Courtesy of BE:LIFT/ HYBE Entertainment
Who is ENHYPEN?
ENHYPEN are a seven-member boy group formed through BE:LIFT which is a HYBE Entertainment subsidiary. Originally, the members became ENHYPEN through the competition show called I-LAND. The members were decided by viewers voting and rooting for their picks. In 2020, the lineup was finalized and they made their long-awaited debut. Four years later, the group has been cranking out music and touring all over the world multiple times.
The group’s main concept is they are vampires and easily switch between both dark and light concepts. On July 12, ENHYPEN dropped their second full-length album, ROMANCE: UNTOLD.
“XO (Only If You Say Yes)” Review
ROMANCE: UNTOLD serves as ENHYPEN’s boyfriend era and is a lighter contrast from their previous project, DARK MOON. The title track, “XO (Only If You Say Yes),” perfectly captures the main focus of the album. American singer JVKE helped write the track, giving ENHYPEN a more Western-feel song. He also featured on the English version of “XO (Only If You Say Yes).”
“XO (Only If You Say Yes)” is one of their best title tracks to date. The bright synth through the song is addictive and the best part of the track is the chorus where they use a stuttering effect. It tells the story of the boys wanting to give their all to this love, be affectionate, and kiss their love interests, with their consent. I think that this concept not only gives relationship vibes, it is also respectful with the mentions of having “permission” before kissing. I like that they emphasize the consent aspect in the track because it is such an important topic to talk about. Although this song focuses on the love aspects, the strong underlying meaning is consensually being with a girl they want.
The music video feels like a movie and shows off the intense choreography ENHYPEN does effortlessly. It shows the members in various romantic settings and flirting with the girls, admiration in their eyes. “XO (Only If You Say Yes)” has a perfect visual to emphasize the love they have for their significant others and definitely gives “boyfriend protecting their lover.”
“ROMANCE: UNTOLD” Review
“ROMANCE: UNTOLD” is a nine-song album, including the English version of the title track featuring JVKE. This album is their best project yet. Not one song felt lackluster or like it didn’t fit in. Each song gets even better after every listen. The best song in my opinion is “Brought the Heat Back.” It gives me early debut ENHYPEN vibes similar to “Drunk-Dazed.” It has an infectious beat and strong vocals that really stood out. The song is about jealousy and the members wanting to claim their loved ones as theirs. They don’t want to share them with anyone and it serves as the “angry” track of the album. Instead of this girl playing all of them, ENHYPEN wants her to choose them instead of the other guys she’s talking to.
Secondly, “Paranormal” was another standout. The production gives Y2K, PinkPantheress, bedroom pop vibes with the drum and bass. “Paranormal” is about how this girl came into their lives and completely changed it for the better. Their purpose is to love them to the ends of the earth and give them the world at their fingertips. It continues the theme of the title track. This whole album is a must-listen. Check it out below!
