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| Photo Cr. Pledis Entertainent |
The 13 members of SEVENTEEN have officially hit double digits in their debut anniversary, and they’re celebrating in a big way. Besides turning Seoul into Caratland with B-day party pop-ups and an exclusive performance on Jamsu Bridge. They’ve gone and released a brand new album. The full-length, titled HAPPY BURSTDAY, is packed – and I mean packed – with a whopping 16 tracks to dive into. This marks the first full-length album since 2022’s critically acclaimed Face The Sun.
And while it may be their birthday, SEVENTEEN have kindly gifted CARATS with 13 solo songs nestled nicely after the group tracks. The celebrations kick off with the catchy HBD, driven by clap-along rhythms and leading nicely into a rock-infused chorus.
But it’s the title track THUNDER that makes the celebration flip into a glorified birthday party to remember. With call-to-action lyrics of “Everyone say woah” and “Gather around, let's all go wild/'Cause our night's getting hotter.” If the words didn’t make you want to party, then, well, the music video certainly will. SEVENTEEN have a remarkable way of making their music videos into visual spectacles. The music video only goes and reverberates that message by throwing a giant birthday party in a massive underground dark warehouse decked out with the ultimate party decorations. Think giant birthday cakes with the members perched and, of course, as always, an impressively intricate choreography for good measure.
This darker, edgier sound stands in stark contrast to SEVENTEEN’s 2024 release, LOVE, MONEY, FAME. HAPPY BURSTDAY is overflowing with a newfound maturity and boldness—a direction the group has only lightly touched on in the past. While they’ve flirted with darker concepts through visuals in MAESTRO or the sonic moodiness of tracks like Fear and ASH, this time, they dive in headfirst.
That evolution is especially evident in Bad Influence, a sleek and confident track co-written and produced by Pharrell Williams. It leans fully into that more grown-up energy, dripping with coolness and driven by a pulsing, head-nodding beat. It’s SEVENTEEN like we’ve never quite heard them before—refined, fearless, and ready for the next chapter.
Having the rest of the album dedicated to solely the members' solo tracks is smart. It’s a first for the group and is a testament to the group’s decade-long career, celebrating the strength, hard work, and unity. HAPPY BURSTDAY isn’t just a celebration but marks more of a stepping stone to the future and what's to come. This format gives the chance to show their own musical styles, and while a few have released mixtapes in the past, those have only given us a small glimpse into just what they’re capable of.
[17'S] 세븐틴 캐럿 👏👏 10TH ANNIVERSARY : B-DAY PARTY BURST Stage @잠수교
— 세븐틴(SEVENTEEN) (@pledis_17) May 25, 2025
10년 중 가장 예뻤던 노을 🌅
캐럿들의 함성, 찌릿찌릿 한 전율⚡️#SEVENTEEN #세븐틴#HAPPY_BURSTDAY#BURST_Stage#SVT_10TH_B_DAY pic.twitter.com/lmSUqw4ars
Starting the solo tracks is The 8’s EDM Skyfall, followed by Joshua’s smooth and easy-listening Fortunate Change. But then comes a slight surprise by hip hop unit member Wonwoo, who takes an unexpected path with 99.9% its charm; it’s got a pep in its step with a refreshingly light, almost spring-like charm that would slot nicely in a K-drama soundtrack.
One thing guaranteed with a SEVENTEEN release is that Seungkwan is going to shine bright. Someone who is no stranger to dreamy OST tracks, this is another staple. Either by making you want to cry your eyes out or sway your hands in the air as he beautifully sings on Raindrops that you await with bated breath.
Hoshi’s solo track sees him join forces with American rapper Timbaland on the bass-heavy Damage. But it’s Shake It Off that things really begin to get hot. Perhaps unsurprisingly, it's Mingyu that brings the heat with an EDM-heavy number that would undoubtedly light up any club or party.
The album strikes an interesting balance between rousing party anthems and emotionally driven ballads to make for what feels like a real birthday night out. Just when the mood dips into tender, another member snaps you right back into celebration. It's an emotional rollercoaster that you don’t want to get off. It’s an interesting way to create the track listing; rather than have the units follow the usual structure, the songs reflect the highs and lows of a night out. While this can sound a little non-cohesive in terms of track placement, i.e., having the more intense, louder tracks sit beside the softer moments. But after all, this is a party, and they are looking to the future and in unity, SEVENTEEN are only just getting started.
Here comes the sunshine-filled Happy Virus, which is the perfect title track for DK, who is everyone’s resident ray of sunshine. Much like Seungkwan, you have to pause and be ready to anticipate those high notes building up, and when the chorus hits, it’s gorgeous. The lyrics are the most pure as he declares to us he is our “happy virus”. From there we go to Woozi’s charming Destiny, to Vernon’s rock-tinged Shining Star, and to Jun’s aptly titled The Mesmerising Hypnotic.
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| Photo Courtesy of Pledis Entertainment |
Maknae Dino shows his star quality on his track Trigger, which almost feels like a warning for the next two songs by the eldest members. As the next song by enlisted member Jeonghan is a nostalgic K-drama dream as his angelic voice radiates during Coincidence. But the group doesn't want you to relax for too long, as the last track is made to ensure you leave wanting to keep the party going.
Closing out the album is leader S.Coups with the hard-hitting, beat-heavy Jungle. Written by the rapper, it's no surprise he’s put out a gritty hip-hop track clad in nothing but sharp confidence. Marking a big, bold full stop to what was an impressive finale to the celebrations.
A group who've undoubtedly had quite the career. Perhaps known for their jovial trademark sound, and while that familiarity is sprinkled here and there, the general vibe for HAPPY BURSTDAY feels different. It marks a perhaps new, more mature-sounding chapter for the group. Now in their double digits, this album marks a turning point in their career, not just collectively but as individuals as well. A lot of the sounds that define the solo members as a whole might be quite a surprise for fans to listen to. But just like any memorable party, it’s loud, it’s bold, and it will leave a lasting impression. Blowing out the candles this year I’m sure has been an emotional one. Since their debut in 2015, many of their wishes have come true. But knowing them, bigger and better things are to come… and we cannot wait.
Happy 10th birthday, SEVENTEEN.