SUMMER SHOWDOWN: WANNA ONE UNIT BATTLE EDITION

It's time for Summer Showdown again! For this year, I try to do something different. I decided to focus on only one act instead of comparing several groups like before. This year's group is Wanna One.

I choose Wanna One because they showcase interesting concept for summer. The boys just released mini album called 1:x=1 (Undivided) on Monday, June 4^th 2018. This album consists of five songs which four of them were unit tracks. 

 

Different members of Wanna One grouped into small unit. They worked together with well-known producer to create track, which suited their preferences. Each member’s strength played out on those various tracks. 

 

So, how are the results? Which Wanna One unit produced the best song? Check out my review of this year’s Summer Showdown below…

 

Triple Position – Kangaroo

 

Triple Position combined two rappers, Kang Daniel and Park Woo Jin with Kim Jae Hwan as vocalist. They collaborated with Zico in releasing Kangaroo. This is the only upbeat track from Wanna One unit, which makes them stand out among others.

 

Kangaroo is a great summer jam. It has the ability to pump up people spirit because of strong beat, funky piano addition, and cheerful lyrics about curing stress. The refrain part is quite catchy too. I am sure it will easily stuck in your head.

 

Kang Daniel and Park Woo Jin deliver their rap part well. However, Kim Jae Hwan seems underutilized here. His strong vocal covered by autotune effect. He does not stand out and his part could easily replaced by other vocalists.

 

Rating:                        4/5

 

Lean On Me – Forever + 1

The oldest members of Wanna One, Yoon Ji Sung, Hwang Min Hyun, and Ha Sung Woon showcase their voices together as Lean On Me unit. They sing ballad song called Forever + 1.

 

This song has bittersweet theme about memories. The boys wish everything last forever, but it could not happen. That is why they could only cherish the remaining memories. It reminds me with Wanna One career span, which would be ended next year.

 

Forever + 1 produced by Nell. The band signature style is clearly seen throughout the song. It has rock touch through the usage of guitar and drum. The boys vocal, especially Ha Sung Woon, manages to fit the track. Unfortunately, there is not much going on in the song dynamic. This could easily make people bored.

 

Rating:                        3.5/5

 

The Heal – Sandglass

 

Sandglass is another ballad song from Wanna One unit. This time, Ong Seong Woo and Lee Dae Hwi grouped as The Heal then worked together with Heize. Sandglass sounds more modern compared to Forever + 1. It is because Heize adds synthesizer and strong beat to give R&B vibe for this song.

 

Sandglass is a slow burn. It does not capture your attention since the first place. But the more you listen to it, the more you like its calming effect. Ong Seong Woo and Lee Dae Hwi vocal surprisingly combine well. The similar tone makes them able to complement each other.

 

Heize herself also appears toward Sandglass ending. Her voice is a sweet touch, especially if understanding its lyrics. Sandglass talk about how a boy has to let go of the girl for short time. He promises to meet her again under different condition. This sounds relatable with Wanna One short career span.

 

Rating:                        4/5

 

No. 1 – 11

 

No. 1 consists of Wanna One youngest members, Park Ji Hoon, Bae Jin Young, and Lai Guan Lin. Age is just a number since they decide to tackle sexy concept with 11. The song theme seems fitting if considering their age. It talks about how the boys want a girl to depend on them. 

 

11 has the best music production among all Wanna One unit songs. As a producer, Dynamic Duo does a great job in mixing strong beat, synthesizer, and electric guitar. It sounds sultry and also reminds us with old school R&B song. 

 

It is the boys’ vocal itself that becomes the weakest link in 11. Park Ji Hoon and Bae Jin Young have nice tone, but they could not carry this song as a whole. Most of times the music buries their vocal. Only Lai Guan Lin manages to shine with his rap.

 

Rating:                        3.5/5

 

Wanna One successfully presents something fresh with their unit. Each song has distinct sound, which differentiates it from one another. Most of the members manage to done a great job too.

 

If I have to choose, the best song would be Kangaroo and Sandglass. The first song has the ability to attract your attention on first place. But in terms of longevity, the latter definitely win. 

Categories: 11, Forever + 1, Kangaroo, Kpop, Sandglass, Summer Showdown, Undivided, Wanna One