GOT7’s beloved maknae,YUGYEOM, has finally released his first full album titled, ‘Trust Me.’ Although he has released an EP in the past, ‘Point Of View: U,’ this is his first full-length album as a solo artist. Throughout this album, YUGYEOM showcases his artistic talent, with him having had a hand in writing and producing almost all of the tracks. ‘Trust Me’ conveys messages of old love, new love, lost love, physical and emotional connection, living in the moment, and reminiscing on the past. All these tracks are brilliantly performed and will resonate with Ahgases.
The pre-release title track, “LA SOL MI,” was released in late January to announce the album’s release. The song is a romantic, up-tempo, acoustic guitar track with simple trap beats in between. The title references the vocal warm-up, “do, re, mi, fa, sol, la, ti, do.” While the title might sound like a Spanish phrase, it doesn’t have any meaning. In the song’s lyrics, Yugyeom compares his lover’s voice and everything about them to a melody, showing how much of an impact they have had on him. Overall, the song conveys themes of love, connection, and the intense feelings that result from finding a new love and cherishing every moment you have with them.
Other songs included on YUGYEOM’s new album include “SHINE (Feat. SUMIN),” “Be Alright (Feat. punchnello),” “Steppin,” “SHE,” “WUH,” “Dance,” “Take It Slow,” “WOOYAYAYA,” “Summer Blues,” and previously released songs like “LOLO,” “Ponytail (Feat. Sik-K),” and “Say Nothing (Feat. LeeHi).” His lead single, “1분만 [1 Minute],” was released on Feb 21, along with the rest of his album.
“1 Minute” is an upbeat, bouncy track with a slow and smooth pre-chorus. The song talks about wanting “just one minute” to go back and make amends in a relationship that is changing and perhaps mend the relationship. Yugyeom is reminiscing about past times and the importance of communication, with lyrics that focus on the intricacies of the relationship, the difficulties encountered, and the desire to return to a more straightforward and happier time. “1 Minute” was produced and written by Yugyeom in collaboration with K-Hip Hop artist, Gray, who has produced many of Yugyeom’s songs in the past.
“SHINE (Feat. SUMIN)” is a funky 70s-inspired upbeat jam, written by Yugyeom. The lyrics express the singer’s yearning thoughts and dreams about the person they love, conveying a strong bond and intense emotions between two people. The themes of shining and brightness throughout the song suggest that their relationship brightens and warms their lives. All in all, the song expresses love, passion, and the longing for a lasting relationship.
“Be Alright (Feat. punchnello)” is a pop-y, R&B type of track that is a staple of Yugyeom’s discography. The lyrics convey a message of comfort and encouragement when facing difficulties and unknowns. The message of the song is that a person’s relationship with another person can give them support and strength during trying times. “We’ll be alright” is a standard line in the song that highlights the relationship’s resiliency and the conviction that they can face any challenge together.
“Steppin'” is an upbeat, house/dance track and a highlight of the album. The lyrics convey the joy of two people dancing and spending quality time together. The song’s lyrics highlight the singer’s admiration for the person they are dancing with and their special bond. The chorus and post-chorus repetitive structure draw attention to the dance track’s upbeat and rhythmic nature while emphasizing the theme of harmony and shared joy.
“나의 그녀는 (SHE)” is a sultry slow jam that includes some upbeat hi-hats. Yugeyom’s sing-rapping in the song’s second verse adds to the song’s overall vibe and highlights the unique nature of the track. The lyrics convey the singer’s deep interest and curiosity for a person they care about. The singer thinks the person is breathtakingly beautiful and wishes they could always be there with her, expressing that photographs and cameras can’t properly represent her true beauty. The song’s lyrics express the feeling of being up all night, missing someone, and realizing how fleeting each moment is.
“LOLO” is a hip-hop track, focused primarily on the beat and outlined by Yugyeom’s soft vocals. The song conveys the desire for a private and intimate connection, with the word “low” and its frequent uses implying a need for discretion. The song also describes the emotional ups and downs of the relationship by using metaphors like “playing seesaw.” At the same time, references to technology (password, fingerprint, airplane mode) represent a desire to disconnect and concentrate on the two people’s budding relationship.
