After dropping two pre-release singles, “JeLLo (Sleepers)” and “HICCUPS,” K-pop group Newbeat finally made their official debut (under agency Beat Interactive) with the first full-length album, “Raw and Rad.”
By making a bold and unconventional decision to debut with a full-length album rather than a mini-album, as is typical for a lot of other K-pop idol groups, Newbeat signaled that they are ready to showcase their versatility and musicality with global audiences.
Newbeat (Beat Interactive)
“Debuting with a full-length album was both exciting and nerve-wracking, but it really allowed us to show all sides of who we are as Newbeat. Every track on ‘Raw and Rad’ tells a different part of our story, and we hope listeners can feel our honesty and passion in every beat.” said Park Minseok, a member of Newbeat.
“Raw and Rad” contains 11 tracks, including a CD-only bonus track as the 11th, and showcases two pre-release singles, "JeLLo (Sleepers)" and "HICCUPS," along with intro and outro tracks, and seven brand-new songs.
It embodies the fearless spirit of the Newbeat members, who remain undeterred by potential failures or obstacles and are determined to keep pushing forward while still sharing their vulnerable sides with their listeners.
The main track of the album, "Flip the Coin," reflects the idea that what people consider good or bad, or the "front" and "back" of a coin, depicts how differing perspectives shape views. The lyrics include a line that was inspired by Shakespeare’s Macbeth: “Fair is foul, and foul is fair.”
The tracklist includes "F.L.Y (Fu**ing Lovely, Lonely Youth)," produced by senior K-pop artist Lim Hyunsik of BTOB, which explores the beauty and loneliness of youth and the coming-of-age experience.
Another standout is the solo track by Newbeat member Jeon Yeoyeojeong, “Wonder,” which tells the story of a prom party in the US where a boy serenades a girl, neither of them aware that they secretly have mutual feelings for each other.
“Recording ‘Wonder’ was a really special experience for me. It’s a dreamy, emotional track that captures the feeling of unspoken love and youth. I hope listeners can imagine their own story as they hear it—and feel the same butterflies I felt while singing it,” said Jeon Yeoyeojeong.
Along with the release of the new album, Newbeat appeared on Mnet live at 8 p.m. KST, where they performed “Flip the Coin,” “JeLLo,” “HICCUPS,” and “F.L.Y.” The performance is live on Mnet’s YouTube channel M2.