Golden Child: Game Changer 2nd Album (Limited Edition) Review

It's unfortunate that Golden Child's 2021 online and offline concert "Summer Breeze" originally set for July 17th and 18th at 2PM KST has been indefinitely postponed and then eventually cancelled, especially with rumors that they would announce a comeback at the concert. Regardless, Woollim dropped a comeback video on July 18th at 5PM KST revealing Golden Child's comeback with their second full album, set for August 2nd!

And with a new era comes a new logo! This time, it's "GOLDEN CHILD" in a new font and in a semi-circle, like what you'd see on a basketball jersey. 

On July 21st at 12PM KST, Woollim dropped the first set of member photos: Bomin and Jaehyun AND I CAN'T BELIEVE THE CONCEPT. Super soft but yet EXPOSED?! It was already so hard going through YES. teasers with Jaehyun, I didn't think I'd already be going through this yet again the following comeback. But then Jaehyun's individual film released at 6PM KST gave such a pure and soft vibe of him playing with bubbles and plopping on the bed...and skip forward to the comeback date, I'm relieved that all the exposure is only from one photoshoot that thankfully has no group photos.

Anyways, I've had a few weeks to let all the exposure soak in and now I can blog with a more rational mind. Golden Child's second full album Game Changer has a limited edition and 3 normal editions. I blogged about ordering my Game Changer albums here. In this post, I've included the introduction to Game Changer and below I'll blog about the limited edition along with the tracklist. In my upcoming post here, I blogged about all 3 normal versions as well as the preorder/first press bonuses (accordion postcard and posters).

Packaging

Here is the limited edition album! The front cover really gives me "OMG" basketball jersey vibes, with the new Golden Child logo and orange color.

I was really surprised by just how big, sturdy, and high quality this album is! The dimensions are about 7.875" by 10.3125" by 1.6875".

Here you can see how the Game Changer albums look in comparison to Golden Child's other albums. The limited edition of Game Changer is quite big, though it isn't as tall as Golden Child's Wish, Re-boot, or Take A Leap albums. To the right of the limited edition are the normal editions.

The front and back covers, along with the top and bottom, are orange, while the left and right sides are black.

The back cover has the KOMCA authentication sticker (there's no Woollim authentication sticker this time), along with the tracklist at the top.

You open the album from the bottom of the front cover; this flap is held together by 2 magnets. Opening the flat reveals the contents of the limited edition album.

The very top contains a translucent paper matching the cover of the photo book. Following is the photo book, and underneath are the miscellaneous items exclusive to the limited edition. To me, the best thing about the limited edition is that nothing is random, so buying 1 copy contains full sets for each member.

Here is everything included in the limited edition: the outbox, the photo book, the translucent paper, the mini poster set and mini poster frame, the photo card sticker set, the photo card set, the guarantee card, and the CD-R in a paper sleeve. 

Photo Book

First off, the photobook is super thick and super high quality! The front cover and spine have the album name embossed in gold.

The back cover has the album logo at the top and copyright info at the bottom, all embossed in gold. This photobook has 204 pages.

The normal edition has 3 versions: Version A (beige), Version B (green), and Version C (blue), each with their own photoshoot. The limited edition photobook is split up into 3 sections to include all 3 photoshoots. This first section is from Version A, as indicated with the beige background. This section starts with the tracklist and a group photo. 

All 3 sections start off the same: each member has 4 consecutive pages containing 3 to 6 photos, and the member order is random.

I have to say, this may be my favorite era for Tag! He's had a lot of bright hair colors, but now that he's back to black he's still trying something innovative with the sides shaved and I can't get over this look! It suits him so well!

While many pages contain 1 photo per page, there are some that contain 2 photos per page. And I must say, Daeyeol also is killing it this era. This hairstyle and shade look so good on him!

I absolutely love that photo on the left! Not only does Seungmin have a fitting hairstyle, but wow he just looks like he owns it with that pose!

I wish they did put more effort into the photobook instead of having wasted white space like this; I understand if a photo needs to be in landscape mode, but they could have made it a 2-page spread or added another photo to that page.

