genesis GOT7 is unapologetically authentic in ‘Winter Heptagon’

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Photo: GOT7

A star can pierce through the darkness alone, but it’s a constellation that truly lights up the heavens. Together, these stars create a symphony that turns the sky into something greater.

So, too, does the globally renowned South Korean supergroup GOT7 with its latest album, Winter Heptagon, marking the much-awaited revival of the seven-piece powerhouse. Inspired by an actual winter constellation and tailored to reflect the group’s identity, the album is GOT7’s first collective effort since its self-titled extended play (EP) three years ago.

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When GOT7 departed from its former label, JYP Entertainment, after a seven-year contract, the move initially left fans uncertain about the group’s future, especially given the “seven-year curse” that has long haunted K-pop acts. However, the seven members—JAY B, Mark Tuan, Jackson Wang, Jinyoung, Youngjae, BamBam, and Yugyeom—have since flourished in their respective individual careers, each signed to different agencies as solo artists. Despite this, they have remained true to their word to stay as seven and make time pursuing projects as a unit.

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JAY B, the leader of the multi-awarded septet, confirmed his group’s return in his December 2024 solo concert, news that didn’t really come as a surprise to the IGOT7 fandom, considering the various hints and spoilers coming from the other members. With the stream of official teasers that followed the announcement and the self-owned group reclaiming its original social media accounts, it became apparent that this comeback would be one for the books.

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“Python” sets the tone for the album with a curious invitation. Produced by Thai member BamBam, the dark, hip-hop-infused lead track contrasts personal success and vulnerability within the confines of a consuming relationship. It is raw in its admission of being wrapped around someone’s finger: “I know I’m an icon / Watch me with the lights on / But she got a hold on me like a python.” It’s impossible not to gravitate toward the track’s magnetic pull as the melodic rap lines, delivered powerfully by the rap duo of Mark and Jackson, draw you into the subtle explosion of the chorus.

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GOT7 knows how to embrace the darkness with finesse, as evidenced in its introspective 2019 EP Spinning Top: Between Security and Insecurity, arguably one of the group’s best productions to date. The septet pulls it off again with this opener, though its short duration leaves the listener wanting more. “Python” is elegantly laidback, like a quiet supernova, and showcases GOT7’s artistic maturity right off the bat.

Dark turns into light as the album transitions into “Smooth,” a funky, upbeat track about living in the moment and going with the flow. Produced by “Bullet to the Heart” singer Jackson, it is the first of three songs written entirely in English. This two-minute delight hooks you with its infectious groove, reminiscent of the Magic Man’s 2022 hit, “Blow.” There’s a natural suave to the track that is impossible to resist, as GOT7 urges you to “just feel your body and let it loose” and “dance like there’s no tomorrow”—a charming encouragement to embrace life’s rhythm with confidence and ease.

READ: Jackson Wang makes magic with latest single ‘Blow’

The group of seven continues the hopeful sentiment in “Our Youth,” a vibrant anthem that reflects on their remarkable journey as “seven or never.” Penned by Youngjae, the uplifting three-minute track expresses the septet’s unwavering commitment to stay together and forge ahead toward the future. The track becomes even more meaningful when you realize that GOT7 truly knows how to keep a promise: the members have repeatedly stated that they are “in it for the long ride,” and their actions back that up.

The seven-member powerhouse celebrates pure, enduring love in “Remember,” produced by youngest member Yugyeom. From the moment the beat drops, you instantly recognize the R&B and hip-hop influences the maknae has embraced in his solo career with the revered label AOMG. A sincere ode to true love, the two-minute track incorporates an entrancing house groove as GOT7 reflects on the joy of shared memories—holding hands, going on adventures, overcoming challenges—capturing the tender side of a cherished relationship.

READ: GOT7’s Yugyeom drops much-awaited solo studio album ‘Trust Me’

The switch-up continues with “Darling,” produced by leader JAY B. The track is a passionate declaration of longing, an expression of desire for someone who turns the mundane into something special. In this R&B-infused number, JAY B tones down the sensuality that often defines his artistry, leaning into a softer and more romantic side. The captivating trap beat adds a dynamic layer to the song, as the members’ vocals shine through as they plead: “Can you be my darling?”

