After a nearly three year hiatus in group activities, Got7 has returned with a new album, Winter Heptagon, their second since leaving JYP Entertainment. The group has had an eventful journey since their previous album, 2022’s GOT7. Jay B and Jinyoung completed their military service, and the members have grown as solo artists, releasing albums and going on international tours. Even though they are all signed to different companies and maintain busy individual schedules, the Got7 members have committed to returning as a group. They have also achieved ownership of full trademark rights and recently regained use of their original social media accounts.
The title Winter Heptagon plays off of “winter hexagon,” a group of some of the brightest stars in the winter sky visible in the Northern Hemisphere. Though these stars are part of different constellations, they still form a recognizable pattern together. It is an apt metaphor for Got7’s story. As Jay B said in a Q&A for the album release, “Winter Heptagon represents the idea that while each of us can shine on our own, we shine even brighter when we come together in winter” (the group debuted in winter, on January 16, 2014, and came back shortly after their 11th anniversary on January 20, 2025).
Winter Heptagon is purposeful in displaying each member’s unique “shine,” while also showcasing their power as a group. Each member contributed to a track on the album, and those who have followed the members’ solo careers could easily recognize who wrote each song. Jackson Wang’s all-English dance pop track “Smooth” has an upbeat groove that reflects his taste and personality. Meanwhile, the UK garage instrumental in Yugyeom’s “Remember” feels consistent with the house beats of his most recent single “Sweet Like”, while also reflecting the R&B influences of his solo discography as a whole. Towards the end of the album, Jinyoung contributes his strong lyricism and sentimentality to the ballad “her.”
While each member’s song is in his signature style, the tracks utilize the vocal colors of all members. For example, in “Darling,” Jay B’s sweet pop R&B song, Mark Tuan, BamBam, and Jackson deliver laid-back, rhythmic verses, Jay B and Youngjae croon in the pre-chorus, and Yugyeom and Jinyoung bring their upper registers and ad-libs to the chorus. In the trap-influenced title track “Python,” penned by BamBam, the verses consist entirely of melodic rap from Mark and Jackson. Jinyoung’s rich lower register and punchy vocal delivery also stand out during the pre-chorus.
On the other hand, “Python” suffers from being too short. While many current K-pop title tracks hover around the 2 minute, 30 second mark in length, “Python” particularly leaves listeners wanting more, with Jay B and Youngjae’s vocals given short shrift. If the song had a bridge and an outro, both vocalists could bring a more dramatic finish. In spite of these shortcomings, the catchy hooks and sleek, slinky bassline make the song a compelling listen.
“Tidal Wave,” BamBam’s other composition contribution, was another contender for the title track, and it is easy to see why. The combination of airy vocals over thumping house beats create a warm, breezy atmosphere. One feels swept up in the song’s dreamy soundscapes, mimicking how the speaker feels that his love interest is like a “tidal wave.” The song might have felt too low-key and summery to be the title track for Winter Heptagon, but it is nevertheless one of the album’s standouts.
Mark’s “Out the Door” is another highlight, delving into a lively, guitar-driven sound reminiscent of his tracks like “Fallin’.” Got7 have not explored the pop rock genre previously, but it actually suits them well. While the song repeats a relatively simple guitar riff and drum beat, it effectively uses vocal layering to provide texture and variety. The switches from Jackson’s raspy delivery in the bridge to Jinyoung’s emotive pre-chorus vocals to the harmonies in the final chorus are particularly satisfying.
Lyrically, most of the songs revolve around romantic relationships, with two notable exceptions: “Our Youth,” written by Youngjae, and “Yours, Truly,” composed by Jay B with lyrics from all members. “Our Youth” reminisces about both the struggles and joys in the early days of Got7, reassuring their past selves that “All those young and difficult days will become a highlight.” The song reaches an uplifting high point with the members chanting together, “yeah, here we go again” in the post-chorus and Youngjae belting, “If we are together, say yeah.” Youngjae holds the high note with “yeah” as the instrumentation falls away, further emphasizing his passion and commitment.
Meanwhile, “Yours Truly,” is addressed to fans, with its title resembling the closing of a letter. The sentimental song expresses the members’ promises to fans:
I can’t guarantee that I will definitely come back
But I will try for you
If you always wait for me in that same spot
Even if it takes a long time to be by your side
I will definitely come back someday, I promise
“Yours Truly,” acknowledges that circumstances will keep Got7 apart again, specifically with Youngjae’s and Yugyeom’s impending enlistments. Their heartfelt singing over piano and guitar conveys their sincere intentions to return when they can.
The group’s lyrics and vocal performance are not the only elements that convey their loyalty to Got7 and fans. In a segment on MBC Radio, Jay B explained that the members wrote their lyrics to “Your Truly,” first, and then he made subtle but meaningful choices in his composition. The song’s 2-5-1 chord progression reflects the history of the group: initially 2 members (Jay B and Jinyoung), then the other 5, and then 1 devoted fanbase. And the starting key? G major 7.
The reality that considerable time may pass before the next Got7 comeback makes Winter Heptagon feel particularly poignant. Even without that context, however, Winter Heptagon fulfills its intentions of utilizing the members’ individual colors as an asset. The album spotlights the accomplishments of each member as a songwriter, and the special synergy they have as a group.
(YouTube. Kakao Entertainment. MBC Radio. Lyrics via Genius [1][2]. Images via Kakao Entertainment).
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