On the tenth anniversary of their formation, SEVENTEEN celebrates a decade of existence with the force of a hurricane. Their fifth studio album, ‘Happy Burstday’, transcends mere celebration — it represents an implosion. It’s a declaration of transformation, a sonic eruption that fuses the past, present, and a bright glimpse of the future, as if time itself were an elastic band stretched to its limit.
The title embodies the essence of the endeavor: ‘Happy Burstday’ combines “happy birthday” and “burst” to convey the explosive vigor of SEVENTEEN’s rebirth, reflecting their aim to reimagine themselves as a “new SEVENTEEN” and embark on a bold new chapter beyond their first decade.
The album launches with a powerful punch: ‘HBD’ erupts with intense drums and scorching guitar riffs, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of a stage engulfed in flames. This opening anthem boldly proclaims in vibrant colors that SEVENTEEN hasn’t aged — they’ve merely amplified their energy. Following is ‘Thunder’, which strikes like a tempest on the dance floor, delving into the electronic frenzy of the early 2000s with impeccable production fit for major summer festivals. ‘Bad Influence’, produced by Pharrell Williams, entices with its smooth elements and polished pop rhythm, demonstrating that growing up can also involve a slow dance with chaos.
However, ‘Happy Burstday’ is not only explosive; it’s also vast. For the first time in the group’s history, all 13 members present original solo tracks, causing the album to fracture like a multifaceted gemstone. This moment calls for more than just passion from fans; it requires patience, openness, and a readiness to navigate the complexities of each member's identity.
As anticipated, the solo tracks display both highs and depths, with Hoshi’s ‘Damage’ standing out: a late-night plunge into heavy beats, crafted by Timbaland, where the body moves even before the mind grasps why. Vernon shines brightly on the lively ‘Shining Star’. In ‘Jungle’, S.Coups reveals his territory: raw, captivating hip-hop — a style that has defined his leadership for a decade.
The softer, more introspective moments also find their place in the album. Jeonghan's ‘Coincidence’, DK's ‘Happy Virus’, and Woozi's ‘Destiny’ present the artists' heartfelt sides. Jun and The8 enchant with their ethereal tracks ‘Gemini’ and ‘Skyfall’, which tread delicately between dreams and desires, while Seungkwan performs the ballad ‘Raindrops’. Dino takes a bold stance on ‘Trigger’, Mingyu transforms ‘Shake It Off’ into a lively display of heavy bass, and Joshua and Wonwoo lend their voices to ‘Fortunate Change’ and ‘99.9%’ — songs that could easily serve as the backdrop for a romantic K-drama.
The strength of ‘Happy Burstday’ lies in its balance between unity and individuality. However, this is also where the album struggles: by voicing so many identities simultaneously, it occasionally loses its direction in its own aspirations. It’s an audacious album, albeit not always cohesive — a mosaic where some elements stand out spectacularly, while others fall short. Nonetheless, it showcases the challenge of maintaining group integrity without losing one’s individual identity. It’s a gift that may be hard to grasp at first but rewards those who engage with it thoughtfully.
As the final track concludes, what lingers is not merely the celebration of a journey, but the eagerness of those who still have much to express. Happy Burstday does not signify the end of a triumphant tale — it’s a bold comma for a group that refuses to remain unchanged. Rather than resting on past achievements, SEVENTEEN opts to erupt once more, to start anew, to live anew.
Ultimately, perhaps growing up is simply that: possessing the courage to embrace renewal, even after ten unforgettable years.
8/10
Words: Isadora Wandermurem
On the tenth anniversary of their formation as a group, SEVENTEEN extinguishes the candles of a decade with the powerful force of a hurricane. 'Happy Burstday',
