K-Pop debuts can be tricky things. At times, they’re the best song a group delivers. Sometimes, they’re the only song a group delivers!

But, debuts can also be huge wtf moments in an artist’s career. In this feature, I’ll be looking back at debut songs through the prism of time, re-evaluating how well they hold up and how representative they are of an artist’s eventual singles run.

Debut Date: May 29, 2015

Review:

I remember eagerly watching Seventeen’s pre-debut reality series and being so excited because of its heavily-featured theme song. Shining Diamond ended up being an album opener rather than a title track and – believe or not – I initially found Adore U (아낀다) slightly underwhelming when cast in its shadow. It was one of the few K-pop title tracks I stayed up late for – something like 2am in my time zone? So, maybe I was just too tired on first listen.

Regardless of first impressions, Adore U has gone on to become its own diamond in the group’s discography. It arrived as a funky statement of intent, crystallizing Seventeen’s charms right off the bat. At the time, there weren’t many groups with such a large formation, and some of the initial thrill behind Seventeen were the intricate stages they could create with so many members. It’s hard to believe it now, but Adore U is also the product of a struggling agency. By all accounts, Pledis Entertainment was on its last legs. Seventeen single-handedly reversed those fortunes, and the initial success of Adore U played a huge part.

The song itself is pure energy. It’s got rhythm inside of rhythm, and bounds forward with youthful zeal that still sounds refreshing today. Its verses are sticky and sly, but it’s that whopper of a chorus that really establishes the track. The whole thing is so darn playful, constantly shifting direction without ever feeling aimless or overthought. And when we build toward a blissful, vocal-centric climax just before the final chorus, it’s as if the gates of K-pop heaven have burst open.

Adore U is just short of legendary status for me (Seventeen would quickly claim that with its follow-up Mansae), but all the ingredients for a stellar discography are here from the very beginning.

Does the song hold up?
Definitely!

Is the song stronger or weaker than most of the artist’s title tracks?
The group has a few stronger titles, but this sits comfortably in their top ten. Probably top five.

Does the song represent the artist’s music going forward?
It represents an era of their music up until about 2017, but elements of Adore U have never fully left their repertoire.

Grade: A

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