The next SEVENTEEN subunit to debut is DK and Seungkwan, with the dubbed “DxS” releasing their first mini-album called Serenade. Ahead of the release, the duo had teased fans with what to expect, from beautiful videos with their raw vocals to a hilarious Going SEVENTEEN video that got fans excited.
On January 12th, the album was finally released, living up to expectations from two of the best vocalists in K-Pop.
The title track “Blue” has been teased for some time, but the snippets of the duo singing it don’t do justice to the pure beauty of the entire song.
Opening with Seungkwan’s soft voice, the transition to DK is seamless, using a soft “ooh” sound to blend the two voices. With such strong and distinct voices, the piano instrumental for the melody takes centre stage, wrapping itself around the vocals to allow Seungkwan and DK’s full vocal range to be heard. Yet, the ballad doesn’t just have one layer; the arrangement utilises key changes to take listeners on a journey. It is heard with the harmonising, particularly Seungkwan using his lower register while DK sings the main melody, something that isn’t often heard in SEVENTEEN songs.
Even at the end of the song, it changes again, this time with much more dramatic closing chords, followed by a massive crescendo before trailing off to a softer ending, similar to the opening bars.
Yet, while it is beautiful to listen to alone, the dramatic seven-minute music video is the perfect accompaniment, starring Lee Yoo Mi and Noh Sang Hyun. The video opens with a crash scene, but the music doesn’t start until the scene shifts, with no clear indication of whether it is set in the past or the future. It then presents a series of scenes that portray the blossoming relationship between Yoo Mi and Sang Hyun, as well as the hardships that accompany relationships.
In particular, the changes of colour for the cinematography help to portray the emotions felt by both characters, whether it is bright colours or monochrome. Ultimately, the two lead stars are by the “blue” sea and under the “blue” sky, reflecting a sense of sadness that seems to mark the end of their relationship.
While the story is full of narratives, it is left up to the viewer to choose their own interpretation, making it even more special.
The title track was a ballad, but the album itself was a beautiful mix of genres and styles.
“Guilty Pleasure” feels like it belongs in a jazz club, starting with an upbeat tempo and DK’s voice, layered with several instruments and synth, before bringing in Seungkwan. It still has a ballad-like quality, but the composition and arrangement of the song make it more calming and something to dance along to. It once again shows off the vocal range and falsetto of both idols, and it is very different from anything released by the group in the past.
Yet, that contrasted with the song “Silence.” It is a pure ballad that begins with a beautiful piano introduction and the breathy tone used by DK, before the more powerful voice of Seungkwan enters with a stronger instrumental accompaniment. In the first verse, the brief moments of silence, devoid of music but filled only with the idols’ voices, create something so powerful. As the second verse starts, more instruments are added as the song becomes more dynamic and continues to grow into the final verse. Ending with a softer feel, similar to “Blue,” and the breathy texture of the members’ voices, it feels like a story has finished.
Like the group’s other subunits, the album also has solo songs.
DK’s track “Rockstar” feels like the perfect sequel to the track “Happy Virus” from SEVENTEEN’s Happy Burstday. The opening bars allow listeners to hear DK’s bright voice, and as the song progresses, so does the variety of instruments used for the melody. While it has a strong beat and remains up-tempo for most of the song, the emotion in DK’s voice and the change in tempo at the bridge create variety. In particular, DK’s high note feels like the perfect bridge between the start and end, completing the song.
Compared to DK’s solo song, Seungkwan’s “Dream Serenade” is much slower and calmer, with a magical feel to it. The opening lines see Seungkwan using his lower register and a series of breathier notes, making the song feel genuine and intimate. Although it feels emotional, it also resembles a safe hug with a simple melody and instrumental to allow Seungkwan’s vocals to shine. The layering of Seungkwan’s voices emphasizes the ethereal quality of the song.
The album finishes with “Prelude of Love,” and unlike many of the songs, it has a more upbeat and youthful vibe, which once again brings two distinct voices and blends them into one. Starting with Seungkwan’s voice, DK harmonises with his member before beginning his own verse, showing off the diversity of both idols’ voices. Although it is short, it feels like the perfect conclusion to the album, with a feeling of hope and positivity.
As expected from two of SEVENTEEN’s main vocalists, Serenade is a perfect balance of genres and allows two distinct voices to come together, creating something reassuring, comforting, and beautiful to the ear.
SEVENTEEN are on Instagram. You can listen to “Serenade” here.