2PM released their latest album NO.5, where they aren’t as “crazy” as they were with their last album, “Go Crazy.” The beastly gentlemen have calmed down and thrown on their Hugo Boss suits, with plans to grab your attention. NO.5 is a lot calmer and more mature then their party album, showcasing their abilities as artists to reach out to the more mature fandom, which is often very tricky for male groups who tend to focus on the younger fans.
Track list:
1. My House
The group’s title track is composed and produced by Jun.K. “My House” settles in with a simple instrumental of guitars, a synth-pop jam. It captures my inner predator or bad girl, the track is easy-breezy with a good balance of R&B. The vocals are great especially how they overlap in the bridge, and Taecyeon‘s rap was impressive. The song is about trying to get that one girl you have your eye on, all alone and trying to assure her that “it’s alright, let’s go to my house.” With the guitar as the base, it really makes me interested in hearing an acoustic version. I have read the lyrics and they certainly grab your attention, especially this one line;“In 10 minutes I’ll be waiting for you over there.” That I think just carries the song and shows them having control.
Favorite line:”In 10 minutes I’ll be waiting for you over there.”
2. Nobody Else
This track reminds me a bit of the American duo Chromeo, with its infectious beat, and it carries itself for an easy listening as well as a party song. The vocal synths along with the beeps add a cool flair. Nichkhun certainly grabs my attention in this track when he sings “Nobody else,” which is hard to explain.
3. Hallucination
Kicking off with synths and a tech-like intro, its an upbeat track with an angelic chorus you would hear at church maybe. The song takes you through a drama all on its own because it has the OST-style to it, with the passionate vocals and energy. Taecyeon’s rap adds this cool noon-killer atmosphere, so calm it sounds like a whisper in your ear. Behind this upbeat song, is a break-up that seems to have no ends.
Favorite lines: “Like a hallucination, the memories disappeared
I see it, stained and wet with sadness It tortures me,
I hear your voice, making me dizzy again
You seem at peace, I see your scars
I’m looking at you, who appeared like a hallucination.”
4. Your Man
Old school R&B with music and vocal break-downs opened by Jun.K. This track has a powerful chorus and shows a commanding presence. It’s like a part 2 to their previous track “I’m Your Man.” It really gives you insight as to how guys can be, it shows that they are men with needs and not little boys with crushes.
Favorite lines: “I’m not your only man, don’t misunderstand
You’re also not my only girl, remember this, Not the only one.”
5. You’re Hotter Than Summer
This smooth track has everything you could need. Junho’s tenor of a voice soars in this track. Despite that lyrics are well written, keeping things pretty PG-13 by not crossing any lines which is fine, I wish they explored it a little more in this pretty tamed track.
6. I’m Going Crazy
When you see those to words ” Going Crazy,” you think that this track will be “crazy” like “Go Crazy.” You’re right, and it takes that concept further. The lyrics are provided by Taecyeon, which tell the story of heartbreak as a singer tries to go on with his life while trying to forget a woman he couldn’t help but fall for. The lyrics are well-written and the instrumental is upbeat with its video game type sound, giving you the idea that the story is just another love game between two players.
Favorite lines: “Like a dangerous ropewalker, I’m about to fall
I’m biting down hard and staying up but this is it”
7. RED
This track is infused with both a traditional pop track mixed with some R&B, this is one of their many post-break up tracks that will have you feeling a certain way.
Favorite lines: “I know we shouldn’t, the night is getting deeper, I don’t wanna let you goLet’s stay a little more, I beg like a child (tonight) But you smile and say it’s too late, you whisper goodbye and leave Even then you look so pretty, that’s why I go crazy (shine) I don’t wanna go back alone today I know I can‘t have all of you, that’s why I want all of you”
8. Wanna Love You Again
A rich and lush ballad that will certainly leave you wanting more, it really highlights the groups ability as artist to do more the\an one genre. The lyrics and vocals give a heartfelt impression which defy the metronome and give the track a soul. This track alone is swoon-worthy.
9. Know Your Mind
This track alone sets the tune for “NO.5” with its old-school R&B. It has its moments for me but it isn’t one my favorite tracks, the track has a lot of potential and Taecyeon’s raps flows well with the beat. This would be the song that you would underestimate how good it is until you stopped skipping it on your playlist.
10. Magic
This track makes you want to dance with its swing-club atmosphere, this is most definitely a throwback track with the blasting brass. The lyrics are fun with a fast paced attitude of its own, as they try to magically win the girl over.
Favorite lines: “Misdirection take your action
I’ll give you everything you want
Up in my sleeve trick, just a couple things
Pick a card any card, is this your card”
11. Jump
This track seems like its taken from one of their J-pop albums, it’s very EDM-inspired compared to all the other tracks on the album. “Jump” keeps the “Magic” going on with its pop-ish production of trap snares and spastic synths. This track makes you forget it’s 2015, and takes you to the early boy band era like New Kids on The Block. Much like “About to Go Insane” and “Magic,” this is the third track on No.5 that is written and produced by Taecyeon and their new 2PM collaborator, Raphael.
Favorite lines:“You can’t stop today, just pretend you didn’t see (let’s go)”
12. Good Man
The album closes off with this ballad co-produced by maknae Chansung. I’m not a major fan of ballads but this track certainly grabs you into a world of smoky lounges with its Jazz/big band playing. The track is impressive and shows that they can do any genre, with the sultry rap by Taecyeon and rich soulful vocals. The group’s teamwork really shines because it takes a lot to produce a track of this styling. The hook “Good Man” has a 60’s/70’s sound, maybe even Motown. This one of my favorite tracks, each member shines and the ability to collaborate as a group and the ability to compliment each other.
Personally, I have a very deep soft spot for the group that got me into K-pop at the same time, I like any other HOTTEST have seen the group go from beastly boys to beastly gentlemen music-wise. It is also great to see each member taking interest in their product especially Jun.K who has been busy producing not only his own tracks but also for the group. 2PM are pretty versatile but, what I enjoyed about this album was the mature aspect and how they kinda ease you in to show you they are men. This is my favorite album so far by the group so my mind is blank for what their next album will be like.
What’s your favorite track on 2PM’s NO.5 album? Be sure to comment below and tell us why!
Edited by: Laura Dees
- Excited
- Fascinated
- Amused
- Bored
- Sad
- Angry
Facebook
Twitter
YouTube
RSS