Sonic Serotonin: BSS 1st Single Album ‘Second Wind’ by BSS (SEVENTEEN)

If anyone needs a pick-me-up or has lost their motivation, they need to listen to this gem of solid serotonin. The sub-unit BSS from SEVENTEEN struck again with optimism and energy in their first official single album, Second Wind. The sub-unit name BSS stands for BooSeokSoon, made from a syllable in each member’s name: Boo Seungkwan, DK (Lee Seokmin), and Hoshi (Kwon Soonyoung). The sub-unit was born in 2018 with the release of the single “Just Do It”. They’ve continued the optimistic and energetic core of their music in this album and manage to take the listener on a journey through one hopeful and energetic day with spellbinding wordplay and music full of encouragement.

Second Wind seems to paint a story of making it through a long day with the energy to press on. Three songs make up different moments throughout the day, starting with an upbeat and energetic song “Fighting”, a loving sentiment expressed in the song “LUNCH”, and a soft comfort in “7PM”. I find the structure of this album quite inventive and appreciate a storyline that can be made cheerfully and succinctly in just three short songs.

The song that has made the biggest impression on me is the most energetic of the lot, “Fighting” featuring Lee Young-Ji. This song first drew me to the sub-unit BSS and has managed to drum up some motivation on my many tired mornings (a feat only so many songs can do). Full of explosive energy from the very beginning, the powerful and upbeat drums get your heart pumping and ready for whatever will come next in your day or life. Throughout the song, the members quip about how even when things are hard, you can continue to approach them with energy and a fighting spirit. In the chorus, they use the word “fighting”, a term used in Korea to signal encouragement and to cheer others on. Throughout the song,the listener is receiving an ecstatic pep talk, acknowledging that things are hard, but you can continue on.

Featured on this vibrant track is rapper Lee Young-Ji, winner of Show Me The Money 11 (a popular rap competition in South Korea), and she definitely shows off her skills on this track. Her rich tone adds a powerful dynamic to the song as she raps about how we have to keep going. A fun line from her includes a reference to Beethoven and how there are still many pages (of music and experiences) left to play in our lives (the word play is immaculate). It’s not over till it’s over. A self-proclaimed SEVENTEEN fan, Lee Young-Ji brings her all to this song. In all, this beginning to the album packages a pep talk and instant serotonin into just three minutes and twenty five seconds.

As you continue through the album, the energy slowly becomes calmer. The next song, “LUNCH”, is filled with electronic synths and echoey galaxy sounds. With even the inclusion of something that sounds a lot like a theremin, these atmospheric additions create an energetic and soothing atmosphere while listening. The last track of the album, “7PM” featuring Norwegian singer Peder Elias, carries over some of the echoey electronic notes but is an overall softer song fit for winding down at the end of the day. A beautiful bass guitar adds to its comforting melody and Elias’ vocals match the song's feeling very well.

Overall, this album is a beautiful example of sharing a cohesive message and storyline in just a few short songs. I admire that BSS decided to keep their playful and energetic message in this release. In a world full of negativity and unfortunate circumstances, this set of songs brings a little light into the world of the listener. One can’t help but sing along and feel motivated when “Fighting” comes on. (I know I can’t.) I’ll be patiently awaiting the return of BSS. Fighting!