The 2-page spreads are so beautiful!

Version A is definitely my favorite of the 3 for Jibeom! I always prefer hair down and natural, but what really sold me was his confident expressions in this shoot.

I really like Joochan's hairstyle with his outfit; it really fits so well together.

The remainder of this section contains 2 pages per member, and generally 1 photo per page.

I still can't get over Tag's look! And the sunlight is really beautiful in these shots too.

I like how the page layout varies throughout the photobook. Even though there is wasted space here, it's pretty how the photo is framed.

The setting of this photoshoot feels like a relaxing resort getaway, with the outdoor lounge furniture.

The hut adds to that resort feel; it looks like you can get colorful, fruity drinks here^^

The second section contains photos from Version B of the normal album. It begins with a group photo, along with the tracklist. This section follows the same layout as the previous sections.

Tag is killing it here too! I love his hairstyle, and he pulls off that choker and sleeveless top so well.

Daeyeol looks really good in this shoot too; I love the contrast between how soft he looks with his hairstyle and then how simplistically edgy his outfit is.

Seungmin's photos at the fountain look a bit like tourist photos^^

Y looks so serious but I find his photos here so cute because he's hanging out with the statues.

It's one thing to wear riskier clothing in the photoshoot, but I can't believe Jaehyun actually wore this top on stage! The way it moves and shifts...make it VERY apparent that it is a see-through top...

I really like Jangjun's outfit! The copper foil on his top gives a luxurious feeling, fitting with the statues behind him.

While Joochan's top makes him look like a flashy referee (in a good way!), I really like his set of photos here! He looks so soft!

Bomin seriously looks like a model here, especially in the left photo!

These photos of Jibeom are so pretty. I love how his pose and expression match the statue behind him.

The photo on the right reminds me of Tag's concept photo from Gol-Cha! And that photo on the left, he keeps blowing me away!

That photo on the right is so pretty, and the structure frames Donghyun so well.

These photos are so adorable how Y is resting his hand on the statue's arm!

The third section contains photos from Version C of the normal album. This version is a bit different, where each member has his own concept and individual shooting location. Each member has 3 different outfits within their own shoot, however not all 3 outfits are shown in this limited edition photobook. (However it looks like Seungmin only has 2 across the limited and normal versions?) I wanted to show all the outfits included in this section, so it'll be a bit photo heavy! Other than that, the format of this section is the same as the previous 2, where it starts with 4 pages of each member, then later on 2 pages of each member.

They're already starting off this section with Jaehyun, attacking me straight in the heart right away...first off, I already voiced my opinion about how off-course I became because of Jaehyun's individual photos when they were first dropped on Twitter. And for him to look like an actual baby here touching his feet...I was really scared to turn the page to see the duality...

And here is that duality. Seriously, super soft and domestic BUT EXPOSED, and then contrasting with the next photo where he's completely covered by a comforter?! And I was thinking long and hard, how each member has 3 outfits (Jaehyun's being the white sleeveless with blue collar, white sleeveless in bubble bath, and then this exposed one), but I kept trying to understand why there are behind-the-scenes photos and photocards of Jaehyun in a PJ top...then it finally hit me that it is the same outfit as this exposed one, only he took off his shirt...

And then we have Donghyun next, who has the CUTEST and most adorable concept! There's a retro feel to it, and adding the Sesame Street stuffed animals gives off that nostalgic feel as well.

Donghyun's colorful play outfit on the left also fits this boyish concept so well.

And then we go back to the exposed theme. It's unfortunate that his abs are so washed out here since Jangjun worked so hard...

Jangjun's other 2 outfits give off a summertime country club vibe. I like the mix of work-and-play in the left photos, where he looks like he's letting loose despite having that business casual look.

The exposure continues with Daeyeol's very deep neckline in these 2 outfits.

Seungmin looks like a romanticist here! But to know he's wearing just a lacy button-down...

This set of Seungmin photos is so soft!

Y's photos are quite dangerous too...luckily his deadly third outfit isn't included in this photobook.

Here's Y's other outfit.

