I get to see GOT7’s maknae this weekend in New York, so that means I needed to brush up on his solo discography. Given that this is called the Trusty Tour, I figured I’d spend more quality time with his 2024 album, Trust Me.
And with fourteen tracks, I really did spend a substantial amount of time with Trust Me! I feel like the album started off with a safer sound, in the mild “La So Mi,” that advertised a more acoustic Latin flair. I will admit that I was not a fan on the first listen, but it’s become a comforting track, especially leading the rest of the album. With the first few tracks off the album I like how they added a record flipping sound to transition between songs. That was a smart move because right after “La So Mi” was a more glittery 80s sounding track, “Shine.”
As I keep moving through the tracks off this record, “Alright” features a rapper that seems more in line with GOT7’s rap line, so that was a comfortable listen. Next were two really strong tracks back to back with “1 Minute” that just made you feel good, but “Steppin” is top tier fun and I cannot wait to see this one live. Unfortunately, “She” just isn’t a great follow up after the high energy and greatness of ‘Steppin,” though “Lolo” makes up for that dip. Yet another style is introduced with this song, but I was really digging the hypnotic lo-fi it had to offer with an addictive chorus.
If you’re listening to the record a little superficially, you might confuse the pace of “Wuh” with that of “Steppin,” but their similarities just mean they’re both good! “Ponytail” was a single for this album and I can totally see why – it slaps. I could not stop singing it – even after the first time! “Dance” yet again shifts the genres into more of something that would be played at a sultry night club. A lot of the remaining songs on the album are predominately R&B, but the female vocalist featured on “Say Nothing” sounded incredible here. Of all of the tracks featuring artists on this album, and there are quite a few, this is definitely the one worth checking out.
Yugyeom was able to circle back to the opening style with closing track, “Summer Blues,” and it’s also the song featuring the most English lyrics. These Korean artists really put Americans to shame – what talent! If anything, the versatility of this album really let Yugyeom showcase his breadth of talent, but I think it will also make for a very eclectic live show. Stay tuned for that review next week!