“WUH” is an electronic pop track and one of the album’s best songs. Although the song does not officially feature anyone, GRAY produced the song, sang the backing vocals, and ad-libbed throughout the track. The song shares similar production techniques with another song he produced and collaborated on titled “RUN (with GRAY)” by Lee Jin Ah. The lyrics convey how enthralled and seduced the singer is by their partner, describing a deep, passionate, and loving relationship. Despite acknowledging the potential pain, the singer is captivated by the person’s beauty and charisma, forming a thrilling yet tumultuous bond.
“Ponytail (Feat. SIK-K)” is a chill, R&B track and a suitable break between the more up-tempo songs. The whistling and brass instruments throughout add a unique touch to the track that isn’t seen in other songs on the album. The song conveys the singer’s love and appreciation for a person’s inherent attractiveness, especially their ponytail. The vocalist expresses how much they value a person’s emotional and physical qualities, regardless of whether or not they are wearing makeup. The ponytail is brought up frequently, signifying a love for the person’s actual, unfiltered self.
“DANCE” is a track that dives into the afro-beat genre, which has been taking over K-pop singles, and does the concept flawlessly. Yugyeom’s smooth and soft vocals perfectly match the sexy and sultry vibe of the song. The track makes you want to move and sway your body, accurately earning its title, “DANCE.” Although the song is barely 2 minutes, it is a prominent stand-out on the album and is worth a repeated listen. The lyrics convey the desire for a continuous and immersive dance with a partner, highlighting the need to dance through the night until everything else is forgotten and emptied. The song’s repetition emphasizes the idea of dancing nonstop to momentarily erase the outside world.
“Take It Slow” is a sensual R&B track layered with dance beats. The song tells the story of a passionate and private nighttime meeting between two people. The song’s lyrics express a need for intimacy, the comfort of a physical bond, and the inability to let go of the present. The song’s theme is the intense yearning for an intimate evening, symbolized by the repeated act of wrapping his arms around their waist.
The soulful R&B acoustic track, “Say Nothing,” is reminiscent of Christian church and praise songs, featuring an organ throughout. The song’s use of brass instruments and drums uplifts the singers’ voices instead of taking them away from them. LeeHi’s vocals beautifully flow through the song, matching the music perfectly and complementing Yugyeom’s voice as if they were made to sing together. The song conveys the importance of their physical bond and attraction, highlighting the significance of letting go and allowing the body to freely express passion and desire without the need for words. It encourages the listener to embrace their desires and allow their bodies to speak for them by implying a sense of urgency and intensity in the present.
“WOOYAYA” is a trap/NYC drill track that has recently become popular in Western spaces. The beat overtakes the vocals because of Yugyeom’s inherent soft voice, but the autotune helps make sure he is still heard. Overall, the song is still catchy and is a highlight of the album, as drill beats are rarely used in Korean music. The lyrics convey the suffering of a relationship where the singer feels alone and watches as their happiness and connection slowly slip away. The lyrics express the confusion and frustration that arise from not knowing why there is an emotional distance, which leaves one feeling heartbroken and helpless.
“Summer Blues,” the album’s final track, is a slow, acoustic song entirely sung in English, a first for Yugyeom. The sound feels bigger than life and would be perfect for a romantic movie. The lyrics convey a feeling of helplessness and annoyance in a turbulent relationship. The lyrics express the narrator’s struggle to comprehend and navigate challenges, the difficulty of dealing with ups and downs, and the hope for connection despite the emotional turmoil. The term “summer blues” is brought up frequently, which alludes to a depressing and uncertain time in the relationship.
What is your favorite song from Yugyeom’s new album? Let us know on Instagram and Twitter!
FOLLOW YUGYEOM ON HIS SOCIALS
INSTAGRAM • TWITTER/X • YOUTUBE
Featured Image Credit: Courtesy of AOMG OFFICIAL