I cannot get over Joochan's looks throughout this version! I'm usually against exposure but his zebra button-down contrasts well with this skin, and the lighting is so pretty. Version C is definitely my favorite for Joochan!

Here is Jibeom's first outfit.

This outfit is quite similar to Jibeom's previous outfit. The background reminds me of Jangjun's concept photo from "Genie" era!

Tag's was definitely the most shocking for me. I never expected him to show himself like this!

Here is Tag's third outfit.

Here is Bomin's first outfit.

Bomin's photoshoot seems to be the most diverse; the first set looked like he was in an elevator but now this gives off a completely different feel.

Here is Jibeom's third outfit. I'm so grateful that Jibeom's not exposed!

Here is Donghyun's third outfit, which still has the retro vibe but no more boyish charm.

And this is Jaehyun's third outfit, which again has that soft yet exposed vibe with his soaking wet white shirt?! But anyways these photos are really adorable and his individual film of him playing in the bath was too cute!

Here's Joochan's third outfit which I love so much as well! This along with his zebra outfit are so on point.

The left shows Daeyeol's third outfit. I like these; it gives off a playful vibe with him taking a sip.

And here is Bomin's third outfit, which again is so different from his previous 2 shoots.

The Section wraps up with the tracklist. Next are the song lyrics and song credits. There are 2 tracks per page, and it alternates with additional photos of the members.

All the member photos from this section are also from Version C. There is 1 photo per member. I am in love with that Jaehyun photo! I love how it shows his pureness, genuinely having fun with the bubbles.

I really like how they paired the photos with the most similar vibes for each page. Bomin and Tag really look like they were at the same photoshoot here.

The same goes with Jangjun and Donghyun, how both are wearing colorful pastels and have bright, natural lighting.

Next is the special thanks to section, which is the same as in the normal edition albums. There are no individual member thank you messages in either version. Next is a photo from the Version A shooting location.

The last page contains the album credits.

Additional Inclusions

Here I'll be blogging about the looseleaf inclusions of the limited edition. The poster set and frame, the photo card sticker set, and the photo card set all come in their own clear resealable bags. The guarantee card is much higher quality than the one included in the YES. bookcase set, as this Game Changer one is made of cardstock. It has a matte finish and all the text on the front is embossed.

Here are the backsides of the looseleaf inclusions. All 11 posters have this same backside with the album logo. The backside of the sticker set is plain white. The backside of the guarantee card includes a unique serial number; I don't think it means much as it includes both letters and numbers, but I covered it up anyways. All the text on the back of the guarantee card is printed flush on the card.

The mini poster and frame set comes with a frame and 11 mini posters. The first poster is the album logo on an orange background, which is already inside the frame, while the remaining 10 individual member posters were placed behind the frame inside its resealable bag.

Here is a closeup of the frame. It is made of thin cardstock and has a matte finish and a minimalist, elegant look. The frame has dimensions 8.4375" by 6.4375".

Here is the backside of the frame. there is a perforated cutout that you can pop out so that the frame can stand up. I want to preserve my frame so I'll be leaving it like this.

There is a slit on the right side of the frame to easily change the poster that you want to display. Here you can also see how the frame has a matte finish while the poster has a glossy finish.

Here are all 11 mini posters, in the order they came in, from top left to bottom right. The posters are made of high quality cardstock with a glossy front and matte back, and with dimensions about 8.25" by 6.1325". The photos are all from the Version A shoot.

Here is the photo card set, which are selcas from the various album photoshoots. This is the order they came in, from Daeyeol to Tag to Joochan to Donghyun.

The backsides of the photo cards include the members' printed signs and messages. the cards have a glossy finish.

This is the order the photo card sticker set came in, from Daeyeol to Donghyun to Seungmin to Joochan. The photo card sticker set is really high quality! It is really thick so I thought it was actually another set of photocards. The stickers have a glossy finish with a matte backside. I definitely want to preserve these stickers so I won't actually be using them to stick onto anything.

The CD is simple but elegant, with a bronze sheen and the album logo at the top.

