Song Review: TWS – Lucky To Be Loved

When TWS released their mini album last month, I wrote a track-by-track review knowing full well they’d likely promote one of its b-sides with a music video later on. That prediction has come true with album-opener Lucky To Be Loved, but I’m going to revisit the track today since I have more to say. For those who found their comeback Countdown a bit too ebullient, Lucky To Be Loved might just be for you. It catches the guys in their mellower Last Festival sound, painted with a hazy summer sheen.

I want to take this chance to write a little about melody, since K-pop doesn’t often give me the opportunity these days. There’s this specific melodic approach so many TWS tracks utilize and it’s a big reason why the music has such a hold on me. The melodies tug upward in ever-increasing bursts before cresting with a brief, pointed climax. This structure characterizes the choruses of Countdown, Last Festival and If I’m S, Can You Be My N and reappears here for Lucky To Be Loved’s pre-chorus. It’s such an effective top line technique and has proven quite resilient and adaptable across a variety of genres and composers. It’s become a melodic signature for the group and fits the members’ vocal characters perfectly.

Though Lucky To Be Loved‘s overall sound is muted, this constant feeling of build keeps it from sounding beige. You can hear it in the tension of the synths and the blossoming of the vocals at key points throughout the track. These elements work together to craft a song with great staying power. I’ll always prefer an energetic joy bomb like Countdown, but if an artist is going to cool the temperature of their music this is the way to do it.

Grade: B+