It’s ‘Golden Child comeback’ time again, which means a track-by-track review of their new mini album, Aura! Check back each day of the week as I make my way through the five new songs.

1. Aura (Intro) // 2. Replay // 3. Knocking On My Door // 4. 3! 6! 5! // 5. Purpose // 6. Miracle

PURPOSE

Purpose is the second Golden Child song to come from member Tag: their burgeoning composer/producer. He recently had a ton of creative time on his hands, staying in Korea for health reasons as the rest of the guys embarked on their U.S. tour. Purpose is not a product of those sessions. According to the group, it’s another song that’s been kicking around Woollim’s hard drive for a while.

I’m not the kind of fan who immediately adores a track simply because it was composed by a member. Of course, artistic expression is important and I hope all idols get that opportunity if they want it. But when it comes down to the music, pop songs are pop songs and my ear will always gravitate to the strongest melodies and (usually) the most upbeat arrangements. Because of this, Purpose receives a slightly lower rating from me, though I do think it’s a great mid-tempo that unveils plenty of potential in Tag’s songwriting.

Earlier in this feature, I mentioned Seventeen. With this in mind, Purpose hails from the Don’t Wanna Cry school of sentimental ballads with strong electronic beats. This is a winning formula, and Purpose harnesses a sense of instrumental bombast that compliments Golden Child’s strong vocal performance. I really like the pre-chorus, which pulls back to deliver a few moody melodic turns reminiscent of K-pop greats like Bigbang. Small touches, like the evocative synth flourishes during the second verse, give Purpose a character of its own. And, the rousing chorus places this song comfortably within Golcha’s long lineage of dynamic mid-tempos.