On the pinnacle of success, K-pop stars SEVENTEEN are back with their latest album aptly titled 17 IS RIGHT HERE. Addressing media and fans across the world they showcased the music video for the lead single “MAESTRO.”
“We are back after six months and making this new album has been a nervous experience. I hope CARATS (SEVENTEEN’s Fandom) are happy, and it’s a new beginning for us”, said S.COUPS, the group’s leader, setting a hopeful tone for the band’s return.
Constructed of thirteen talented members – S.COUPS, JEONGHAN, JOSHUA, JUN, HOSHI, WONWOO, WOOZI, THE 8, MINGYU, DK, SEUNGKWAN, VERNON, and DINO – SEVENTEEN has indeed crafted a seminal record, as demonstrated by the staggering sale of 2,260,906 copies on the debut day. Such an impressive figure catapulted the album to secure the top spot on the daily album charts, making their concern for reception seem a moot point.
The album 17 IS RIGHT HERE is undeniably a celebration of SEVENTEEN’s innovative spirit and popularity on the vibrant K-pop landscape – a showcase of the group’s versatility and self-progression. The tracklist blends their historical discography with new offerings, which simultaneously honors their journey and promises a progressive and exciting future.
Center stage among the new tracks is lead single “MAESTRO,” which represents the group’s consistent drive for experimentation. It is a tapestry that integrates stylings from their previous 7 releases – “Adore U,” “VERY NICE,” “Oh My!”, “Fear,” “Rock with you,” “CHEERS,” and “Super” – while boldly crafting its own unique identity. The dance R&B track melodically embodies SEVENTEEN’s message of solidarity, likening the collective energy of people to the controlling hand of a maestro.
“It is one of our best albums and it contains the best songs starting from our debut. It matters immensely to us, for it reflects on our past and denotes a fresh outset with this album. This is a rewarding phase, indeed a turning point,” MINGYU expressed with evident pride.
The accompanying music video for “MAESTRO” unravels in a shadowy, dystopian world where technology holds sway, capable of manufacturing music and art with ease. Herein, the thirteen members journey through the theme of ‘authentic creation’ as they encounter – and then come to terms with – newly introduced enigmatic entities, thus posing a thought-provoking question at the end, “Who is the real MAESTRO?”
SEVENTEEN does not stop at their captivating lead single. They exhibit a remarkable range of their musical palette through three distinctly flavored unit tracks. The Hip-hop Unit brings the confident chill of “LALALI,” the Performance Unit emanates the sensual air of love with “Spell,” while the Vocal Unit’s “Cheers to Youth” is a tribute to life’s simplest pleasures.
Amidst recollection, leader S.COUPS shared an endearing moment: “The most memorable time for us was when we won the grand prize at MAMA (The band secured the best group in the 2023 MAMA awards). There were periods in 2018/2019 when we questioned our own worth, especially in the face of Korea’s pool of extraordinary talents. Clinching the big prize instilled in us newfound confidence and became a source of motivation for the entire group.”
Looking at the road ahead, SEVENTEEN disclosed plans to connect with their international fanbase. Their itinerary includes a fall-tour in the U.S. and European performances where they are set to captivate the main stage at Glastonbury and perform as the sole K-pop act at this year’s Lollapalooza Berlin. Moreover, the band teases yet another album release slated for the second half of the year, sustaining the hype and excitement among CARATS.
As SEVENTEEN continues their meteoric rise with 17 IS RIGHT HERE, they leave little doubt of their evolutionary journey as artists. With a discography bathed in personal development and artistic commitment, they beckon fans to join them in orchestrating a universe resonant with their spirit – a world where they, and their fans, are the true master conductors.
