The day we had been waiting for with bated breath - SF9 HwiYoung solo debut - finally came on August 13, 2023, and it is every bit as poignant, artful, and moving as we expected it to be, if not more. HwiYoung made his solo debut with the digital single 'Drive5', a modern R&B track with lo-fi elements, dynamic rap, heartfelt vocals, and the most vulnerable, contemplative lyrics, reflecting the burning passion of youth, love, and everything in between.
'Drive5' carries the prominent sonic signature of HwiYoung's style, the kind we have previously seen on his SoundCloud. As such, despite this being his official solo debut, it comfortably establishes itself in HwiYoung's oeuvre, further solidifying his distinct musicality. It has the freshness and novelty of an exciting beginning but also the familiarity and intimacy of meeting an old friend anew.
HwiYoung's verses are impeccable, as always, but what is even more impressive is how he flawlessly blends them with the high-octave vocals in the chorus. There's a sense of confidence and individuality in this song that mirrors HwiYoung's conviction in his music and the vision he has for himself as a soloist.
The music video has a gritty, home video aesthetic to it, giving it the indie vibe we all love. This enhances the personality of the song, lending authenticity and highlighting the raw emotions expressed through the lyrics rather than undermining the same with glossy production. The creative choice of releasing the highly anticipated SF9 HwiYoung solo debut through a "LIVE CLIP" rather than a conventional music video is also rather impressive, hinting at the idol's artistic priorities and focused creative direction.
In his own words, HwiYoung's solo music represents Kim YoungKyun (HwiYoung's real name) and his innate identity as a person. It is no surprise, therefore, that fans who have known and supported him throughout his career can effortlessly recognize his soul in the same.
SF9 HwiYoung Solo Debut - 'Drive5' Lyrics Explained
'Drive5' is a song about separation. A couple on the brink of breaking up, teetering on the line between love and indifference, grapple with their changing hearts, all the while being painfully unable to convey their emotions to each other at a matching pace. The metaphor of "drive" and "speed" are used to relate these themes of communication or the lack thereof and timing, which can make or break a relationship, as well as symbolize the concept of constantly moving but going nowhere. In the case of 'Drive5', the relationship is well on its way to certain destruction without any brakes to halt the impending doom or steer the relationship in a different direction. All they can do is drive on ahead, head first into heartbreak.
The structure of the song follows a steady juxtaposition of "You" and "I" that plays out seamlessly like a dialogue happening entirely in our narrator's mind. Thanks to HwiYoung's brilliant songwriting, this instantly evokes biting loneliness and melancholy, setting the stage for much-needed introspection through art.
Notably, 'Drive5' starts with "You say I’ve changed lately", positing the importance of the significant other to our narrator. It emphasizes their perspective and, at the same time, negates it, for it doesn't necessarily reflect what he believes about himself. Still, he acknowledges his own inconsideration in this breakdown, admitting how suffocating it must have been for them to be burdened by his feelings without any space to present their own ("I expressed my feelings / and I didn’t sound you out"). HwiYoung's vocals until this part are breathy and resigned but pick up the pace as soon as he gets into the rap verse, which comes hand in hand with the sound of hitting the brakes. The compositional soundscape is delicately brought to light, guiding us to our narrator's half of the story.
HwiYoung presents this perspective through classic HwiYoung-style rap, boasting unmatched rhyme and flow. He addresses the inconsistencies in the relationship, where he may be the one speaking but is never heard ("Even if I speak as if I were spitting out my anger / I don’t think it’s going to reach your ears", “Now what? I can’t even say a word? / You don’t pretend to hear") for they are not on the same page, to begin with. Interestingly, HwiYoung uses the phrase "today's breakup" in the lyrics, giving us a sense that the couple is stuck in an endless loop of hurt, pain and misunderstandings. So, no matter how hard he tries, he can never catch up to her ("No matter how fast I drive / I can’t reach you ahead of me"), and an abrupt crash is the only way to end things once and for all ("Airbag can’t save us", "It’s tailgating close to me, I’m about to bump into it").
As the pre-chorus hits, HwiYoung's vocals shine again - mellow and bittersweet - pulling on our heartstrings before leaping into a roaring, cathartic, and climactic chorus, hitting those high notes like nobody's business. The soaring crescendo of the impassioned chorus echoes the intense and inexorable dissolution of a once-unbreakable bond, suffused with a poignant yet monumental elegance ("You, take on me / But you’re going to walk away").
The zenith of the chorus is immediately undercut by the nadir of the post-chorus, resembling the ebb and flow of one's high-strung emotions during a breakup. The lyrics are sentimental, like the very first verse, but also have a pinch of resentment, almost as if he cannot pick a side ("The sky was beautiful today, did you see it? Did you just let it pass like it was nothing?"). Empty conversations lead to a dead end, and all that's left are broken attempts to hold on in vain ("I hold your hand tight, but even if I do / You break away from me and leave").
The most heartbreaking lyric comes in the bridge - "I didn’t know it was a breakup" - taking us back to a previous line - "today's breakup", reiterating just how toxic their relationship had become that breaking up for naught and getting back together again was a routine they found themselves trapped in. It is only when they have passed the point of no return that the realization settles in. The heart-rending ad-libs in this part of the song represent the overwhelming emotion taking over one's senses, restricting expression.
Finally, in the misguided hope of continuing the destructive cycle, 'Drive5' ends with a mix of longing and exasperation, leaving a trail of unwavering affection behind that will probably take some more time to find closure. Until then, art is the only respite.
What did you think of SF9 HwiYoung's solo debut with 'Drive5'? Tell us in the comments section down below!
