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TVXQ are celebrating the twentieth (!) anniversary of their Japanese debut with the upcoming release of new album Zone. Before that, its lead single Sweet Surrender has been pre-released alongside a music video. The guys have steadily promoted since their 2017 return from the military, but to be honest it’s been a few years since any new music felt like an essential part of their discography. Sweet Surrender is another serviceable track that’s more of a holding pattern than a grand statement or reinvention. 
TVXQ can toss off a song like this in their sleep. Its percolating electro groove and slinky melodies fit them well, even if the arrangement feels dulled of any sharp edges. Apart from an ascending note that brings us into the finale, their vocal performance is understated and sleek. The song’s chorus doesn’t give them much to work with, opting for a muted mumble rather than a full-throated refrain. Much of the melody is rhythmic but monotone — more talking than singing. With this approach, the instrumental needed to be absolutely show-stopping.
Sweet Surrender‘s electro throb holds promise, but the beat stops and starts too often to sustain an enduring sense of groove. Like the song itself, the production doesn’t fully commit. It feels more like a sigh than an exclamation, which isn’t what I would expect from a twentieth anniversary celebration. At this point in their illustrious career, I wish TVXQ could find one or two producers that might steer their sound back in a distinct direction rather than the hodgepodge of trendy styles we’ve been getting.
| Hooks | 7 |
| Production | 8 |
| Longevity | 7 |
| Bias | 8 |
| RATING | 7.5 |
Grade: C
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