Boy band NU’EST returns with new album ‘Table’

NU’EST, a five-member boy band, released its seventh mini-album, “The Table,” Monday.

During a showcase, the members said they hope this album could be a turning point for the group in terms of their image.

JR, who is the rapper of the group, said he provided vocals on “If We” for the new album.

“This has been a huge challenge for me. I was very nervous when I was recording If We, but Baekho helped me get through it easily,” JR said.

Baekho said the track was recorded later in the making of the album, and thought it would have been more attractive if JR sang on it.

It is common for boy bands to change concepts when they release new albums. The boy band did so this time.

Switching to a lovely and bright concept, they said it has been difficult not only for JR but for all other members to change drastically from a darker image on previous releases.

“Before this album, we were all in suits and serious. It was awkward to present a bright image at first,” Min-hyun said. Baek-ho also added that this album took more retakes than ever during the recording process.

Their choreography has also changed. Rather than focusing on the choreography perfectly in sync, they tried to show romantic and delicate gestures along with whistle sounds.

Since their debut, the members of NU’EST have been changing relentlessly over seven years with various approaches to the group’s concept.

For this album, they said they aspire to become a group easy to approach.

“We would like to have a more easygoing concept for listeners, feeling like we are friends that can be around in any situation. Rather than being stiff and serious, a bright image can make any listeners, even those who are new to our music, come closer to us and our music,” Min-hyun said.

“After finishing the trilogy series for our previous albums, we are up for a fresh new start,” said Aron, the leader of the group.

The album contains six tracks including the lead single “LOVE ME,” which is a mixture of alternative house music and R&B.

The lyrics are about love, which can be a cliche, but also universal to all. It gives a message that it is okay to come forward to a significant other.