Tracklist

This full album contains the following tracks. To no surprise, Jangjun and Tag participated in the lyric creation for all the tracks that they're in, except for "Bottom Of The Ocean" and "I Know" which both don't contain any rap:

1. Game Changer - this intro along with the title track are created by Stardust/Razer, who has worked on many of Woollim artists' songs, including Golden Child's "SEA", "I'm Falling", "I See You", "MAKE ME LOVE", and "Lean On Me". This intro sounds really cinematic, like the soundtrack to a horror-suspense movie. It fits really well with the music video.
2. Ra Pam Pam - Golden Child has quite a few songs from Razer since their debut, however this is their first title from Razer! On Twitter, Razer even stated that this song is his favorite and best song he's created as a composer, and it's an honor that it's for Golden Child. It is inspired by Latin rhythms, which can be heard in the song and seen the in choreography. This song continues with Golden Child's more dark and mature concept, and the music video adds to the group's post-apocalypse concept. The music video this time is of reasonable length while still showing a cohesive plot (and Acting Child!); I hope Woollim will also release a mini movie! 
3. Bottom Of The Ocean - is an all-English song! I love how upbeat and fun this song is; if not for Jaehyun's and Bomin's implicit lines (and the way Jaehyun sings his lines so clearly and confidently...), I'd be blasting this for everyone to hear. And there is no rap, so we get to hear Jangjun's and Tag's vocals!
4. 빵빠레 - also known as "Fanfare", this song is co-created by SCORE(13) and Megatone(13) who worked on "YES." and "Burn It" and is the B-side that is being promoted alongside "Ra Pam Pam". The suits and choreography for "Fanfare" are so on-point; I think these are my favorite non-Golcha branded stage outfits to date!
5. Singing In The Rain (Joo Chan & Bo Min) - this is such a calming song, and the combination of Bomin's low voice and Joochan's high voice alternating during the verses is so beautiful, as well as their harmonization during the chorus.
6. GAME (TAG & Ji Beom) - is created by MosPick, who also participated in Golden Child's "Damdadi", "All Day", "Let Me", "Pump It Up", and "Cool Cool". I never expected this combo, but it's nice mixing Tag's rap and vocals along with Jibeom's!
7. Spell (주문을 걸어) - is co-created by the same members of Full8loom and ARTiffect who worked on "Don't Run Away". This song has a similar feel to "Fanfare" and showcases this genre as the overarching genre of this album.
8. 창밖으로 우리가 흘러 (Dae Yeol Solo) - also known as "Out The Window", is a really beautiful ballad that showcases Daeyeol's vocals so well.
9. POPPIN' (Y & Jang Jun) - is co-created by STAINBOYS who also worked on Golden Child's "Lean On Me". This is such a fun song and a great song to wake up to and start the day. My favorite part is Jangjun's "pew pew"!
10. 느낌적인 느낌 (Seung Min & Dong Hyun & Jae Hyun) - also known as "That Feeling", I think I've found my new favorite Golden Child song! Before this, "Go Together" was my favorite, which may be telling me something about who my true bias is...this song is just really calming with a splash of pop, and it showcases each member's voice so well. When I first saw the tracklist, it felt like this combination was really random, but after hearing the song, it all works so well and they all fit this song so well.
11.  난 알아요 - also known as "I Know", this is a song dedicated to Goldenness! It's a soft ballad that rounds out the album. Like with "Bottom Of The Ocean", there is no rap so we get to hear Jangjun's and Tag's vocals.

I absolutely love how Woollim's full albums include solo and subunit tracks. It's especially fun because there aren't established subunits within Golden Child, so the members can really experiment with various combinations. I am in love with "That Feeling", but following that are "Out The Window", "POPPPIN'", and "I Know"!

Overall, I am in love with this album, the concept, the tracklist, the performances, everything! As a whole, this era is absolutely stunning. And I've had this internal battle of who's my ult for years now, and have such a long battle between bongbeom, Jaehyun seriously killed it this comeback and has definitely won my heart over! I also have an unboxing review for the 3 normal album versions here.