FOCUS - The 1st Mini Album - EP

Album ∙ K-Pop ∙ 2025

Hearts2Hearts

Hearts2Hearts’ first mini-album, FOCUS, is less a debut and more a calculated declaration of identity. Following their promising singles, this five-track EP successfully crystallizes the group’s sound, settling on a sophisticated blend of 90s New Jack Swing and contemporary house music. Rather than relying solely on high-energy pop, FOCUS introduces a measured maturity that sets the eight-member group apart, positioning them as a cohesive unit defined by sleek production and vocal control. 

The title track, "FOCUS," is the album's centerpiece and thesis statement. Built on a vintage house beat and a hypnotic, pulsing synth line, the song is less about melodic peaks and more about groove and atmosphere. The production, helmed by veteran hitmaker Kenzie, is clean and sparse, allowing the members' cool, almost detached vocal delivery to shine. This production choice emphasizes the group’s "razor-sharp choreography"—a point of pride for the members—as the primary visual and aural punctuation. If their earlier work hinted at playfulness, "FOCUS" demands attention with its chic, almost hypnotic sound. 

The B-sides, however, reveal the group's impressive versatility. "Apple Pie" introduces a throwback disco-pop vibe, reminiscent of earlier SM Entertainment groups, utilizing rich harmonies and a vibrant instrumental palette. Conversely, tracks like "Flutter" and the R&B ballad "Blue Moon" offer listeners a deeper look into the members' vocal abilities. "Flutter," in particular, merges city-pop influences with a dreamy, layered production, showcasing a romantic, softer side that balances the title track's intensity. "Blue Moon" closes the EP with emotional depth, solidifying the idea that Hearts2Hearts possesses the vocal foundation to master various genres. 

Ultimately, FOCUS is a highly cohesive project. The EP flows seamlessly, demonstrating a refined aesthetic choice that prioritizes sonic atmosphere over simple earworm hooks. By navigating effortlessly between the driving house rhythm of the title track and the sweet, R&B textures of the ballads, Hearts2Hearts achieves its stated goal: to define their unique "color" within the competitive K-pop landscape. The album is a testament to strong production and the group's precise performance identity, marking them as genuine fifth-generation risers ready to command the stage.