Big Hit Music’s very own TOMORROW X TOGETHER starts the year out strong with the release of their latest EP ‘The Name Chapter: TEMPTATION’. This comes after a massively successful 2022 that saw the release of their previous project, ‘minisode 2: Thursday’s Child’, and the completion of their ACT: LOVE SICK world tour, which concluded at the Mall of Asia Arena last October.
Regarded as highly skilled artists that are capable of pulling off any genre or concept, TXT has gone through it all. They can be cute, groovy, dark, edgy, and mysterious, but now they’re proving that they can definitely be sexy. And it’s not the Bruno Mars ‘Versace on the Floor’ kind of sexy, they’re not trying to go low and slow, R&B for the bedroom—it’s pop, it’s upbeat, and it will manage to take your breath away.
Here’s a track-by-track review of TOMORROW X TOGETHER’s ‘The Name Chapter: TEMPTATION’.
Devil by the Window
The only all-English track on the record, ‘Devil by the Window’ is the perfect introduction to the EP, letting you know what to expect from the rest of the project while blowing your mind with how amazing the first song already is. Fast-paced and bass-heavy, personally, it reminds me of Billie Eilish’s ‘bad guy’, particularly with how the vocals are delivered in the chorus. An absolute ear-candy that I won’t get tired of listening to, interestingly, what I find most intriguing about the track is its lyrics, specifically in its manner of storytelling. It almost seems like an evening tale a mother would tell her child, cautioning them of the horrors in the woods, where she would play all its characters, adjusting her tone as the narrator, the hero, or the devil in this case.
“I met the devil by the window/Traded my life/Temptation touched my tongue/Spread the wings of desire/He’s whispering/‘Give up, don’t you put up a fight’/Said the devil by the window/‘Dream on, dream on, good night’”
Sugar Rush Ride
The EP’s title track, ‘Sugar Rush Ride’ starts out like a song for the beach, but eventually transforms into one that exudes sexiness, with a chorus where a simple exhale by the members of TXT is enough to induce goosebumps. I adore the track, but my criticism is its post-chorus where they are repeatedly raspily shouting out “Sugar rush-ush” in an effort to kick the track into another gear to pull the energy back up. I understand the intent, especially given that its chorus, no matter how amazing it is, is actually the song’s lowest point energy-wise. But it just doesn’t work. I would have preferred if the song’s outro was used as the post-chorus instead, where coherent lyrics are put in the place of “Sugar rush-ush”.
Happy Fools (feat. Coi Leray)
Island getaway meets rap, this track is overflowing with energy, due in part to the rap performances by both TXT and guest artist Coi Leray, and the song’s aggressive trap beat. A worthwhile listen, my only criticism is that, throughout its runtime, particularly in the chorus, there are stretches where the track’s vocal melody doesn’t seem to fit with the instrumental—it’s not out of beat, just clashing. Honestly, Coi Leray’s verse matched best with the beat and was the highlight of the track for me—what a way to steal the show.
Tinnitus (Wanna be a rock)
TXT is no stranger to unusual song titles, just take a look at some of their previous tracks; ‘0X1=LOVESONG (I Know I Love You)’, ‘9 and Three Quarters (Run Away)’, and ‘What if I had been that PUMA’. Unfortunately, the song itself is not as unique as its title, with its basic tribal beat, uninspired instrumental, and passable vocal performance. It’s not bad, but it’s not that good either, it’s somewhere down the middle. Its saving grace however is its lyrics which justify its title. The song discusses the feelings of someone with high aspirations, but one that can’t meet these because of their ineptitude. Overcome with sadness, this person finds comfort in accepting their limitations, choosing to be a “rockstar minus the star”.
“I don’t have that kind of talent/Deep story/I admit it, I’m not a “born to be”/Even when I see myself, I know I am nothing special/My twinkling dream/It’s been long since it faded away/Waiting for every second/I want to become a rock”
Farewell, Neverland
A perfect conclusion to the EP, ‘Farewell, Neverland’ is uplifting, filled with hope and optimism for the future. A title that seems to be the opposite, painful and bittersweet as goodbyes usually are, that isn’t the case here. The track talks about a much-needed departure from a paradise that isn’t what it seems.
“Every day is warm, every day is the same season/Boys don’t grow up/A kiss from the sun that never sleeps/No one can see the stars/A paradise, full of lies/I wanted to turn a blind eye”
Realizing that their future lies elsewhere, the song places you in the shoes of someone that has accepted this fact and is looking forward wholeheartedly to what is ahead.
“Neverland, my love, goodbye now/And I’m free falling/Sleep well, everyone/‘Til I be calling/No matter where I go/This is no home/Even if I’m afraid, I’m going down/Goodbye, Neverland, my love”
