[Review] FOCUS – Hearts2Hearts

Since their debut earlier this year with The Chase, Hearts2Hearts have released two singles that I have yet to review – Style and Pretty Please. While the length of time since the release and their potential review might be an indicator, it can also be said that Hearts2Hearts is also impacted by my inability to keep up with new releases. Anyhow, Hearts2Hearts returned last month with their first-ever mini-album, FOCUS, and the title track of the same name (which is also the ‘focus’ of this review). Pretty Please, mentioned earlier, is a pre-release single from their first mini-album, FOCUS, as well.

What I liked about FOCUS was its constant and consistent groove. While consistency is something that is a hit or miss to me, it does well in FOCUS, keeping the house-based song buoyant and upbeat for the majority of the track. I also liked how the producers gave the song impact by adding just a bit more to the instrumental for the instrumental break bridge. It’s subtle, but it does wonders to FOCUS. The members deliver a more subdued tone to the song. I think the success of the song is simply the contrast between the subdued spoken tone and the upbeat groove that the instrumental delivers. Somehow, they both come out on top and give FOCUS a memorable aspect. However, the subdued tone and spoken delivery do mean that all of them merge together, and I don’t really hear much individuality between the members. I also feel that this combination limits the appeal of the hook, which I found to become repetitive with repeated listens of the song. So, I guess in summary, FOCUS is a mixed bag of both good and not-so-good aspects. But it’s still a decent listen, overall.

In FOCUS, Hearts2Hearts sings about how someone captures their attention and takes their focus away. Given their ages, the school concept makes perfect sense. While they should be focused on their studies, the person in question takes up all of their attention. I think the dance practice room location later on in the video fits in similarly, where the members should be focused on their dance moves, but yet they are distracted by the person (who, in the mirror, is Hearts2Hearts themselves). In particular, I like the final scene outside with the fireworks. Paired with the choreography and the members’ stoic expressions, it was a bold end to the music video.

Although it may not appear this way, the routine for FOCUS was exceptionally strong. The sharp movements during the chorus and the in-your-face approach they took during the dance break were really cool and super bold. If this is what they can do, I highly anticipate their next performance!

Song – 8/10
Music Video – 8/10
Performance – 10/10
Overall Rating – 8.4/10