TVXQ! are officially back in the K-pop game.
Three years since releasing Rise As God, the duo returned on Thursday (March 28), with a new beginning. Their first album since the pair returned from serving in South Korea’s military, New Chapter #1: The Chance of Love delivers up the smoothest, most grown-up TVXQ! yet. Fronted by the jazzy “The Chance of Love,” TVXQ!’s most maturely-styled singled to date, the 11-track album marks the iconic boy band’s official return to the K-pop scene following a quick re-introduction last year.
Like past singles “Something” and “Spellbound,” “The Chance of Love,” or “Fate” as it’s called in Korean, brings in swing-inspired instrumentals to TVXQ!’s sound. Splicing the swaying melody with scratchy synths and pulsating, snapping beats, the pair’s vocals blend harmoniously through the bouncing chorus, “ooh-oohs” and all.
The song was released with a music video filled with captivating visuals that emphasized the duo’s skill as they danced their way through art deco-inspired sets, backed by teams of dancers.
Along with “The Chance of Love,” the duo will also release a second music video for the album track “Love Line,” a breezy, summery song overflowing with minimalist, plinking percussion, on April 3.
Throughout, the album New Chapter #1 lives up to its name and reflects a new era for TVXQ! with its overall contemporary, laidback vibe through the likes of the groovy “Broken,” the sleek urban house of “Only For You,” the mellow tone of ballad “Lazybones,” and the funky brass of “Bounce.” “Wake Me Up” brings in a retro, big band sound while “Without You” offers up sultry R&B. The album also features songs performed by each of the members on their own; U-KNOW delivers up a chill feel on the deep house track “Puzzle,” while “Closer” is a sensual future bass tune that exudes charisma from MAX. “Sun & Rain,” a piano-driven pop ballad featuring lyrics co-written by MAX closes things out.
New Chapter #1: The Chance of Love is the boy band’s ninth Korean studio album, and coincides with their 15th year in the industry. Originally formed as a quintet in 2003, TVXQ! became one of Asia’s most popular acts throughout the ‘00s with hits like “Hug,” “Rising Sun” and “Mirotic.” TVXQ! became a duo in 2011 and have released five Korean albums since.
Watch the music video for “The Chance of Love” below: