TOMORROW X TOGETHER transcend eternal love with R&B-infused The Star Chapter: Sanctuary – Album Review

The septet dropped their seventh mini-album on November 4 along with music video for ‘Over The Moon’.

By Nandini Iyengar -

November 5, 2024 - 7:47 PM IST

K-pop sensation TOMORROW X TOGETHER (TXT) has been steadily evolving, crafting deeply resonant music with every comeback. Starting their journey as teenagers navigating the unpredictable challenges of youth, the group has grown alongside their music, tackling themes of self-discovery, vulnerability, and the complexities of growing up. With influences ranging from hip-hop and R&B to jazz and moombahton, TXT has consistently used their sound to reflect the struggles and triumphs of adolescence. Now, as they transition into adulthood, TXT embarks on a new chapter of their musical journey with the release of The Star Chapter: Sanctuary, their seventh mini-album, dropped on November 4, 2024. The six-track project signals a poignant evolution, capturing the group’s exploration of adulthood, love, and hope. As the group as entered their early 20s, they embrace a fresh perspective, weaving themes of optimism and nostalgia into their music.

TOMORROW X TOGETHER transcend eternal love with R&B-infused The Star Chapter: Sanctuary – Album Review

The Star Chapter: Sanctuary is a vivid exploration of love and connection, framed by six compelling tracks. Each song reflects a different facet of love and life, with all five members contributing to the lyrics. Together, the tracks weave a universal narrative that speaks to love’s transformative power, resonating with listeners as the group continues to evolve, both musically and personally. Sanctuary (n): a place of refuge or protection. With The Star Chapter: Sanctuary, TXT sings about finding refuge in a person and the love they give. They seek a higher sense of emotional connection in this mini-album.

1. HEAVEN
‘Heaven’ is a smooth R&B track from start to finish. The song sports superb tones of romance and confessional feelings as the members sing, “You do, you do, you make it feel like/Heaven, one to ten, you're like an eleven/If it's just you, that place is heaven.” The members take turns to belt out verses keeping their singing to a medium register to introduce a seductive tone in the song.

2. OVER THE MOON
‘Over The Moon’ serves as the title track for TXT’s The Star Chapter Sanctuary. The song takes the idea from ‘Heaven’ a few steps ahead. The song promises love and a life spent well together as the members croon, “Over the moon, over the stars/I soar when you're in my arms /Over the moon, over the stars/Whisper me my name.” What makes the song more remarkable is the music. When you listen to it closely, you will find the tones akin to TXT’s previous releases.

3. DANGER
‘Danger’ is a song that operates heavily on driving and auto metaphors. The members are quite self-aware of the risky situation they are in – “This fire that swallowed up all of me/Is so addictive/Deep into you.” The chorus features a nice mix of adlibs and vocal styles, thus creating a catchy hook in the song.

4. RESIST (NOT GONNA RUN AWAY)
‘Resist (Not Gonna Run Away)’ channels a classic 2000s charm with its music. The song is an outright confession and acceptance of the fact that the person’s lover is the reason why the person can stay strong despite all obstacles – “When I see you, I can resist, you’re my one and only/I can’t exist, without you.”

5. FORTY ONE WINKS
Forty winks means a short nap that is usually taken in the day. The members use that idea and give it a playful spin to make it ‘Forty One Winks.’ The song incorporates the idea of a short, restorative nap as an escape to a world where just the lovers spend a blissful time together. It is like a language that is spoken between the lovers, unknown to the world. The music sports a mishmash of genres that is resplendent of a dreamland – “Forty-one winks of you and me/Something beyond language/The moment you blink/We’re together.”

6. HIGHER THAN HEAVEN
‘Higher Than Heaven’ features member Taehyun as a co-writer for the song. This track is a nice mix of rock and pop as the members reflect on the idea of love being something that takes them higher than heaven. “I’ll protect eternity, our name/Together in the tomorrow that will continue Dreaming.” The artful inclusion of the group name here is not to be missed! The album starts with ‘Heaven’ and ends with ‘Higher Than Heaven’. This song is a fitting conclusion for it shows the progression of love that started as an infatuation but developed into something meaningful and worthwhile.

Unveiling a captivating new chapter, The Star Chapter: Sanctuary delves into the enchanting moments that arise from reuniting with ‘you.’ With this latest comeback, TOMORROW X TOGETHER (TXT) not only reinvents their sound but also demonstrates a remarkable evolution in both music and lyrical depth. From their early days as teenagers to now stepping confidently into young adulthood, the group has matured in every sense. While there’s a nod to their past, particularly the smooth R&B influences that have been a hallmark of their sound, TXT has infused the album with fresh energy that feels both nostalgic and innovative.

Drawing from the spunk and spirit of their debut years, the group’s growth is evident in every track. The members’ active involvement in the writing and production of the album reflects a deeper, more personal connection to the music, showcasing their journey as artists and individuals. The Star Chapter: Sanctuary marks the beginning of a new era for TXT, one where they explore self-discovery, navigate the complexities of life, and embrace the uncertainties of the future. With this album, the group not only redefines their identity but also invites listeners to join them on this thrilling, transformative ride.

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