CLOSE YOUR EYES Illuminate Their Artistic Growth on Third Mini Album “blackout”

Photo Credit: Uncore Entertainment

Emerging as one of the most talked-about rookie groups of 2025, seven-member multinational K-Pop ensemble CLOSE YOUR EYES (CYE) has rapidly cemented themselves as a global force. Formed through JTBC’s survival show Project 7, the group captured over 17 million votes worldwide, with 91% of that support coming from international fans. Comprising Jeon Min-wook, Ma Jingxian, Jang Yeo-jun, Kim Sung-min, Song Seung-ho, Kenshin, and Seo Kyoung-bae, the septet made their official debut on April 2, 2025, with the mini album ETERNALT. The album sold an impressive 316,000 copies in its first week, while the title track, “All My Poetry,” earned them a Music Bank win just nine days after debut, solidifying their place as one of the fastest fifth-generation groups to achieve such a feat. Their follow-up release, Snowy Summer, continued the momentum, selling over 200,000 copies on its first day and collecting multiple music show victories across The Show, Show Champion, and Music Bank, earning the group recognition as one of K-Pop’s most exciting rising acts.

With their third mini album, “blackout,” CLOSE YOUR EYES presents a bold and ambitious evolution, blending R&B textures, house-inspired beats, and dynamic synth layers to create a sonic palette that is both globally appealing and unmistakably CYE. The project reflects the group’s artistic maturity, exploring themes of personal growth, self-discovery, and transformation while maintaining the high-energy hooks and polished performance quality that have become their signature.

Opening the album, “X” immediately signals a shift toward a more sophisticated sound. The track is anchored by a restrained yet powerful bassline that underlines complex synth layers, creating a spacious yet intense soundscape. Vocally, the members deliver a precise balance of power and nuance; verses are measured, almost introspective, before building into pre-chorus and chorus segments that soar with confidence. Lyrically penned by Jeon Min-wook, the song emphasizes breaking through personal limitations, embracing challenges, and moving forward with determination—a theme that resonates across the album. The production cleverly manipulates rhythm and dynamics, using subtle tempo shifts to build anticipation and give the chorus extra punch, while the harmonies in the bridge showcase each member’s technical skill. The English version of the song later in the album not only provides accessibility to international audiences but also amplifies the track’s universal themes of ambition and self-empowerment.

“SOB,” the album’s first collaboration track with Grammy-winning producer Imanbek, immediately commands attention with its house-inspired beats and propulsive energy. Layered percussion, pulsating bass, and electronic flourishes create an immersive club-ready atmosphere, yet the lyrics retain emotional weight, exploring feelings of longing, vulnerability, and desire. The contrast between the upbeat production and introspective lyrics adds a unique tension, giving the song depth beyond its energetic surface. Vocally, CYE navigates rapid rhythmic shifts and syncopated phrasing with precision, delivering both melodic smoothness and sharp intensity. The track demonstrates the group’s ability to bridge global electronic trends with K-Pop sensibilities, showcasing versatility that signals their readiness for international stages.

On “CHIC,” the group pivots to a more playful, synth-driven sound. The track is built around cascading arpeggios and dynamic hooks that immediately stick in the listener’s mind. Lyrically, it’s a confident anthem celebrating individuality, style, and charisma, giving each member room to showcase distinct vocal tones and personality traits. Rhythmically, the song blends R&B-inspired phrasing with electronic beats, creating a track that is simultaneously danceable and rich in melodic nuance. The production is tight yet airy, allowing CYE’s vocal layering to remain front and center, and the clever arrangement ensures the song never feels repetitive despite its catchy hooks. CHIC exemplifies the group’s ability to balance approachable pop sensibilities with musical sophistication—a hallmark of their evolving artistry.

“2.0” demonstrates the group’s skill in manipulating rhythm and texture to heighten listener engagement. Alternating between halftime and double-time segments in the chorus, the track keeps the audience on their toes, creating a pulsating, hypnotic effect that reflects the song’s lyrical exploration of personal evolution and self-reinvention. The instrumental layers are intricately arranged; subtle synth pads, melodic keyboard flourishes, and rhythmic percussive elements complement the members’ harmonies without overpowering them. Vocally, the members switch seamlessly between smooth, R&B-inflected passages and more urgent, rhythmic deliveries, underscoring both technical precision and emotional expressiveness. 2.0 reinforces the album’s thematic core of transformation and growth while highlighting CYE’s capacity for experimentation and innovation within K-Pop conventions.

Closing the Korean-language section of the album, “Who’s Dat? (Jane Doe)” stands out as a sensual, dreamlike track that emphasizes atmosphere and emotional nuance. Falsetto runs, airy harmonies, and layered vocal textures create an ethereal soundscape that mirrors the lyrics’ mysterious, alluring subject. The production, while minimalist compared to the album’s dance-heavy tracks, is highly effective: subtle synth pads and soft percussive accents allow the vocals to remain the focal point, evoking a sense of intimacy and intrigue. The song’s pacing, with its measured verses and gently swelling chorus, creates an immersive listening experience that lingers long after the final note. This track highlights the group’s versatility, proving they can command both energetic club tracks and introspective, emotionally charged ballads with equal finesse.

blackout represents a definitive step forward for CYE, expanding their artistic identity while reinforcing their rapid rise in the global music landscape. The album’s careful balance of high-energy, rhythmically intricate tracks and introspective, emotive songs demonstrates a group that is fully aware of their strengths while willing to challenge themselves musically. Each member brings distinctive skill and charisma, from Jeon Min-wook’s lyrical introspection to Ma Jingxian and Jang Yeo-jun’s melodic precision, and Kim Sung-min, Song Seung-ho, Kenshin, and Seo Kyoung-bae’s commanding stage presence. Together, they deliver a project that is not only cohesive but also richly layered, appealing to longtime fans and new listeners alike.

By blending R&B, house, and modern K-Pop influences, CLOSE YOUR EYES not only showcases versatility but also positions themselves as a vanguard of fifth-generation K-Pop, capable of crafting globally resonant music while maintaining their unique identity. blackout is a bold, ambitious project that proves CYE is ready to continue leading the next wave of K-Pop innovation. With their striking visuals, precise performances, and undeniable artistry, CLOSE YOUR EYES are more than a rookie sensation—they are a group whose growth, vision, and musical ambition are shaping the future of the genre.