Super Junior’s Donghae is back with his full-length album ‘ALIVE’. Let’s take a closer look at this comeback!
ALIVE
We start off with the track ‘ALIVE (skit)’, which as you might have guessed it, is a skit.
After that comes ‘EAST COAST’. This is an easy-listening pop track with cute lyrics abouts “the sentiment of placing meaning on the moments spent together and the direction itself rather than a specific destination, expressing the belief that anywhere is enough as long as they are together, and the free flow of time.”
Next up is the pre-release ‘Good Day’ featuring Jay Park and 1iL. This is the first of two title tracks.
The second title track is ‘HAErise’. This was a fun listen, with its reggaeton and Brazilian funk influences. The chorus is a major earworm and the music video looks very suave.
‘RACE’ follows that up with a killer electronic guitar. The hip-hop track is very cool and I enjoyed the full production of it a lot. Donghae brings a great rap flow.
‘HELP’ delivers a country pop moment that had me honestly quite surprised, as I wasn’t expecting it at all. It’s a nice listen.
Next up is ‘ROCKET’. We’re going for a pop rock moment with rocket effects in the background and a lot of chanting, which was, according to the album description, especially added as a fun element for the fans.
Tablo is the feature on the following track ‘Goodbye’. This is honestly a beautiful track that really feels like an emotional touch point of the album. The collab felt organic and well done.
‘TOO LATE’ continues on with the slower theme. It’s a pop ballad with string instruments, soft piano and even softer synths. Donghae shines with his lyrical storytelling.
After that comes ‘FLOWER’. It’s a pop track with really fun instruments like the banjo in the instrumentation. “The song originated from Donghae’s memory of seeing fans holding light sticks and enjoying themselves while looking out at the audience from stage, feeling like a beautiful flower garden; based on the emotions of that moment, he completed the lyrics to express love and gratitude.”
The second skit of the album is ‘TO YOU (skit)’.
‘HBD’ is up next and celebrates precious moments in our lives. Let’s celebrate together <3.
The album closes off with the track ‘BEAUTIFUL’ which Donghae shared with fans during his ‘EAST COAST’ tour.
Go ahead and listen to the album ‘ALIVE’ by Donghae on Spotify here.
