmony was saving the world and bringing peace to all. They respond to this bleak momentum by listening to an uplifting “SAD SONG” that helps them come to terms with their feelings. Throughout the track, the pre-chorus sung by THEO and KEEHO is a point that stands out in particular, followed by the catchy hook.

2. It’s Alright

In another groovy dance number with rhythmic drums, “It's Alright” is a mid-tempo tune that is centralized on reggae influences, with layers of guitar and percussions. The lyrics particularly focus on themes of self-determination. THEO's delivery of the first pre-chorus creates a brief moment of bliss before getting back into the groove with the choruses sung by JIUNG and KEEHO that include a blazing guitar lick. On the other hand, the rap line, which consists of INTAK, JONGSEOB, and SOUL, complements the verses perfectly during the song's second verse, with SOUL's soulful vocals making an appearance towards the second minute mark. Despite the upbeat instrumental, the lyrics convey the bitter feelings of coming to terms with the end of a relationship. 

3. Last Call

“Last Call” is an ode to the boy bands of the 2010s, which is definitely the sound of youth and nostalgia for many of us in this generation. A pop-rock and electropop track by definition, the members sing about finding a form of escapism at a party and make these moments of freedom count as they're “never going home.” The energy of the track and the anthemic vocals in the choruses are undoubtedly reminiscent of their B-side from the previous album “Countdown To Love.” So if you're on a mission to make a playlist for your next party or road trip, these two should definitely be on the list. 

4. Welcome To

“Welcome To” is a rock track that oozes with confidence throughout the three minutes and eleven seconds that it takes the spotlight within the group's latest project. With a similar sound to their song “Look At Me Now,” the track is built upon a trap beat with layers of electric guitars. The rap verses establish the song's powerful presence, while the pre-choruses leave you entranced for a few seconds. KEEHO's bridge is followed by the rap line, which perfectly adds to the exhilarating energy of the song overall. 

5. All You

Following the intensity of the previous track is “All You,” a rather sweet reminder to wind down after a long day of work. The slow-paced electro-chill track with a snazzy piano intro is the perfect coffee-shop tune for a Sunday afternoon. The lyrics are a lover's confession to their significant other of the similarities they find between themselves. One particular line of the song even references the name of the group’s fandom — P1ece, which is quite a heartwarming touch to the album. 

“I take half of my heart // And fill the missing P1ece in yours with mine.”  

If you liked the vibes of this song, you might also love “I See U” from their previous comeback and their all-English track “Fall In Love Again.”

6. WASP

Slated as the group’s first unit song, members INTAK and JONGSEOB are the core members that make this piece come to life. The hip-hop track “WASP” features a pulsating 808 and bass that will remind you of their past work such as “SIREN” and “Pyramid.” Not only that, but the track also pays homage to 2016-2017 United States rap, while the lyrics portray the long-winding journey of trials and tribulations that one encounters when pursuing a certain level of success within the music industry while comparing it to the buzz of a wasp. 

7. SAD SONG (ENGLISH VERSION)

Echoing the sentiments of temporarily finding happiness through music during a period of gloom, the fans are treated to an English version of their title track “SAD SONG” to end off the album. “Every day I wake up to the sound of radio // Piercing through my heart // It’s echoing in stereo // Now I got nobody // Outta my way, let me go // Keep the sorrows hidden // I would never let it show,” sings JIUNG in the first verse. This is a feeling that most of us can resonate with as we rely on music to help us through the day, and this EP is certainly one that will provide some comfort and happiness for many fans alike. 

As the album draws to an end, we can confidently say that P1Harmony's return is indeed a very promising one in terms of success, from its overall production to each of the members playing to their own strengths with both their rapping and vocals. Moreover, the collective effort of the group to experiment with new sounds and styles has given listeners a well-curated project that various audiences from across the world would be able to connect with.

What were your top three tracks from P1Harmony’s comeback? Let us know in the comments below, or message us on Instagram or X. 

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Edited by Martina Yee