Superlatives
A Vulture series in which artists judge the best and worst of their own careers.
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(It also holds the record for the highest first-day sales in K-pop, with 3.99 million copies).
We hit numbers we never thought wed achieve before, adds rapperVernon.
We were just really surprised.
Nobody expectedFMLto do that well.
Those kind of achievements always just give us a sense of responsibility to giveCaratsa better experience.
Emphasizing his point with a thumbs-up, he adds, Were super grateful.
Joshuas favorite compliment about Seventeen, though, is how strong their teamwork is.
Thats one of my favorite Seventeen title tracks.
Joshua:When I first heard Pretty U …
I didnt necessarily dislike it, but I didnt like it as much as our other title tracks.
Vernon:That song had a totally different instrumental.
The original title was Joan of Arc.
We wrote that songbefore our debut, when we were trainees.
Joshua:The melody and the lyrics were all different.
The performance, too.
The original chorus was used as an outro for Pretty U.
So that was an interesting experience … At first, it was very confusing.
But like Joshua said, it definitely grew on us.
Vernon:We were just too used to the original song.
Song with the most heartfelt lyrics
Vernon:Mm …
I thinkour Japanese songshave a lot of heartfelt lyrics.
Which one, though?
Joshua:Ai no Chikara?
The power of love.
Vernon:Ill choose Hitorijanai.Hitorijanaimeans youre not alone.
I really like the lyrics.
Vernon:Right, right.
So everybody was on the
Joshua:On theweb.
We just wanted to remind our fans, youre not alone, youre with us.
Vernon:The song is heartfelt.
Not only the lyrics, but also sonically.
It feels like a winter song to me, like the holiday season.
I guess its thanks to my childhood.
Because every time winter came, I always had such a good time with my family.
So that song gives me a similar feeling.
I think its a really good song, I love the production.
She came up with these melodies so quickly, and I was really astonished by the process.
The instruments, the top line, the melody overall, I think its a really good song.
It has that buildup to a dramatic climax, and its really grand-sounding.
I think its the coolest song to listen to.
Joshua:Maybe Fearless?
We thought it was also worthy.
It shows what we can do as a big group.
And I think it was the first time we used that many backup dancers in that period.
Joshua:We had to borrow that to practice.
Theres this part in the choreo for Fearless where Jeonghan climbs up on the stairs.
The dancers become the stairs, and he has to do a trust fall.
And that was crazy, cause it took a really long time to get that right.
Vernon:He fell a few times.
Joshua:So we were like,Ah, do you think you could do this?
Most memorable stage mistake
Joshua:I have a legendary one.
It was the showcase of Pretty U.
Vernon:Ahh!
Right, right, right.
It looked like you did it on purpose, though.
Joshua:Yeah, I tried.
A lot of things were going through my mind.
I was like,Oh, I made a mistake.
I should wait on the members doing it, and make it look like its a domino effect.
But it was our first time showcasing that song, so I was like, [sighs].
Cant believe I made a mistake on that most important part.
I was exactly in the center, too.
Our last music broadcast, we actually did that mistake on purpose as a fan service.
I try not to delve into that area.
I was like,Next time, I wont make a mistake on the other broadcasts.
[My members] were definitely trying to make me feel better.
They were like laughing it off and were really cool about it, so I was okay.
And I really wish I was able to, because that would have been so hilarious.
I do make mistakes time to time, but the mistakes I make fortunately arent that visible.
So even when I do, I always act like I got nothing wrong.
Joshua:[Points at Vernon.]
At the end, were all in one line.
We dont do the original choreography, we kind of switch it up and freestyle.
Thats the most fun part.
The beginning of the choreo, it starts with a bang.
We carry that energy with us until the end of the performance.
Vernon:Definitely the beginning.
We get together in a circle, and we … Aah!
We hype each other up, and then we start with the choreo, kicking front and back.
But the guys who got my head, they didnt throw me properly, so my legs flew up.
That felt kinda scary.
Joshua:Home;Run.
When we did baseball up on stage, that was really funny.
What would be funny?
What would the audience enjoy?
Vernon:Not necessarily to make them laugh, but
Joshua:Happy.
Vernon:Just something worth watching.
The year you grew the most as artists
Vernon:This year.
I have a much wider spectrum when I listen to music now, and that definitely helps me.
Im working a lot in the studio these days.
There are three things that I consider most important.
The last one, I was reminded byRick Rubins latest book.
Joshua:I think this year, too.
Definitely as a performer, as an artist, and in other areas that Im interested in.
Like not just music, but clothing too.
Casual but fun, with little points to it.
Nothing too crazy, but I dont like it too plain, you know what I mean?
That was so weird.
That doesnt suit my body structure.
But, [laughs], I think it was through those times, I grew.
I wasnt sneaky enough.
I could have escaped much faster.
Vernon:Id like to doFour Wheeled Rideragain.
Not because I think I can do a better job, but just because its a fun episode.
Its kind of like a blur of light.
But if its a smaller audience, you could see all their expressions.
Its more intimate, so thats the good part, but its also more nerve-wracking because of that.
Vernon:Ourfirst arena showin Japan.
I was really nervous then.
Wed never experienced such a scale.
And yeah, I felt really overwhelmed.
Weve performed multiple times in bigger venues since then.
I just attempt to be in the moment and enjoy myself with the members and with the audience.
Hoshi and DK are like the two hype men of Seventeen.
If youve ever seenGoing Seventeen, you know how theyre like when theyre really excited.
Thats how they hype us up before the show.
Even when theyre not that excited, they just do it for the team.
And that really helps a lot.
Best advice to Carats who feel down when Seventeen isnt all together
Joshua:Mm …
I think were always together.
New song youre most excited to perform on tour
Vernon:It shows Seventeens true colors.
Yeah, I think it perfectly embodies Seventeen.
Vernon:I feel like its very appropriate timing to come back with such a song.
