When TWS released their mini album last month, I wrote a track-by-track review knowing full well they’d likely promote one of its b-sides with a music video later on. That prediction has come true with album-opener Lucky To Be Loved, but I’m going to revisit the track today since I have more to say. For those who found their comeback Countdown a bit too ebullient, Lucky To Be Loved might just be for you. It catches the guys in their mellower Last Festival sound, painted with a hazy summer sheen.
I want to take this chance to write a little about melody, since K-pop doesn’t often give me the opportunity these days. There’s this specific melodic approach so many TWS tracks utilize and it’s a big reason why the music has such a hold on me. The melodies tug upward in ever-increasing bursts before cresting with a brief, pointed climax. This structure characterizes the choruses of Countdown, Last Festival and If I’m S, Can You Be My N and reappears here for Lucky To Be Loved’s pre-chorus. It’s such an effective top line technique and has proven quite resilient and adaptable across a variety of genres and composers. It’s become a melodic signature for the group and fits the members’ vocal characters perfectly.
Though Lucky To Be Loved‘s overall sound is muted, this constant feeling of build keeps it from sounding beige. You can hear it in the tension of the synths and the blossoming of the vocals at key points throughout the track. These elements work together to craft a song with great staying power. I’ll always prefer an energetic joy bomb like Countdown, but if an artist is going to cool the temperature of their music this is the way to do it.
| Hooks | 9 |
| Production | 8 |
| Longevity | 9 |
| Bias | 9 |
| RATING | 8.75 |
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 
I think it is a good song, yes there is melody in there. It does sound like the opening track of a full album, not leading single. The 1st song on the A side to lead off the album and introduce the vibe.
(These days we call them all b-sides, though back in the day of AOR album-oriented rock, there were the sorts of songs as 1st A side, last Aside, first Bside, last Bside.)
I just bought a copy of Depeche Mode “Violator: because somehow (and ( don’t know how) I never had my own copy of it. “World in my eyes” 1st song A side released as the fourth single off it, and its vibe sits perfectly in that position.
Pet Shop Boys “Two Divided By Zero” does the same in the same position off their debut album. Brings you into the world of the album and the aesthetic.
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it is the opening track of the mini album.
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yes, exactly. And it sounds like it.
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I keep coming back to this point, but TWS are really good at capturing the earnestness and desperation (complimentary) of youth. And I think that melodic through line you mention plays a big part in that. There’s a constant push and pull felt in their songs that reminds me of all the various feelings I had when I was younger that I struggled to convey back then.
Not sure if I’m reading too much into it just because of how much their music has been resonating with me lol, but I hate the idea of “it’s not that deep”, especially when opening yourself up to potential deeper meanings can heighten your enjoyment of something.
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Yes! The push and pull in the melodies is definitely a signature for them. At this point I have to believe it’s intentional since it has woven through so many songs. It definitely gives that unsettled — yet optimistic — feeling of youth.
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Altough i preferred Freestyle over LTBL, i do understand why they push this song. It’s a very honest appreciation songs from TWS towards 42s.
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I can’t help comparing this song to TXT’s Love Language (the two songs actually share a writing credit) and Lucky to Be Loved just has so much more movement and quiet emotion to it. You’d think the older group would have the more developed sound, but it’s the exact opposite.
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I like this song even if it is not something extraordinary per se. However, within the current kpop landscape, this group is one of the few bright exceptions so Nick is right to stan them. I feel actual real emotion when I listen to them and watch their music videos and they convey the youth concept masterfully, apparently because it is authentic to them and they just organically love the music they are releasing, which makes everything so much better.
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unrelated to the post, but i wonder what you think of singing me by jubi? i discovered it recently and its a wonderfully written and produced song in my opinion, but it doesnt seem to be particularly well known, so i havent seen many others who enjoy this song as well. the whole album is very good (wonderful, smooth downtempo –which is a genre i think would be really cool to see more of in k-pop– that even gets a little artsy at times), except for maybe the admittedly quite generic ballads, but this song is definitely the standout!
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The song’s good, nothing’s changed since last month.
Anyways, unrelated but their labelmates Seventeen put out the tracklist for their upcoming album, and there’s going to be three group songs along with solos from each of the thirteen members. I’m so excited, I just can’t hide it!
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This is a really pretty song (I think that’s what I can say about most of their relases lol). This time, though, I can totally see myself coming back to this track. The chorus melody is way tooooo good, extremely catchy. I’m also a fan of the production choices, love the UK Garage beats.
I’m not touched in emotional ways by this group or song, but it’s definitely cute to see people reminiscing and having such a nostalgic time with thier songs.
This one is a 9!
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