Best-Of compilation albums are uncommon in K-pop, but if any group deserves to have their singles bundled into an anthology it’s Seventeen. They’ve been releasing bangers since 2015, though I’ve found their more recent work harder to get into. This album features four new songs — each of which will be getting a music video over the next few weeks. First up is title track Maestro, which harnesses the darker, more aggressive side of the group.
Like many modern K-pop tracks, Maestro segments itself into distinct moments — some of which I enjoy and some of which I don’t. This makes for a frustrating listen because one second you’re enveloped in a rush of momentum and then next you’re underwhelmed by a thudding chorus and underdeveloped hook. There’s cohesion in the execution, but not in the sound.
My favorite points in Maestro occur either when the energy speeds or the production gets weird. The pre-choruses have a brilliant drive reminiscent of 2019’s EDM banger Hit. On the opposite end of the spectrum, the song also succeeds when it pulls back to a captivating, skeletal frame of percussion. The moment right before its climactic switch-up is compelling because it’s so starkly arranged. I’m far less enthused by the song’s melodies — especially the dull chorus. The repetitive “la la la” hook is a total energy suck after the set-up of the pre-chorus. But then we have that thrilling techno beat that ushers in verse two. I wish the entire track had been this daring. As it stands, I feel more inclined to remix Maestro than enjoy it on its own.
Hooks
7
Production
9
Longevity
8
Bias
7
RATING
7.75