SUHO Redefines Rock With Third Mini Album “(점선면) 1 to 3”
Aiming to show a new side of himself, SUHO confidently described his third mini album as “SUHO genre.” Although he released of his first mini album Self Portrait in 2020, this year, SUHO has cultivated a new album that wholly represents himself. On May 31, SUHO released his third mini album (점선면) 1 to 3, which uses the rock genre to explore the philosophy of life.
Preparations for his third album weren’t always easy as he had to balance album production with various activities such as theater work, drama filming, and group promotions with EXO. In an interview, SUHO explained his current mindset, “As I enter my thirties, I try to approach life with resilience.” Through the seven heartfelt tracks of (점선면) 1 to 3, listeners delve deeper into SUHO’s mind.
“Mayday” Please Come Find Me
Opening with the psychedelic alternative rock track “Mayday,” listeners are transported to the deep, dark depths of the universe. Starting with an incoherent radio message, the song quickly transitions into a steady instrumental that creates a sense of floating aimlessly. Through the lyrics, “It’s strange, I can’t breathe / I’m caught up in an unfamiliar feeling,” SUHO captures feelings of disorientation. That feeling quickly fades as SUHO realizes that he is completely alone. Through the remainder of “Mayday,” SUHO pleads to the person who was once by his side: “Please save me from loneliness / Find me in this universe and call me.” Giving up on finding his lost friend, he ends with one final message, singing, “If you hear my signal, answer me.” As the instrumental takes over, listeners can hear “Where are you?” echoes softly in the background — indicating that SUHO hasn’t fully given up hope.
“1 To 3”! Get Set Go!
In his British rock title track, SUHO comes to understand that you create your own path in life. Transforming into an astronaut in deep space for the “(점선면) 1 to 3” music video, SUHO breaks out of a line of ships as he sings, “I’m sorry for my mama / Don’t wanna go down that mainstream path / All those thoughts seem one-dimensional.” After breaking off on his own, he lands on a lonely planet and begins to see things from a different perspective. “Get set go” echoes as his new life begins.
With his newfound galactic bandmates, SUHO confidently sings, “Now crossing over the intersection point, set me free,” and he sets out to explore the universe. Soaring past the line of ships that once confined him, SUHO gains clarity while crossing over into another dimension: “Even a random vanishing point becomes a whole universe.” Only existing as a drawing in the second dimension, he yearns for more, “I’m still growing up / Gonna try to get to a 3D world.” SUHO’s act of resistance against the restraints of everyday life captures the attention of other ships who follow him into the unknown.
“Cheese” As A Metaphor
In an effort to maintain the unofficial SM tradition, SUHO includes a song named after a food item. For his double title track, he invited Red Velvet’s main vocalist, Wendy, to explore the intricacies of love through the metaphor that is “Cheese.” Beginning the song by himself, SUHO expresses the ever-changing dynamics in a relationship: “Just like cheese / If we let it cool, it will only break / Crank the heat up, get it hot.” In the second verse, Wendy joins in reflecting on her mistakes in the relationship that has gone cold, singing, “Saying words I didn’t mean / Without me even knowing.” In comparison with SUHO’s poised vocals, Wendy’s vocals express a sense of hesitation. Slowly merging with the lines, “Let it bloom my lover / Risky but I like it, I’m on your side,” they realize there is still a spark. They excitedly declare as they sing together for the first time, “We’re melting down in love, love.”
The music video for “Cheese” amplifies the complexity of relationships. SUHO and Wendy engage in a cat-and-mouse game, like when SUHO attempts to steal a massive block of cheese from an art museum, and Wendy intercepts his plans. Initially displaying signs of exasperation with SUHO’s behavior, Wendy later decides to join in. When the museum security arrives, the pair quickly come together pretending to be a sculpture. Successfully deceiving the security guard, SUHO and Wendy nod at each other and laugh in relief.
