Review
There’s an unmistakable pulse when this SM Entertainment rookie group steps into the light — FOCUS feels like the moment everything crystallizes for Hearts2Hearts. Featuring eight members (Jiwoo, Carmen, Yuha, Stella, Juun, A-na, Ian, Ye-on), the October 2025 release marks their debut mini album and serves as a bold assertion of both identity and ambition.
Musically, FOCUS strikes a deft balance between retro charm and modern polish. The title track glides on house-pop mechanics with a vintage piano hook and lyrics that celebrate singular attraction — “I cannot focus on anything but you, baby.” B-sides like “Apple Pie” and “Flutter” layer in nu-disco and city-pop gloss, while “Blue Moon” offers a dreamy pop-ballad shade, demonstrating the group’s versatility. The production is tight and stylish; the soundscape is confident without being overstuffed.
Yet while the project shines, it also reveals the growing pains of a debut. With six tracks and a runtime under twenty minutes, FOCUS occasionally feels more like a vivid snapshot than a complete statement. Some stylistic shifts—between upbeat funk and ballad softness—might catch listeners off-guard mid-stream. But the ambition is clear, and the promise unmistakable. FOCUS isn’t just a mini album — it’s a launchpad. - Ava