TWS TO US: In-Depth Album Review – Heavy

1. We Up // 2. Call My Name // 3. Heavy HEAVY I’m not usually a fan of English lyrics in K-pop, but the right lyric, used sparingly, can be very effective. Heavy is probably the most direct manifestation of this single album’s healing concept and was completely misrepresented by the short clip we heard a week or so ago. I went in expecting some gloopy ballad, but instead got a very interesting arrangement that brings in propulsive rock influence and many unexpected melodic shifts. This is the longest song of the three and benefits from that extra space. Honestly, it could stand to be even longer because there’s so much going on here. After a bright synth intro and tease of the song’s post-chorus, we rush into a driving indie rock beat that blossoms into an extended, ascending pre-chorus. I definitely wasn’t expecting this kind of dynamic structure, but things get even better from there. The chorus has a brilliant sense of lift with such a satisfying resolution. I love the high notes here. It’s so nice to hear a chorus that feels narratively complete. I’m less enthused by the way the second verse tempers the energy. I’m not sure why this has become such a touchstone in K-pop songwri...