Super Junior D&E make their return with the 6th mini album INEVITABLE and the title song Go High.
D&E is a criminally underrated sub-unit considering they always deliver such strong albums. However, I have to say that often the true gems of those albums lie in their b-sides and not the title tracks. Of course, this isn’t to say that their previous titles haven’t been good – Growing Pains, Zero, ‘Bout You are all songs I love listening to, as well as their respective albums. COUNTDOWN is still one of my favourite k-pop albums and I lovingly go back to it quite often, as well as their EP ‘Bout You (imagine having Evanesce II, Rum Dee Dee & Livin’ In in one album? Insane). I am, therefore, completely sure that this new mini-album will provide us with the good music we expect from D&E so let’s dive in and review!
Like Lina will say below, I’m not sure I get Go High on the first listen. It’s a bit too much in-your-face for me right now although it has some elements I really enjoy – for example, some more melodic moments during the verses, or even the chorus which I see could be a potential earworm in the future. However, I always think that their biggest strength actually lies in their vocals and the way the co-operate with each other musically, and this isn’t really a song where I can feel that emotion. That’s why I said earlier that some of their best songs are their b-sides because they bring so much emotion, so much melody, such good instrumentals, and delicious, often nostalgic feeling through their side tracks that they often overshadow the titles. Go High is definitely more of a hype song, oriented toward the bad-ass energy we get to see in the music video – which, I have to admit, is quite fun and interesting visually – and while it’s not for me right now I can appreciate that they always try to experiment and try something new. One thing about D&E, you will never catch them doing one style forever and I can respect that. D&E is a duo that we really love and have been following together for years, so we always feel biased towards them. All of this being said, this is not a negative review because the album? Oh, that’s where things get interesting.
I am honestly struggling so bad to choose only one b-side from D&E’s new mini-album to highlight because they have somehow once again outdone themselves. So much melody everywhere! I feel like I’m in heaven. I should know by now that D&E never disappoint with their b-sides and this new mini-album truly confirms that. Break, Run Away, Only You, Plausible Theory, Eau De Perfume? Oh my god, let me turn my volume up for every single one of these tracks. I really love seeing songwriter Donghae in action and I definitely think he did such a great job with Run Away and Break specifically. Both of these are so good and an instant hit in my book. Run Away has that specific, recognizable D&E sound and it could’ve honestly easily been the title track for this album. It’s melodic, upbeat, and catchy, with some pretty fun pop-rock elements that have you moving your shoulders until the end. The way the bridge slows down and offers a more emotional dimension to the song? The way it slowly eases into that final chorus? I love it so much. Definitely going to be one of my favourites from the album.
Another shining standout song from the album has to be Eau De Perfume. They teamed up with the amazing Jam Factory and PENTAGON’S Jinho for this b-side and I can hear that delicious groove being injected into my veins as I listen to it. It’s just so funky, fun, and upbeat, but also sensual, with a very elegant note to it from start to finish. This track really had me turning up my volume right away and then hitting the replay button the moment it was over. Such a stunning track that I can totally see having its own video as well. D&E have really outdone themselves with this mini and I dare say it’s definitely one of their best! Make sure to check it out.
Go High might not be my cup of tea right now, but every single track on this album is a 10/10.
Ireally didn’t think I would be able to write this review today since I had a migraine attack where I went half blind again and my head was about to burst I think but my brain has finally calmed down and I had a moment to listen through the d&e album. I think everyone knows by now how much this duo means to Una and I because these are our boys. I did notice that WayV dropped a song the other day legit called Go Higher and now D&E are telling us to also Go High, it’s kind of funny tbh. Anyway, let’s review.
Okay I will say, I do not enjoy Go High very much I think Donghae and Eunhyuk know they are better at fun, upbeat, and melodic music because the rest of this mini album is an absolute feast to my ears. I also think they think they need to release edgy and grungy songs like Go High to stay relevant or something. I am not sure, I’d prefer they would make more fun songs and use their vocal harmonies but you know if they wanna be bad boys I’ll be supporting them as well. Go High is an okay song it reminds me of the guys’ previous release and I think it fits the vibes very they were going for. They sound good for what they want to do but I think that instrumental is a bit too cheese grater for me.
Now let me talk about the mini album because this is where the music is at guys!! Go High couldn’t stand out more from the album because the rest of INEVITABLE is melodic pop fun. Songs like Break, Eau De Perfume, and Plausible Theory are just a joy to listen to and would have all made better title songs for a late summer/autumn album but oh well it is what it is. I still get to enjoy the b-sides on this mini and know what D&E are capable of instead of whatever Go High is sadly. Still love these men and how much they mean to me.