TVXQ! Show Their Rebel Side in New Release

With their last full-length album being in 2019, iconic SM Entertainment boy group TVXQ! is back with the release of their ninth album, 20&2 - The 9th Album. TVXQ! is known for releasing tracks that will be remembered for years, and this album is one to remember as well. The album contains 10 tracks that are hit after hit. 

20&2 - The 9th Album Tracklist:

  1. “Down”

  2. “Rebel”

  3. “Rodeo”

  4. “Jungle”

  5. “Life’s A Dance”

  6. “Fix It (feat. DINDIN) (Sung by U-KNOW)”

  7. “Take My Breath Away (Sung by MAX CHANGMIN)” 

  8. “Promise”

  9. “The Way U Are (Unplugged Version)”

  10. “Starlight”

20&2 - The 9th Album 

This album starts strong. “Down” is an amazing opening, and sets the mood for the entirety of this album. In the beginning, the strums set this sultry mood that is matched by the siren-like vocals. I know you guys also heard those high notes. Just from one listen, “Down” will have any listener hyped for the album.

The title track “Rebel” did not disappoint. I heard the jingle in the beginning and thought, “This sounds familiar.” I could have sworn I turned on a Christmas song. The song is super catchy, and the beat is addictive. The vocals make me want to float. MAX CHANGMIN and U-KNOW came through with the vocals and subtle rapping. Another thing that caught my eye is the interesting concept. The theme is dark, but I love how the video reminds me of a performance. “Rebel” is another track that is going to go down in history, for sure. 

The next track, “Rodeo,” reminds me of one of those old Western movies, but also has that new-age influence in it. You can’t help but dance along to the track. The song is addictive and the rap is groovy (I couldn’t help but rewind that part over and over again). The intro of “Jungle” had me hyped instantly. The deep bass and Skrillex-inspired beat make me feel like I’m at a rave. The song is fun and is one of my favorites off the album for sure. “Life’s A Dance” is the retro track I was waiting for. This is another track you can’t help but dance to. I just know a video for this song would be so good. “Life’s A Dance” is a track that will get people moving, and seeing this live would be a joy. 

When I saw that each member had a solo on this album, I lost it. “Fix It (feat. DINDIN) (Sung by U-KNOW)” is another track that gives off that strong retro vibe, and I love it. I know y’all were jamming while listening to this track. It’s upbeat and fun and is another favorite of mine. Is that a slow jam I hear? “Take My Breath Away (Sung by MAX CHANGMIN)” is the pop/slow jam that we needed. MAX CHANGMIN is a phenomenal vocalist, and this track literally takes your breath away. He did such an amazing job on this song, and this is another favorite of mine.

“Promise” is an upbeat and bright pop hit that gives off title track energy. The beat is catchy and brings a smile to your face, and yes, it’s another favorite of mine. “The Way U Are (Unplugged Version)” is so good. I was hooked instantly when I heard the strums of the guitar in the beginning: they will have you swaying your hips and moving along to the tempo. The vocals are soothing and passionate. I had this song on repeat and would consider this another favorite of mine. The last song on the album is a great way to end it. Do you know why? Because it’s a ballad! “Starlight” is a calming ballad that I can picture everyone swaying their lightsticks to at a concert. Their vocals are unmatched in this song. It makes you feel like you are lying on a cloud. It’s a beautiful track that brought tears to my eyes. 

TVXQ! came back and released an album that has no skips. Each song on this album has its own powerful, deep meaning. It’s a joy to hear from TVXQ! again, and we can’t wait to see what fantastic things they have planned for the future. 

“Rebel” TITLE TRACK SCORE: 8.5/10

“Rebel” MUSIC VIDEO SCORE: 7.5/10

20&2 - The 9th Album ALBUM SCORE: 9/10 

Total Score: 8.3/10