Today, Tomorrow x Together (TXT), the rising stars of K-Pop, unveiled their seventh mini album, *The Star Chapter: Sanctuary*. The six new tracks on this album take listeners on a celestial sonic journey, showcasing the group’s artistic growth and their embrace of a more mature sound.
Since their 2019 debut as teenagers, TXT, comprised of Yeonjun, Hueningkai, Soobin, Taehyun, and Beomgyu, have captivated audiences with their pop-infused hits like “Crown” and “Blue Orangeade.” Now, as they navigate their early twenties, the group’s music reflects a newfound maturity, both in their songwriting and the music itself. The album leans heavily into an R&B sound, most evident in the track “Danger.”
*The Star Chapter: Sanctuary* could be compared to Justin Timberlake’s *Justified*, his first solo album after leaving NSYNC. Both albums see the artists exploring new territories, embracing a raunchier and more mature sound. In the case of TXT, the members are collectively exploring their individual journeys into adulthood.
Taehyun, in an interview with Vogue, describes their exploration of R&B: “The 2000s music scene was filled with incredible hits and legendary R&B artists. While preparing for this album, we explored a diversity of R&B songs, which allowed us to capture a groovy rhythm in our recordings.” Soobin adds, “*The Star Chapter: Sanctuary* opens a new chapter in a unique narrative, delving into the universal language of love.”
While the group drew inspiration from the past, they were also keen on maintaining their signature infectious modern sound. As Beomgyu explains, “Instead of simply reinterpreting the sound [of R&B], I wanted to create something fresh that still carries a hint of nostalgia for everyone to enjoy.” This blend of modern and nostalgic elements creates an album that resonates with listeners of all ages.
Beyond the music, the album is also a showcase for TXT’s impressive dance skills, showcased in both their music videos and the TikTok challenges they participate in. When asked about the process of learning their choreography, Yeonjun and Hueningkai shared their insights. Yeonjun says, “Typically, learning brand-new choreography takes about five hours and around eight days to look fully perfect. This was the case for mastering the choreography for [the lead single] ‘Over the Moon.’” Hueningkai adds, “There are times when we need to learn modified choreography for specific tracks, if we’re performing a special remix for our tour or music festival appearances.”
*The Star Chapter: Sanctuary* is an album that showcases TXT’s evolution as artists, their mastery of R&B, and their dedication to crafting music that resonates with a diverse audience. We can’t wait to see how they bring this album to life on stage and continue to captivate fans with their music and captivating performances.
Track-by-Track Review:
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Heaven:
This opening track sets the tone for the album with a gentle instrumental intro, inviting listeners into a heavenly soundscape. The catchy disco beat and lyrics make it an unforgettable opener.*
Over the Moon:
Here, the R&B influence shines through with a captivating blend of falsetto vocals and a classic guitar riff. Each member’s voice shines in this genre.*
Danger:
This track is arguably the album’s highlight, with its layered production and impressive lyricism. The songwriting contributions from Yeonjun, Taehyun, and Beomgyu add a personal touch.*
Resist (Not Gonna Run Away):
Heartfelt lyrics are beautifully paired with a catchy acoustic guitar melody.*
Forty One Winks:
This track provides a welcome shift back to a gentler sound, reminiscent of the album’s opening. The lyrics play on the idiom “40 winks” with a heartwarming twist.*
