Well, apparently we are Infinite’s destiny — or at least that’s what they claim in their latest song.
Infinite is back with their second single album, Destiny. Destiny marks the first time since their debut that Infinite has worked with someone other that Sweetune for their lead single. This time around, they worked with duo Rphabet who produced Tasty’s “You Know Me.”
It’s because of this that I went into the song apprehensively, wondering just what change would happen to the signature sound of Infinite. Turns out, I worried for nothing because the change in producers came at just the right time.
The single opens with the title track, “Destiny.” “Destiny” still retains that signature Infinite sound while at the same time evolving what they had before. The song features heavy layering and is probably the most modern Infinite has been.
Admittedly, I would have preferred that the beginning had sounded like the teaser, or they could have had that as an intro song prior to “Destiny.” The beginning was jarring to the ears. It sounded as if the song was breaking, like the CD was skipping, so the shift 30 seconds in was more than welcome. But maybe this was done on purpose, to enhance the feeling of the break up? Because this song — as with most Infinite songs — revolve around a breakup. The lyrics are typical for Infinite: they are clingy lovers who have been left by their significant other.
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BDbpE6qHDSA]
That being said, the song isn’t bad at all. In fact, it was better than expected. The sudden appearance of a piano in the song was welcome change to the pace. It ensured that our ears wouldn’t be overrun by all that was happening since “Destiny” is a busy song and features pianos and string instruments — all placed perfectly within the song. It’s especially pleasing during Hoya’s rap. Also, the transitions between Dong-woo and Hoya’s raps were surprisingly smooth for such a heavily layered song.
And yes, Sung-gyu does have a lot of lines in “Destiny,” but let us all appreciate the fact that Myung-soo, Sung-jong and Sung-yeol have more than one line. Not only that, they carry their parts and they don’t sound off at all. So kudos to Woollim for giving them a chance.
After Destiny, we then move on to “Inception.” After the busy song that is “Destiny,” this is the perfect song for our ears to relax. It’s laid back and it sounds as if Infinite are flirting with the listener. It also sounds as if they were influenced somewhat by Infinite H. This song sounds like it could’ve also been part of Fly High.
Fun fact: the warehouse the music video was filmed in was also where they filmed the first dream level in Inception.
“Going to You” is my second favorite song off the single. Again, the lyrics are nothing special. What makes the song special is the way the music builds up. It invokes memories of running or going after a specific goal. The boys sound perfect. The play between Sung-gyu and Woo-hyun from the second chorus onwards was a treat to the ears. It’s a song that one could play while chilling around and relaxing. I feel like this song was made to accompany “Inception” since the flow between the song is so smooth. And yet they are both very different songs.
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DLXFmW1YIWA]
The single closes with the obligatory ballad in the form of “Mom.” The song is beautiful. They sound good and invokes emotion at appropriate moments. It plays to the ranges where their voices are most comfortable. It’s a typical Infinite ballad. I particularly love how the chorus was sung. It reminds me of “Only Tears” where one feels all the raw emotion in their voices. But is it a memorable song? Unfortunately, it wasn’t. It’s not the kind of ballad you would put on repeat. However, after starting the single off with the intense “Destiny,” then going through two laid-back tracks, “Mom” was the perfect way to close off the single.
All in all, the single album plays to the strengths of Infinite. It signals a return to the edginess they had prior to “Man In Love.” It is a cohesive single. The single does not sound as if you had put your playlist in shuffle. The songs flow in and out of each other without sounding the same. It is the most mainstream Infinite has been, but without sacrificing the signature Infinite sound. Furthermore, the line distribution is more balanced to the vocal skills each member possesses. Yes, Sung-gyu and Woo-hyun still have a bulk of the lines, but there is progress made.
Given how good of a single album “Destiny” is, I’d like to just write off “Man In Love” as one of those commercials played between two epic movies on HBO. Infinite needed a break between two heavy singles such as “The Chaser” and “Destiny.” After “Man In Love,” it all could only go uphill and uphill it did go.
I would give “Destiny” a 4.25/5.
