SEE ALSO: Stray Kids' Hyunjin goes bold with buzz cut transformation, drawing mixed reactions

TRACKLIST:

1. Between Us

2. It's You

3 Calling You

4. When I was Young

5. Manito

6. Royal Rumble
 

"Between Us" delivers such an amazing sound that lets fans know that CNBLUE haven't faded into evanescence. The song was crafted brilliantly as it opens up with the addictive chorus shouting "It's confusing, why am I like this?" 

The song continues on with a simplistic instrumental that has vigorous guitar strumming that creates a build up for the listener. The song features a calm melody and intensifies towards the refrain which further enhances that addictive chorus. Check out the addicting track in their MV below.

The MV takes the minimalist approach which is more than fitting for the Korean boy band. The MV is fast paced and travels through various scenes like a whirlwind. The most attention-grabbing scenes actually involve the band playing their instruments rigorously and singing as the camera twists and turns around them. It symbolizes the fuzzy, chaotic round-and-round feeling they are expressing through their lyrics.

Just like the MV, the lyrics are impressive as well. The story is realistic as it bounces back and forth emotional with lines like "It's confusing - what is going on? Our unclear relationship, it gets me high" and "We even have cute nicknames for each other, but are we enjoying our distance?" The lyrics effortlessly portray the emotional ping pong battle that goes on in anyone's head when they are in love and trying to figure out where the relationship stands.

"Between Us" definitely wowed me and had me instantly hooked. With that in mind, there was an even higher anticipation for the '7 °CN' album and it didn't fail to impress either.

The fun continues with "It's You." To no surprise, it has a cheery Maroon5 vibe that makes it very easy on the ears. While the promotional track is a little more energized, this song is calming, bubbly and sweet. The light piano melody accompanied by their rhythmic finger snapping and smooth as butter vocals make this song a real delight. The "Whoa, oh-oh" and catchy "Hey" in the chorus will easily make "It's You" addicting as well.

Next comes "Calling You," a very strong, electric styled jam. The song offers a nice live-band feeling and CNBLUE have a unique way of singing the lyrics also. The song is just as gentle as their previous track was and calms the listener with its hypnotic sounds.

Soon after comes "When I Was Young." This song has an authentic K-Pop sound and also panders to today's trendy trap-like instrumentals with its synthetic back track. The song is sadly a bit basic and doesn't have a kick or catchy chorus that would have you wanting to play it on repeat. The rather cliche instrumental has more time on the track rather than CNBLUE's epic vocals, which is a pity.

The album continues with the lovely ballad "Manito." The track is just like any other ballad, soft, elegant with angelic vocals and harmonizing. "Manito" consists of a laid back melody with a very steady tempo and soft music style. It is a good filler for the album in the end.

Lastly, the album comes to a close with "Royal Rumble." The somewhat futuristic melody accompanied by their elongated, echoed vocals make the song slightly mystifying. It features a very synthetic, tropical instrumental that is more guitar heavy than anything else. The song is good but it also lacks a wow factor that would leave the listener feeling entirely impressed towards the end. It is a hit or miss track.

In the end, CNBLUE's '7 °CN' is a great mini album. It contains a plethora of fun sounds, enjoyable lyrics and is easy to take in. CNBLUE proved they are artists with some surprises left under their sleeves and haven't lost their musical talent or interests over time. The album will definitely leave a lasting impression on old and new fans alike. Overall, half of this album needs to be added to my current playlist and that says a lot! 

SCORE:

MV Relevance..........8
MV Production.........8
MV Concept.............7
Album Production....10
Album Concept........9
Tracklisting..............9

OVERALL...............8.5