Seventeen members Jeonghan and Joshua have released “Dreamscape,” their first album as the duo JxJ. The project is the first built entirely around the two of them, after they recorded the duet “Falling for U” for the group’s 2018 special album “Director’s Cut.” Joshua said their company first suggested the collaboration.
The album is also Jeonghan’s first new music since he completed South Korea’s mandatory military service this summer. While he served, Seventeen continued performing without him. Joshua spent the same period producing songs and sending them to the company. Jeonghan said he had not known Joshua was so interested in producing, and that he was amazed by how clear an idea Joshua had about the musical direction.
Seventeen debuted in 2015 under Pledis Entertainment, now part of Hybe, with 13 members. Six members are currently serving in the military, and Seungkwan and Dino enlist together on October 26. Jeonghan and Joshua both sing in the group’s vocal team, and JxJ is the group’s seventh unit.
Creative approach
Joshua co-wrote and co-composed his solo track, the alternative rock song “Not Personal,” and has a lyric credit on the closer, “No Looking Back.” Jeonghan co-wrote the lyrics for his solo track, the electro-house song “Coloring.” Joshua said the pair did not initially agree on the sound: Jeonghan wanted a stronger side, while Joshua wanted a subtle, mature version of themselves. They settled on “12 O’Clock,” which Joshua described as “right in the middle between strong and subtle.”
“12 O’Clock” is a dance-rock track built on 1970s and 1980s disco and funk. The seven-track album opens with the house song “Like You,” passes through R&B and soul, and ends with the band track “No Looking Back.” Jeonghan said the range gives the record an immersive, dreamlike feel.
A tour is set to follow the album’s promotions, and Jeonghan has been mapping out the stage show.
Source: Variety Music
