As one of K-pop’s leading acts, Seventeen never slow down. Fresh off the heels of last month’s Rock With You, they’re back with new Japanese single Power Of Love (あいのちから (사랑의 힘)). As expected of late November/early December, the track is a sentimental, seasonal ballad.
Seventeen can rattle off this kind of song in their sleep, and Power Of Love gets its job done. The J-pop market loves a good ballad, guaranteeing the track plenty of mileage over the next few weeks. Sleigh bells add a festive feel, and Seventeen’s airy vocals are a perfect match for this mood. It’s relentlessly pretty, but also kind of dull. This is coming from someone who prefers the group’s upbeat tracks, but I’m not immune to a great melody and tender mood. Power Of Love nails the latter, but needs a more memorable series of hooks to stand out.
Instead, the song threatens to fade into the background. It makes for enjoyable mood music, never threatening to overpower a conversation or activity. Power Of Love builds toward a very brief climax during its bridge, but other than that the song simply circles around the same series of muted refrains. It’s hard to dislike anything about this approach. It’s genial and earnest and incredibly soft. But, it’s also the group’s most forgettable Japanese single, and pales in comparison to some of the stronger ballads in their discography. Still, I won’t decline an early holiday gift. It’s the thought that counts, right?
| Hooks | 7 |
| Production | 7 |
| Longevity | 8 |
| Bias | 7 |
| RATING | 7.25 |
