Seventeen - Mansae

Only a handful of new male groups have debuted this year in Korea, and most of them have been decidedly hip-hop. That's the trend nowadays, and it's so ubiquitous that it starts to get a bit boring. Standing on a more pop-oriented side are Pledis Entertainment's Seventeen. I adored their first mini album and was so happy when I heard they were coming back this week. Mansae isn't quite up to the level of Adore U, but thankfully it carries forward the same powerful, groovy sound. It did take about three listens for the hooks to sink in, but now I'm totally addicted. The colorful, fun music video helps. The dancing is incredibly powerful. The guys really take advantage of having 13 (!) members.