There’s no doubt Seventeen has made a name of their own. Debuting in 2015, the 13-member K-pop group set themselves apart with their self-producing capabilities, consistently contributing to songwriting and choreography from the very beginning. Their signature sound carved a path that shot for the stars, evident in their record-breaking album sales and sold-out stadium tours across the globe. Between winning multiple daesangs and becoming the first K-pop act to perform at Glastonbury and Lollapalooza, it’s clear that Seventeen shows no signs of stopping, even after 11 years.
While a large number of band members may seem like a crutch to some, Seventeen has only proven it to be a core tenet of their group identity. The group primarily performs as one, but are also divided into three sub-units—hip-hop, vocal and performance—that creates a playground for creative freedom and experimentation. Their prolific discography is peppered with unit tracks that spotlight the members’ unique talents, crafting a performance that’s inclined to different genres and narratives. Each album is vastly different from the preceding release, charting the group’s artistic growth and capabilities throughout the years.
A career that spans over a decade is sure to have a myriad of hit singles to follow suit, chart-toppers that scale the group to radio fame. But beyond the title tracks and popular hits lie a treasure trove of B-sides to delight in. These tracks that go beneath the radar are often the very ones that embody the group, a creative output that reveals the multiple facets of who they are as performers, producers and artists.
With an expansive discography like Seventeen’s, it’s hard to know where to begin. And anyone who knows them, knows there’s no separating our June ‘Embody’ cover star Joshua from Seventeen. For a deep dive into their songs over the years, add these understated tracks to your playlist, found below.
‘1 To 13’
Boyband fans, this one’s for you. The bright, upbeat rhythms and easygoing lyrics that reference past albums is sure to fill one with nostalgia, lending inspiration from the soft pop genre. It’s an instant mood booster at any given time of day.
‘God of Music (Trot Remix)’
There’s ‘God of Music’, and then there’s the ‘God of Music’ trot remix. The brainchild of maknae Dino’s shameless ahjussi alter ego Pi Cheolin, the track was originally a parody that appeared in the group’s variety show. The Korean traditional music style proved addictive and fans requested an official song release. The best part? There’s more to come, with Pi Cheolin releasing his very own solo album soon.
‘March’
March on, indeed. Featured on the Face The Sun album, ‘March’ is a pop-rock anthem driven by heavy percussion and the members’ explosive vocals. It’s a high-energy track that only charges you forward.
‘I Can’t Run Away’
You’d expect a heart-gripping ballad to come from the vocal unit, but Seventeen never fails to surprise. Though widely known for their charisma and heavy rap-focused tracks, the hip hop unit put the spotlight on their vocals instead in their Attacca album. It’s a demonstration of their versatility at its best, with the unit members contributing lyrics as well.
‘Spell’
One of the performance unit’s most enigmatic tracks. The opening chords are dreamy and hypnotic, pulling you right in from the start. The sensuous choreography and hazy, trance-like vocals of Hoshi, Dino, The8 and Jun are a feast for the senses, lingering even after the song ends.
‘Yawn’
A delicate, contemplative ballad derived from feelings of grief and loss. Written and composed by Woozi as a gift to fellow member Seungkwan following the death of his friend, the instrumental mimics rhythms of catching your breath, creating waves of tension and release.
‘All My Love’
‘All My Love’ feels like a bright spring day, where the sun gently kisses your skin and you feel a light breeze in your hair. It’s a bittersweet track where emotional lyrics meet soft synths, keeping the sentimental words in cadence with an upbeat rhythm.
‘9-teen’
Though not an album track, ‘9-teen’ is a hidden gem that deserves the spotlight. The single is the OST for A-teen, a coming-of-age K-drama where a group of high school students navigate their youthful years. The song reflects just that—the wide-eyed wonder and thrill of self-discovery and growing up.
‘Run To You’
The song is filled with hard-hitting pop-rock patterns and sweeping guitar riffs, escalating into an explosive chorus that leaves you buzzed. It’s an anime-inspired soundtrack that gives main character energy, like the opening score to the story of your life.
‘Lie Again’
The members’ wistful vocals and deep rap verses blend seamlessly into a tale of reluctant heartbreak. It’s a melodic track that’s easy on the ears and tender to the heart.
‘Hello’
Originally a pre-debut track, ‘Hello’ perfectly encapsulates the feeling of a crush. The bright, optimistic tune reflects the fluttery feelings of greeting your crush, accompanied by the comforting vocals of Jun, Mingyu and DK.
‘Beautiful’
Members Joshua, Hoshi, Mingyu, The8 and Dino inject an infectious charm into the track, singing playful lyrics of the rush they get when with a loved one, making life feel like a beautiful paradise.
‘Say Yes’
Led by a piano melody and strings, this song is for the yearners. Vocal duo DK and Seungkwan let their powerful vocals shine in this emotional ballad, the lyrics mourning a love that once was.