READ: GOT7’s JAY B drops first full-length solo album ‘Road Runner’

GOT7 takes the listening experience up a notch with “Tidal Wave,” a nostalgic expression of yearning for someone they consider their “kryptonite.” Incredibly groovy and atmospheric, this three-minute banger written entirely in English features dreamy synths and mesmerizing harmonizations, making it one of Winter Heptagon‘s standout tracks. Produced by BamBam, this deep house anthem is an absolute classic, straight out of a playlist you’d listen to on your way to a summer holiday.

Featuring “Tidal Wave” as the album opener would have been an intriguing choice—especially after the group revealed that it almost did, until a revote by the members. By doing so, GOT7 would have foregrounded a deep house-influenced soundscape, an approach reminiscent of girl group f(x)’s bold exploration of the genre in its 2015 classic 4 Walls.

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The septet hits back-to-back home runs with the emerging fan-favorite “Out The Door.” Produced by Mark, the three-and-a-half-minute track expresses frustration over giving it all to someone who can’t decide if they’re in love. Fully written in English, this pop-rock anthem feels straight out of the Los Angeles native’s discography, almost as if answering the question: What if GOT7 did a song similar to “Everyone Else Fades?”

READ: Mark Tuan drops latest single ‘Everyone Else Fades’

“Out The Door” has been receiving high praise from fans, and rightfully so. The genre fits them like a glove. It’s the kind of song you’d expect to hear on the radio, like something plucked from a coming-of-age film soundtrack—perfect for a beach drive. It is a refreshing take from GOT7, who hasn’t explored this particular sound in its discography; perhaps this is something the group could revisit in future releases.

The album takes a turn with “Her,” an emotional track that reflects on the beauty of a past love. Under Jinyoung’s influence, the four-minute ballad is one of the longest—and loveliest—in the album. Backed by a gentle guitar instrumental, the track gives off an indie folk-pop vibe, with the members shining vocally. “Her” is brimming with emotion, balancing between nostalgia and heartache, as lines like “바람결에 새겨두고 보내줄게” (I’ll carve it into the wind and send it off) convey a quiet resolve to accept things and let go.

Finally, the EP concludes with “Yours Truly,” GOT7’s heartfelt love letter to Ahgases, the group’s ride-or-die fans. Even before its official release, the fandom already anticipated the track to be a heartstring tugger, as an album teaser revealed that GOT7 wrote the lyrics as a collective. Composed and arranged by JAY B under his artistic alter ego Def., the track features a simple piano-backed instrumental that highlights the members’ voices and emotions. Sentimentally reminiscent of previous fan dedications “Thank You” and “Encore,” the album’s conclusion serves as a comforting, assuring promise to their fans that they will come back—even if it takes a long time.

READ: GOT7 honors promise to fans with sentimental ‘ENCORE’ MV

If you’re looking for an album with a unified sound and style, you will not find it here. The nine-track production is unapologetically—and charmingly—self-aware in its recognition of the members’ individual artistries, offering a galaxy of genres. Winter Heptagon might feel eclectic to some listeners, especially those unfamiliar with the septet. But for full-blooded fans who have closely followed the boys’ successful solo careers, this musical diversity will most likely be commended—and cherished. While it can be argued that differing directions can still be harmonized for a more polished result, that’s not the case here. Cohesion is not the point of this album; rather, it’s a celebration of GOT7’s artistic evolution, both as a group of seven and as individuals.

At its best, Winter Heptagon positions itself as an exhibit of what a group can achieve when allowed to own its sound. Even the eponymous GOT7 EP, which showcased a more focused artistic direction, exuded this principled confidence. When personal taste and business interests clash, the outcome is usually a product that falls short of its full potential—the exact push-and-pull situation that GOT7 reportedly faced during its seven-year run with its former label. Now, with GOT7 being a self-owned and self-produced collective, the possibilities run endless.

To stage a widely anticipated revival against the backdrop of its eleventh anniversary in the K-pop cosmos—a move that already defies convention, considering the countless curtain calls in the industry—is already a daunting decision in itself, fraught with potential questions over the group’s relevance and inevitable comparisons to their past successes. But it’s clear that GOT7 doesn’t care about the scrutiny. Winter Heptagon is a product of pure brotherhood, a bond forged by a mutual love for music and built upon a decade’s worth of shared history. This comeback is a bold statement on its own, a testament to the septet’s impeccable chemistry, and a perfect way to declare what they’ve known all along: that they are here to stay.

Legends may come and go, like stars that appear in the vast night sky only to vanish from sight, but some are just destined to return. With this newest album, GOT7 proves that greatness never truly fades—it only waits for the right moment to shine again.