Wishful Thinking
Taking a slow turn with the alternative rock song “Wishful Thinking,” SUHO shows the perspective of someone who puts on a brave face in hopes of a better tomorrow. In the opening verse, the electric guitar pairs with SUHO’s hollow vocals as he asks, “Pretending to be fine, it’s familiar right?” That single question causes a shift as SUHO realizes he has fallen into a repetitive cycle, “In the morning, just like yesterday / I swallowed up my tears.” He wonders, “Is it wishful thinking?” In response to this thought, “Oh-oh, it’s wishful thinking” echoes sorrowfully in the chorus. Through the remainder of the song, SUHO continues with a dejected spirit singing, “Endlessly walking through layers of tomorrows / Even if I’m out of breath, just as it is.” In the end, it is unclear if SUHO was able to escape from the repetitive cycle of “Wishful Thinking.”
The “Moonlight” Is Your Spotlight
For the next track, “Moonlight,” a message of encouragement is offered to the character presented in “Wishful Thinking.” In this indie rock song, an acoustic guitar leads the rhythm, making way for a message that motivates listeners to revisit their dreams in the stillness of the night. Setting the scene in the opening lyrics, SUHO sings, “When the lights go out / The darkness deepens / The main stage opens,” indicating there is a night stage set just for him.
Through lyrics like “Among the countless hanging stars / You hold the most brilliant light / You are the main character,” an encouraging nudge is provided. With a newfound confidence showcased on the night stage, SUHO is delighted as he acknowledges, “Dreams that seemed to fade / Bloom again and find their place.”
Alright, Alright
With the high energy surf rock track “Alright, Alright,” SUHO tells listeners to throw away their worries and live a carefree life. Listeners are whisked away from the veil of the night as a chant of “Ooh, ooh, ooh, woo / Alright, alright” combines with a lively instrumental. Choosing to break free from the norms set for him, SUHO unapologetically sings, “This youth is too precious to waste / Living moderately is already out of the question / Suits are suffocating, I prefer hoodies / Whether someone is watching me or not, I’m shouting.”
Featuring artist GIRIBOY delivers an assertive rap that expresses the viewpoint of someone who is experiencing a shifting mindset. With his unique tone, he raps, “Alright, Alright / It’s time to let myself cry freely / Raise my voice / Living while being cautious / I only have two eyes.” Following the rap, SUHO launches into the chorus once more, “Just singing like alright, alright / I’m feeling good / No one can stop my groove.” Ending with the same chant from the introduction, “Alright, Alright” stays true to its euphoric nature.
Together Again in “Zero Gravity”
The final track leaves listeners with a positive note as SUHO expresses the feelings of reuniting with someone after a lonely journey. Beginning with the sound of a reboot, “Zero Gravity” contrasts with the bleak introduction that was presented in “Mayday.” While a guitar lightly strums in the introduction, SUHO softly sings, “On a cold night when I’m alone / A small flickering light / Whose signal could it be?” Realizing that someone has finally found him in the dark depths of space, his excitement rises.
In the chorus, a steady drum rhythm joins the guitar to create a livelier atmosphere as SUHO sings, “Oh, is that you / Holding hands, we rise / You and I, over and over again.” Compared with the uncontrolled floating sensation presented in “Mayday,” “Zero Gravity” feels like a more confident soaring. In the final post-chorus, the full scope of exhilaration is shown through SUHO’s adlibs and intense instrumental. At long last, he is reunited with the person he lost at the beginning of his journey.
What’s Next for SUHO
Before the release of his third mini album, SUHO held his first solo concert, “SU:HOME” at the Olympic Hall in Seoul. On June 2, it was announced via X (formerly Twitter) that SUHO will be taking his solo concert around the world. Kicking off on June 22 in Manila, “SU:HOME” will cover 15 cities across Europe and Asia.
(점선면) 1 to 3 is available to stream on Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music, and Amazon Music! For more updates on SUHO be sure to follow his Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, and Youtube!
Are you interested in more music? Check out our article breaking down Rhea Raj’s debut album “HUNTER” here!
