Soloist EVAN has come back with a mini album that demonstrates his full creative self. Photo credits to EVAN and HYBE.
Back this time with a full mini-album release, EVAN is showing his true creativity on every single track. Each song plays a different part of his story, walking the listener through the timeline of his life and his emotions that are encapsulated in every lyric. EVAN also helped produce, write and compose every track on this album, further showing that his talent as a solo artist will only grow from here.
The first track on the album, “Not Enough”, immediately starts off with a slow-paced R&B tone, however; the background noise and beats are similar to the band Chase Atlantic’s older songs. This track focuses heavily on his versatile vocals – giving almost a sensual vibe to the song. This track tells the story of a restless mindset someone could have while under a high pressure environment, surrounded by those who expect so highly of you. In the second verse there is a line that may resonate with listeners- “The beautiful crown I thought I had / Not gonna settle” – for those that work in a creative industry, it is oftentimes hard to accept that no matter what you put out into the world, it may never be enough for some.
The next track, “Noise”, strips everything down – the song feels acapella and lo-fi like. This song immediately gives me SZA vibes, and if you are familiar with her music, you will know exactly what I am talking about. This is another track that shows off EVAN’s sultry vocals that bring you in wanting more. This song almost ties in with the message of “Not Enough”, with “Noise” giving the message of refusing to be distracted by the outside pressure of the world and music industry. In the chorus, there is a specific line that I am sure holds a lot of meaning to EVER’s right now – “Little by little, what’s the rush? / Yeah, my time keeps on tickin’ / I’m doin’ it right” – appreciating EVAN’s outlook on life and how we really do have to life in the moment and take things one day at a time.
[Read my review of “Ride or Die” here .]
His newest title, “Death of Me”, speeds the album back up with The Weeknd like vibes. It brings an adrenaline like rush and heavy synth-driven energy that keeps the song easily on repeat for hours. This song continues to tell EVAN’s story as an artist, sending out a message that encourages others to pursue their own path without letting fear or anyone else hold you back from living out your dreams. In the MV, there are multiple scenes where it almost seems like he is fighting off a “demon”, trying to push through and keep going no matter where that end of the path goes.
“Twilight” is such an airy, pop like song – it almost reminds me of the old school techno pop punk scene from 2008-2009, giving REDISCOVER vibes. It is such an uplifting, high energy twist to the album that fits in perfectly. The lyrics tell a story about a love so addicting and enchanting, repeating in the chorus “Can’t let you walk away, let you walk away”, that you never want to wake up from this beautiful moment.
”Immature” jumps into a hearty guitar, alternative pop-punk vibe with underlying synth-tones and almost reminds me of listening to old school 5 Seconds of Summer. The lyrics on this track are telling more of his journey, focusing on how EVAN does not let anyone else or anything get in his way and does not care what other people think of him. This is probably one of my top favorites on the entire album – as someone who has loved Heeseung since 2020, seeing this new side of him and being able to have full creative control over his own music is something I’ve always wanted for him. In the chorus “Oh, this is all I wanna do (Because I am already myself)” is such an important message to not only himself, but fans and non fans alike that are tuning into EVAN for the first time.
Closing out the album with “Going Home”, we are switching back to a more soft indie pop vibe, which is a perfect way to close out the album. After my first listen, it gives the same musical vibe as wavetoearth’s music – perfect for a late night drive, or for a night where you just need time to yourself. In his recent Billboard interview, EVAN was asked specifically about this song. He had explained that the inspiration for this track came from how he rarely had time to go home and see his family, so when that time came, it became very emotional and overwhelming for him. This track tells a perfect story for every idol alike – and how hard it can be to be away from the people you love the most, when you need them the most. As the line “So wait ‘til I become / The one who won’t leave you alone / Almost going home” s sung in the chorus, you can feel the emotions and longing in EVAN’s voice that makes this song so comforting yet heartbreaking at the same time.
As this album solidifies EVAN’s new journey as an artist, it 100% shows his artistic vision and what the future holds for him. While each track has their own unique vibe, it still feels cohesive and showcases all of his talents into 8 beautiful tracks. I am so unbelievably proud of everything Heeseung has accomplished in such a short amount of time, especially with the continuous spotlight on him for numerous reasons. It is so inspiring to see him continue his journey as an artist and be able to release projects that he is so proud of and so dear to his heart. I cannot wait to see what the future holds for him, and I will always love to call myself an EVER.
Please make sure to stream his new album and don’t forget to check out the music video for “Death of Me”!