Album Review: V8 by The8 and Vernon

Although group activities for 13-member K-pop supergroup SEVENTEEN SEVENTEEN K-POP GROUP SEVENTEEN is a self-producing boy group with 13 members, divided into hip-hop, vocal, and performance units, known for intricate choreography and songwriting. have been put on pause while the members fulfill their mandatory military service, their star power is far from a standstill. On June 29th, SEVENTEEN SEVENTEEN K-POP GROUP SEVENTEEN is a self-producing boy group with 13 members, divided into hip-hop, vocal, and performance units, known for intricate choreography and songwriting. 's main rapper Vernon alongside main dancer and vocalist The8, released their first ever unit project, a mini album titled V8.

The rapper-vocalist combination is not new to the world of K-pop; in fact, it is often a foundational piece of many groups and compositions. But with V8, The8 and Vernon have created an unexpected standout piece. The album, which consists of eight songs including title track 'singasong', draws heavily on EDM and hyperpop conventions to give it a unique sound that goes against the grain of many current K-pop trends.

Track 1: "Friend"

The album's first song opens with an audio sample from The8's elementary school days in China, where he was the leader of a dance group. In an interview with Billboard, Vernon revealed that the clip translates to The8 being asked about his aspirations, to which he replied, "I want to be a star." It's an apt album opener for two members of a K-pop group that are indisputably one of the largest in the world—a group that has sold out stadiums, smashed sales records, and stood the test of time. It's a playful opener that leads into an even more playful album. The song is upbeat but holds a sentimental undertone that is carried throughout the project.

Tack 2: "BEAT"

Although it could be argued that this is not a 'laid back' album, "BEAT" gives listeners a moment to breathe before the heavy EDM influence and hard-hitting dance beats that make you want to move start kicking in. It's an almost sensual interlude before the more hyperpop geared tracks start running the show.

Track 3: "singasong" (Title)

Although not as lyrically inspired as some other tracks on the album, "singasong" feels like the heart of the sound that this project delivers. This is where the hyperpop genre—characterized by eclectic, glitchy synth sounds and maximalist, over the top pop conventions—really shine through. It makes you want to move, and it feels like this song was produced with performance in mind, which is fitting for The8, whose roots in SEVENTEEN SEVENTEEN K-POP GROUP SEVENTEEN is a self-producing boy group with 13 members, divided into hip-hop, vocal, and performance units, known for intricate choreography and songwriting. 's performance unit clearly inspired elements of the song.

Track 4: "mia"

What stands out about this album is the way it layers punk-adjacent lyrics (with their focus on frustrated social commentary) over digital beats you could expect to hear playing in the background of an old video game or anime series. This track is a prime example of that contrast, maintaining the bubbly sound of the album while also forming a halfway point that serves as a bridge to the more emotionally loaded tracks. The project understands itself. It does not feel experimental in the jarring sense, but rather a combination of genres that comes from its creators understanding both.

Track 5: "coloring"

A danceable, groovy breakup song is a must in most albums. They may be singing about heartbreak, but Vernon and The8 just make it sound so nice! The track explores the dichotomy of the sounds you hear versus the lyrics being sung-an upbeat, cheerful sound beneath sad, longing lyrics.

Track 6: "girlsnboys"

A personal favorite on the album, this track, which starts off with Vernon stating, “I’m miserable, I can't lie,” expresses frustration with the enmity of modern society and the pressures faced by, as the title suggests, girls and boys alike. "The world is all in a frenzy," it declares, going on to confront our current sociopolitical scene with, "so much division/We need more love in the world right now." K-pop, especially in the past decade, often brings music and cultural issues to a cross section in which songs become social messages, and these songs are often the ones with the most heart. "girlsnboys" is the most heart-filled song on this project.

Track 7: "8DM"

Perhaps a nod to The8’s love for EDM music, this track kicks the electronic dance vibes up a notch as the album draws to a close. The use of largely Mandarin lyrics here lends a new cadence to the song that takes a more traditional dance club sound to a new level.

Tack 8: "rat race"

The final track on the album reconciles the feeling of imposter syndrome with the giant machine mentality of the K-pop industry as a whole, while also serving as a relatable song for those stuck in the 'rat race' of work culture. "Every day's a rat race/Always on the bag chase/Never have a bad day/Or you'll be in last place," the song chants, holding space for the grind culture and burnout idols and fans alike experience. It's a poignant end to the album, leaving a lingering feeling of food for thought at the end of the fast-paced, pedal to the metal feel of the eight previous songs.

In all, V8 is a strong unit debut that knows itself and its audience. Vernon and The8 have introduced something new to their already jam-packed repertoire, and the album promises a bright future for the musical journey of this duo.