We’ve said it time and time again. TXT truly are front runners, and at this point pioneers, of K-Pop! With every comeback, they gift MOA with a complete transformation, incredible amounts of growth, and of course, additions to their flawless discography. Their capacity for evolution is near-unparalleled, and they’ve proved that time and time again. Don’t believe us? Well, see what you think after you’ve read our track-by-track breakdown of TXT’s new album minisode 2: Thursday’s Child.
With Thursday’s Child TXT have leveled up every aspect of their artistry. From the choreography to the styling, to the songwriting (every song on Thursday’s Child was co-written by at least one TXT member), everything has seen progression. minisode 2: Thursday’s Child has evolved from The Chaos Chapter: Fight or Escape, which was an evolution of…well, you see where we’re going with this. And it’s not like they were anything less than incredible to begin with.
TXT’s evolution has been seen in every piece of music they’ve released. Looking at them now, it’s hard to believe they’re just three years into their career. This time around though, they express that growth a little more explicitly. Thursday’s Child centers around themes of heartbreak, recovering from break-ups, and personal development.
‘Opening Sequence’
Not only is that arguably the best title for an opening track, ever, ‘Opening Sequence’ sets the tone for Thursday’s Child perfectly. Lyrically, it’s a tale of the inevitability of forgetting, of memories swimming in and out of your mind as time passes on. Co-written by the two youngest members – Taehyun and Hueningkai – it’s an incredibly mature perspective despite the simmering despair in the production.
‘Good Boy Gone Bad’
Ok, now we’re into the nitty-gritty. TXT are at their very best when they integrate rock and hip-hop influences, and that’s exactly what they do seamlessly on title track ‘Good Boy Gone Bad.’ It’s the story of how heartbreak can darken a person, but also liberate them from making the expected choices or behaving in a certain way. Whilst framed as being the downfall of a relationship, it might also speak to TXT’s appearance from an outsider’s perspective. From the (ironic) preppy joy of ‘Crown,’ to the (ironic) pastel dreams of ‘Blue Hour,’ to the darkness slowly unfolding throughout The Chaos Chapter series and now Thursday’s Child, there’s been a very clear evolution of vulnerability and acceptance of darkness. The lyrics are raw, biting and rife with the humor MOA are used to seeing from TXT outside of the music, in things like interviews and To Do.
MOA, of course, know that TXT’s artistry has always been complex (half of us still don’t understand the TXT universe) but from the outside looking in, it looks as though TXT are embracing shadows and pain within their art and growing as a result.
‘Trust Fund Baby’
‘Trust Fund Baby’ is, in short, ‘LO$ER = LOVER’s’ older, grumpy cousin. ‘LO$ER = LOVER’ was by no means a sweet love song, but still, it celebrated youth, being a misfit, and still clinging on to the sense of belonging that comes with first love. ‘Trust Fund Baby’ is far more jaded and cynical. To go from singing “I’m a lover,” albeit in the context of also being a loser, to Soobin proclaiming in the pre-chorus, “I can’t be a lover” is a pretty big change!
‘Lonely Boy (The tattoo on my ring finger)’
Ok, so first we have to take a moment to appreciate how great every single one of these song titles is. Done? Ok. Second: we got our first unit songs from TXT! ‘Lonely Boy’ is performed by Yeonjun and Hueningkai, and we love this pairing of the eldest member and the maknae. If Thursday’s Child were to be framed as the 5 stages of grief, ‘Lonely Boy’ is somewhere between depression and acceptance. The most overtly on-trend song on Thursday’s Child mixes acoustic guitar with trap-esque beats and vocal delivery from Yeonjun.
‘Thursday’s Child Has Far To Go’
‘Thursday’s Child Has Far To Go’ is our second unit song, courtesy of Soobin, Beomgyu, and Taehyun, and our album closer. The track is a sigh of relief and a breath of fresh air, just like its co-writer and producer Beomgyu. The song is about acceptance and the choice to move on and grow as an individual after a break-up. With its 80s influence and brighter spirit, ‘Thursday’s Child Has Far To Go’ is the perfect closer for this album, and puts TXT in a great position for their next release, whether it be a return to their Chapter series or another minisode like this one.
Thursday’s Child is the perfect representation of TXT and where they are right now as a band. They continuously reshape their group identity and rise from their own ashes – not ashes from any failures though, it’s just that they commit arson like… every era. TXT are slowly but surely embracing every part of themselves, as individuals and artists, and MOA are surely benefitting as a result. We truly love Thursday’s Child, and everything it represents from our 4th Gen It Boys!
What’s your favorite Thursday’s Child track? Got any thoughts on the album you simply have to share with us? Hit us up on Twitter @TheHoneyPop or visit us on Facebook or Instagram.
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