ENHYPEN is back and better than ever with their highly anticipated second studio album ROMANCE: UNTOLD. The full-length album marks the end of the “BLOOD” series and the beginning of their “ROMANCE” series. The group continues to prove their star power, with ROMANCE: UNTOLD breaking the group’s pre-order record at over 2.2 million sales.
Having just released the special album Memorabilia and finishing the U.S. run of their second world tour FATE, the seven-member group consisting of JUNGWON, HEESEUNG, JAY, JAKE, SUNGHOON, SUNOO, and NI-KI, continues to reach new heights in their career and display their artistic growth. ROMANCE: UNTOLD shows the group exploring various genres to declare their desire to protect their love at all costs. The group has been consistent in the portrayal of their vampiric concept throughout all of their comebacks, with each release propelling their journey as a ragtag group of vampires going through everyday life amongst humans.
The full-length album begins with the dark synth-pop intro track “Moonstruck.” Featuring the members’ spectral falsettos over a backdrop of chilling synthesizers, the track is reminiscent of their debut single “Given-Taken” with its use of otherworldly harp plucks that dip the listener into the shadows of their fantasy world. The lyrics describe the feeling of being intoxicated by an attraction that blooms in the night; one that you can’t resist.
As the bassline fades at the end of “Moonstruck,” the song seamlessly transitions into the lead track “XO (Only If You Say Yes).” Produced by rising star and viral hitmaker JVKE, the electronic pop song features a dreamy synth melody line that perfectly encapsulates the fantastical concept and lore of the group. The romantic lyrics disguise a modern consent anthem over a catchy club beat and tell the story of boys who are willing to do anything for you – but only if you say yes. “You’re the only one who can give permission / I’ll even pluck the sun, the moon for you, just say the word,” HEESEUNG sings. Amidst their other captivating title tracks, “XO (Only If You Say Yes),” is a groovy standout that sets the tone for ENHYPEN’s new era.
The music video for the track paints the members in a warm glow. They play rock, paper, scissors to compete to see which of them will be able to confess to “Chloe,” a character who was revealed in the album concept trailers as the only human that protected the group while they live in a world that hates vampires.
“Your Eyes Only,” the mellow third track on the album, features a chill bassline and a deeply romantic, yet casual declaration of love. The lyrics of the song cement the group in their “boyfriend” status, as they sing of creating their own special language with their hypothetical lover and “completing” each other, which has been a recurring theme within the group’s discography.
The album then transitions into the ‘80s-inspired track “Hundred Broken Hearts,” which boasts lyrics co-written by ENHYPEN’s leader JUNGWON. Riding the wave of the album’s romantic themes, “Hundred Broken Hearts” emphasizes that the fateful love between ENHYPEN and their lover is different, transcending that of love songs and novels.
“Brought The Heat Back” is a standout track on the album. Produced by acclaimed producer Cirkut, the track features a captivating disco backtrack. With its funky dance-pop melody that will make any listener want to start dancing, the track really does bring the heat back. The song includes a catchy “yeah yeah yeah” mantra throughout and a trap breakdown that keeps listeners on their toes. Member JAY delivers a powerful high note that highlights his vocal prowess while SUNGHOON’s satisfying falsetto solidifies the song as one to play on repeat.
The group then dip their toes into the DnB (drum and bass) genre with the high-energy track “Paranormal.” Tying into the group’s supernatural concept, the members deliver the chorus by proclaiming “Love beyond miracles / This is our paranormal love.” Main vocalist HEESEUNG’s impressive high note adlibs and riffs can be heard throughout the background of the song, emphasizing the passionate lyrics that the members sing above him.
Next on the tracklist is the funky but fresh song “Royalty.” The summery vibes of the surf-pop track are spotlighted by the refreshing rhythmic guitar heard throughout the song. Members JAKE and SUNOO stand out as they sing the first two verses, with their rhyming of “middle” and “little” offering a satisfying charm to start the song. The lyrics describe treating your lover like royalty and use multiple types of gendered terms such as “queen,” “ruler,” “majesty,” and “sir,” showing that no matter who you are, ENHYPEN is here to serve and protect you.
ROMANCE: UNTOLD also presents the first song dedicated to ENGENE (ENHYPEN fans), “Highway 1009,” to which all seven members contributed lyrics and boasts production and composition credits from member HEESEUNG. “Highway 1009” expresses the group’s love for ENGENE in a sweet and lighthearted ballad. NI-KI stands out as he sings the second verse with his smooth, deep voice, “I told you like a million times / With you everything will be alright” and JAKE continues the love train as he sings “I will hug you tighter / Cause I’ll be there, be your ENGENE now.” The significance of the number “1009” is not lost on fans, as October 9 is the anniversary of the day the fandom name for the group was announced, making this track just that much more special.
The album closes out with the English version of the lead single “XO (Only If You Say Yes),” which features the song’s own producer JVKE. Just as catchy as the Korean version, JVKE takes on the second verse of the track. Comparing love to basketball, the American artist sings “On my best side, got you ballin’ / I’m sittin’ courtside, yeah, yeah / That’s the home team, and we in OT, yeah we finally winnin’,” emphasizing that although acceptance of his love is a tough game, winning would be worth it.
ROMANCE: UNTOLD demonstrates ENHYPEN’s versatility in sound and their ever-growing artistry by presenting fans with an exciting tracklist full of diverse genres. An album with endless funk and groove, ENGENE and casual listeners alike will likely find a song that resonates with them all summer long and beyond. As promotions for the album continue, fans in the U.S. have the opportunity to see them perform live at KCON LA 2024 on July 27!