Clancy

Bound to please the fans and add fuel to the haters' fire, TOP plays it safe throughout this project. Fortunately, I enjoy their music, so I was in the headspace to find the heart in this album. The bits of variety amid the highs and lows keep the listener on their toes. Overall, a solid project that finishes(?) the story well.

Favorite: Overcompensate
Least Favorite: The Craving (Jenna's version)

EDIT: 70 --> 80
I don't usually edit reviews, but there's more to this album than I realized. First, it was quite the grower for me. I liked it alright at first, but it got so much better the more I listened to it. Second, while I still stand behind the claim before it, I overestimated how safe they played this album. There's quite a bit of experimentation in this album that doesn't break much new ground in the genre but definitely explores new shades of TOP's sound. Third, the lows are not as low as I thought and the highs are higher than I thought; it just took several extra listens to see that. Not to mention, there are all kinds of little ear candy bits I missed; every time I listen to the album, I catch something new. A triumphant ending to the story that ages the way several TOP albums age: like a film that requires multiple watch-throughs to understand and appreciate given its context.