What do you think about mansae? — junhuidreaming
So, I've seen the comment elsewhere, but I'll echo it: I had high expectations for this release, but I didn't really think they could surpass my enjoyment of Adore U. I was wrong.
As much as I still enjoy listening to Adore U, I like Mansae even more. It's faster, more fun! I like the line distribution more and the fact that they featured several members that got less spotlight last time.
Jihoon did carry over the clever feature of a catchphrase that could be easily integrated into greetings to fans and promotional messages for the shows they're on. I can already imagine fried chicken and pizza CFs using both "Akkinda!" and "Mansae!" as their punchlines.
Though the choreography is less high-concept this time, it's still quite innovative and definitely not what the rest of the industry is doing right now. It also features members that were less seen last time.
Again, the raps are extremely well-integrated into the song - not just carelessly shoved into any random place. I particularly like the more balanced line distribution amongst the rappers.
As for the MV, it has so much more going on than the Adore U MV did that I feel it's much more re-watchable. At least, I'm unconsciously re-watching it more; even when I'm doing things in another window, my eyes keep drifting over there and lingering - like a magnetic effect.
One reason for that is the clever separate scenes for the sub-units, each of which clearly illustrates their respective group colors and dynamics. Another reason is that the MV distinguishes itself from other recent 'school uniform' MVs by being more brightly-colored, sweet and fun.
Seventeen clearly already have their own color and are using it to differentiate themselves from their fellow rookies, as well as seniors in the industry. Since that's something I was very worried about at the end of 2013, I'm glad to see that they're doing this aspect well.
As for the other songs: in my opinion, Fronting is a big improvement over Ah Yeah. I don't believe the charisma unit actually needs singers to help sell their tracks - but I like the melodic portions of this song a lot and am thrilled to hear more of Soonyoung's voice.
Next time around, I'd like to hear a rappers-only track that plays with speeds or rhythms more - let each member totally showcase their particular strengths. A section that's moderately fast-paced and bouncy for Hansol, one that requires a more monotone, rapid-fire delivery for Wonwoo, and so on.
I was so surprised to see that OMG went to the witty unit! I totally expected it to be a charisma unit track - imagining which parts would go to not-Seungcheol and so on. Still, it turned out well and is definitely better than Jam Jam.
The boys really stepped up their game on the choreography, too. The TMNT inspiration very cleverly focused it in a direction that took advantage of the members' martial arts backgrounds and high-flying abilities. At the same time, it maintained that element of fun that Seventeen - and this unit in particular - are known for.
I'm glad that Chan got to do the majority of the rapping himself. He's quite skilled in his own right, and it's nice to see that acknowledged. I also feel that I heard more Minghao this time around, which is also appreciated.
I was rather saddened to discover when watching the showcase that some of the lines I had thought were Junhui's were really done by Soonyoung. I think both Soonyoung and Jihoon are doing a stellar job, but I worry that there may be an over-reliance on them - when in fact other, lesser-seen members could sing or rap some of those lines and take some of the burden from their shoulders.
Next time, I'm hoping to hear a witty unit track that could not have gone to either the whole group or any other unit. Something obviously theirs, that they all clearly had a hand in developing and that features a fairly even distribution of lines. Visually, this unit's color is pretty clear - though it is also quite similar to the whole-group color.
Where it's less clear is in the sound; I think they're still developing that. Sometimes I wonder if Jihoon just doesn't hear dance music in his head; if it's harder for him to compose? He produces danceable rhythms, but they come out like OMG and Mansae. He may benefit from the input of the witty unit members themselves - what music do they like to dance to?
Ah, When I Grow Up. I've often thought that most of Jihoon's lyrics seem to come from his own personal thoughts and feelings; they seem very specific, with certain repeated themes and metaphors. And with both 20 and When I Grow Up, I get the distinct feeling that Jihoon has truly felt deep, thoughtful longing for a noona who hasn't seemed to think of him that way. The lyrics in each song evoke such a specific feeling and related set of thoughts....
In any case: between these songs, the Adore U acoustic version, and their unit-specific parts in the whole-group tracks - from Bang to Bindaetteok Gentleman to Mansae - fabulous unit has totally stolen my heart. The melodies, the harmonies, the sweet tones and the high notes! Plus their sweet & sour, sassy, fabulous personalities!
Anyway, in this unit's case I'm not sure that I can say the latter song is better than the former. They seem like a matched pair to me - maybe part of a larger set, but still they belong together. I find myself humming them both regularly - even when I've been listening to the title songs. I like them that much.
And in this unit's case, I don't feel I have much advice to give. Fabulous unit's color is already very clear, as well as distinctive both from the other units and from the group as a whole. Just more of the same, please. Unless you want to throw something jazzy or rocking my way; Seokmin would totally kill either!
Finally, the 'other' whole-group tracks. Shining Diamond fulfills its purpose perfectly: it announces their arrival with an inviting self-confidence. I can't think of a better replacement for the 17TV Logo Song.
Rock is another creature entirely. With fervid lyrics, minor harmonies and a smoldering choreography, this track is probably the closest thing we've got to an idea of the musical and conceptual direction Seventeen may go when they decide to present a more mature image. (Except - it must be noted - for No F.U.N., which fits the same image very well.)
Independent of their relative sentimental value in the story of this group, I do prefer Rock over Shining Diamond. I find myself humming and singing this song a lot, also. The opening choreo is also innovative; I don't remember seeing any other k-pop group do a slow wheel concept like that.
I think I saw one performance where only Wonwoo moved his jaw back and forth, while everyone else stayed still? That's a really nice focal point for the camera; they should do more things like that at the beginnings of stages.
OK, that's a really long answer to a rather short question. Do any other over-thinkers have comments?
