Having debuted only in November last year, we haven't had the chance to fully get to know BE:FIRST. But that's about to change. Brace yourselves: the rising J-pop group has penned quite a comprehensive introduction to the world through their first album, BE:1.

"I am thrilled that we were able to release our first album less than one year after forming BE:FIRST, especially during this difficult time," shares MANATO. "Each track is of a different genre, and each song could qualify as a lead single! On top of being able to participate in creating music, getting direction from artists whom I used to listen to and collaborating with uprising creators are unforgettable experiences for me."

A mix of new releases and already-loved singles, the new album was a collaborative effort between the members of the group and select Japanese producers. Among them include known names in the industry who have collaborated with some of our favourite J-pop and K-pop artists:  Chaki Zulu, KM, Sunny Boy, UTA, Ryosuke "DR.R" Sakai, Maxx Song, MONJOE(DATS), Mori Zentaro, and Kosuke Crane. BMSG Management founder SKY-HI also contributed to the group's debut album.

All these efforts combined made sure that BE:1 remain true to BE:FIRST's core of being "genre-less."

"All the other tracks in the album are a variety of genres," RYOKI enthuses. "So I want people to check out all the songs in BE:1."

BF is...

The first track of the album is something familiar, a song BE:FIRST performed at Viva La Rock 2022 and Rock In Japan Festival. 

It seems befitting that this song plays first, though. 'BF is...' is the group's way of inviting everyone to take a seat and listen. In LEO's own words, "Once you listen to this album, you will understand who we are. BE:1 is BE:FIRST!"

What better way to get someone hooked than by saying that the show's just getting started? BF is coming up, indeed.

Gifted.

Saying that 'Gifted.' is just another pre-released single is doing it a disservice. After all, it did dominate various charts in Japan and beyond.

After the intro that is 'BF is...,' listening to this 'Gifted.' is a subtle but powerful reminder of what the group has done and what else they could do in the future.

Scream

The members of BE:FIRST have a lot to say about their lead single.

"'Scream' is such a cool song that [got] all of us super excited," RYOKI says. "The message in the lyrics and the up-and-down of the music line would grab listeners' hearts."

"[It] is a song that inspires you to express yourself without being swept away in this rapidly changing world," adds JUNON. "A song that cheers you up whenever you listen to it."

"I recommend ‘Scream’ when you are feeling tired from work, school, or whatever you are doing and want to scream (but you can’t)," RYUHEI also says. "You would feel refreshed after listening to this song!"

Moment

The fourth track in the album is one of the songs that weren't previously released. 'Moment' is also RYOKI's favourite song from the album.

"It is a song I want to listen to make my morning elegant," he explains in an exclusive video interview with Bandwagon (coming out soon!). "It is a new style of music for BE:FIRST."

Be Free

Prior to its official release (a few short weeks before the album dropped), 'Be Free' has already given the world a sneak peek of what BE:FIRST is like. Those who have been following the group from the beginning may know this pop-dance track from their early days when the boys performed this at THE FIRST, the show where BE:FIRST was formed.

Softly

A new track on their discography, 'Softly' is BE:FIRST's take on R&B. It's also a song that features only four of the members: JUNON, RYUHEI, LEO and MANATO.

"The recording of this song was challenging for me as it required lots of singing skills!" JUNON talks about his favourite song.

Betrayal Game

'Betrayal Game' has seen fame by being the theme for Nippon Television Network and Yomiuri TV's Thursday drama The Detective is Way Ahead - Spring Trick Return Festival. It has also easily become a fan favourite due to its music video, which showcased the group's dancing chops.

Milli-Billi

In 'Milli-Billi', BE:FIRST decided to do something unique: all seven members took turns rapping. RYUHEI boasts, "With the low base sound in the background, we’ve achieved outstanding coolness."

Spin!

The ninth BE:1 track features SOTA, SHUNTO, and RYOKI rapping.

"I like ‘Spin!’. For the first time, we split into two groups," reveals SHUNTO. "Since we wrote the lyrics on our own, it became one of my favourites."

Move On

Like some of the songs in the album, 'Move On' was also first seen and listened to at THE FIRST.

Brave Generation

While no longer a new song, 'Brave Generation' is a refreshing, anthemic melody. Including it in the album seems like BE:FIRST's way of showing listeners that they still have a lot to show for, starting with this new album. As SHUNTO has put it, "I want our fans to check out our songwriting and new choreography for the new songs in this album."

Grateful Pain

If there's any song that paints the hardships and triumphs each member has experienced in their journey as artists, it's 'Grateful Pain'.

"‘Grateful Pain’ is a song we all put the lyrics and music together." LEO shares. "We were able to express who we are and how we feel now into this song.

Shining One

The thirteenth track of the album, 'Shining One' is a re-recording of their single originally released last year.

Message

BE:FIRST brings something new to the table with 'Message'.

"‘Message’ has a melody that has its own character," SOTA says about his favourite song from the album. "It makes you feel so good, while the distinctive drum beats make you wanna dance to it or feel groovy. It is a well-balanced track."

"'Message' is our first love song," RYUHEI discloses. "I like how the hook begins and flows from there. The rap part is mellow, yet the lyrics for sure touch my heart. I would say this is the J-pop love song."

Bye-Good-Bye

Ending the album with a song entitled as such might seem literal, but taking a closer look reveals so much more. ‘Bye-Good-Bye’ hit number one on the Billboard Japan Hot 100 and its music video received over 26 million views on YouTube—an indication that while listeners have reached the end of the album, there is still so much to anticipate from BE:FIRST.

"'BE:1' showcases our steps thus far and what's coming next (or our history thus far and the future from here) for BE:FIRST and for us individuals," SOTA says. "For me personally (as someone who once had a career as a professional dancer), it was just like a dream that I was able to create music that excited me enough to want to dance!"