What I'm Listening To: Second Wind by BSS

 

    Seventeen's unit, BooSeokSoon (BSS), released its first single album this past week. The album, named"Second Wind", is BSS's first-ever comeback after nearly five years. According to an article from Danielle Song, "The album’s name means “second breath” or “new vitality,” bringing new breath and life to a weary and tiring daily life." Although the album only features three songs, it contains a huge punch of energy and fun.

"Fighting (파이팅 해야지)" (feat. Lee Young Ji) *Title

    The title track, "Fighting", "empathizes with the struggles and stresses of daily life but pledges to encourage and cheer for the listener," according to Billboard. In an interview with Teen Vogue, Seungkwan (The "Boo" of BooSeokSoon) explains the meaning of the title: "when “Fighting” is used in Korean, it's used as a word of encouragement to cheer up someone in a difficult situation." The song features Korean hip-hop artist, Lee Youngji. Although I am a fan of Youngji, I felt like her rap came out of nowhere and was irrelevant to the song. The rap itself was great, I just didn't think it fit the best with this song. Regardless though, I loved this track. The chorus has been stuck in my head since its release, and I'm not mad about it.

"Lunch"

    The other two songs on "Second Wind" are completely different styles but, of course, BSS kills them. "Lunch" gives a retro-pop feel. DK (The "Seok" of BooSeokSoon) describes the song to Teen Vogue as "the music you need post-lunch. It'll leave you smiling at least once and help you fight off the drowsiness after lunch."

"7PM (7시예 들어줘)" (feat. Peder Elias)

    "7PM" features Norwegian artist, Peder Elias. The song is slower compared to their previous work. It's a comforting love song, it's about really loving someone and no matter how hard it gets, they always make things better. Hoshi (The "Soon" of BooSeokSoon) explains to Teen Vogue that the track "sounds slightly different from all the other songs from BSS, but it still conveys and aims to deliver the same type of energy."