It’s crazy to think that the last time P1Harmony dropped an album was nine months ago (we may or may not have been counting.) But that doesn’t mean the six-piece powerhouse has stopped. Since the completion of the Harmony series, the boys have been on a roll. From finishing the final leg of their P1USTYLE H: P1ONEER tour in Europe to breaking records with ‘Fall In Love Again‘ which is currently comfortable at number 24 as P1Harmony became the first independently signed male Korean group to chart on the US Top 40 Radio. When you think they couldn’t possibly pack anything more into their schedule, the band announce the release of their first full album Killin’ It, and save the world while they’re at it (more on this later.)
The new project, released on February 5th, is the group’s first full-length album, appropriately titled Killin’ It. It’s a ten-song masterpiece that is a testament to everything fans already adore about the group, showcasing their distinctive style alongside satisfying sound experimentation. Plus, with credits from members across all tracks, including Jongseob, who impressively co-wrote lyrics for the entire project, this album is set to become the heart of their already incredible discography. With a lot to unpack, let’s dive right in.
‘때깔 (Killin‘ It)’
The bold opener ‘Killin’ It’ is a synth-driven anthem that seamlessly blends K-Pop with 90s hip-hop vibes. With a catchy 808 bass line and crazy (in the best way) crafted rap flows, the song introduces P1ece (P1Harmony’s adored fandom) to a new confidence from the band. We also can’t stop thinking about the contrast between Keeho’s delicate pre-chorus and the hard-hitting ‘you already know boy’ line to set off the final chorus. These new sides of each member are a recurrent theme across the album, with Jiung, bringing out his all-rounder status and delivering a rap that we wish we were cool enough to sing fast enough along with.
For a quick refresh into the P1Harmony lore, the completion of the Harmony series revealed P1Harmony as hidden heroes. The ‘Killin’ It’ video fuses our heroes in different settings, from a dentistry to a curling match and a press conference at the end, which hints at exciting future developments for this new series. While the scenes open us to a new world, we can’t help but feel a pang of nostalgia with the sports games referring back to the Harmony series. Plus, the video weaves fun qualities like the fan-favorite emojis that represent each member. Did you spot this too?
‘Late Night Calls’
Following the title track is the soulful and refined song, ‘Late Night Calls.’ This song is sentimental but maintains a sophisticated vibe throughout. It has an infectious beat and flawless harmonies, making it a perfect addition to your carpool karaoke playlist.
In contrast to the opener, the rappers showcase a softer side in their verses, which introduces that depth and emotion to the album. Intak elevates the song in the bridge, bringing his renowned adlibs. This time, in the form of a phone ringing. It perfectly sets the song’s mood and adds a fun element that fans can sing along to.
‘Everybody Clap’
The infectious energy of ‘Everybody Clap’ is undeniable and demands to be experienced live right from the moment it begins. Just picture the atmosphere as P1Harmony leads on the stage, guiding everyone in a synchronized clap-along. But it’s Jongseob’s commanding verse that have us in awe. He opens the second verse with “Everyone hands up when the beat drops,” and true to his word, the beat drops immediately. This showcases Jongseob’s distinct perspective and skill for crafting killer parts in every song.
‘Love Story’
The mid-album placement of this beautiful ballad speaks volumes about the thoughtful curation of the entire project. In this song, P1Harmony offers a refreshing interlude between the tracks we’ve just experienced and those to come. The gentle rhythm is dreamy and gives it that fairy tale essence. It’s easy on the ears and shows the many colors of P1Harmony.
‘Countdown To Love’
This track is electric and reminiscent of that early 2000s pop everyone loves, infusing iconic lines like “love will win over hate.” This track holds the hip-hop sentiment you can find woven throughout P1Harmony’s discography, but with that added dose of hype, fit to be the soundtrack of a blockbuster film. ‘Countdown To Love’ encapsulates that carefree spirit. Plus, when Jiung hits that high note, the song becomes a celebration, which is a joy to listen to.
‘Emergency’
‘Emergency’ is a song that suddenly catapults us into a whirlwind of tension and chaos that is simply indescribable. From the speedy raps to the electric mix of instrumentation, every element of this track is captivating. The chorus hits us with that signature collective sound we’ve come to adore from P1Harmony. The bridge also hits us out of nowhere, offering a moment of steadiness across the song. It’s Keeho’s velvety vocals accompanied by Theo’s playful verse that made our jaws drop. Like us, you’ve probably noticed that ‘Emergency’ features at the beginning of the ‘Killin’ It’ music video. We’re hoping the guys promote this track alongside the title.
‘2Nite’
This song introduces a new sound for P1Harmony, but you’d think they’d be making music in this genre for years! The impeccable vocals, fun adlibs, change of pace, compelling lyricism, and how well each member embodies the vibe of this track is perfection. It’s got all the catchy hooks that make it groovy, and basically, it’s now everyone’s go-to summer party anthem: we don’t make the rules!
‘Let Me Love You’
As huge music fans here at THP, we can confidently say ‘Let Me Love You’ by P1Harmony is a one-of-a-kind gem. From its clever and witty lyrics to its distinctive indie rock beat that seems to follow along to each syllable in every spoken line, this song is a masterpiece. As a community, we have to talk about Theo’s note during the bridge, a moment that physically makes you stop. It’s a rare and mesmerizing experience that adds finesse without overwhelming the listener. It’s everything you wouldn’t expect but brilliant!
‘Street Star’
Everyone loves a confidence-boosting anthem, and this is exactly what ‘Street Star’ represents. The opening sound of a car engine sets the stage for P1Harmony to share their story in this song. Intak’s clever use of breath during his rap injects the song with that extra dose of energy and brings the story to life. Also, everyone said 2024 may bring back those 2014 vibes, and P1Harmony is leading the pack. The deep bass of this song is reminiscent of famous Artic Monkeys and The Neighbourhood sounds but with a modern twist. It’s also super exciting to see Soul showcase his rapper skills, unlocking that new side that fans love.
‘I See U’
Closing the album is ‘I See You,’ a heartfelt dedication to P1ece. If you’re a fan of P1Harmony’s P1-POST tracks (let’s be real, who isn’t?), you’ll adore this song. Its soothing pace allows everyone’s vocals to shine and holds an element of jazz, nostalgic of a 1960s musical and full of emotion. We can only hope for some cute choreography to go with it. This touching confession to P1ece makes everyone feel seen, especially as it was written by the members.
They say good things come to those who wait, and P1Harmony have certainly delivered. Their first full-length album has treated us to what we already love about the band and opened our eyes to their profound potential. The diversity of songs and sounds on this project, including the members contributing credits, shows just how dedicated they are to their craft.
What’s your favorite song on the new album? Did you spot members’ emojis in the ‘Killin’ it’ music video? Let us know in the comments or tweet us @thehoneypop! You can also chat all things P1Harmony with us over on Facebook and Instagram.
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