iKON is coming back! On Monday, January 7th 2019, iKON releases New Kids Repackage album, which is the compilation of their singles and mini album in the past two years. This album only has one new single, I’m Ok that also serves as the title track.
The release of I’m Ok raises my anticipation since iKON creates a remarkable achievement last year. One of their singles, Love Scenario, grabs Song of the Year title in Melon Music Awards 2018 and Golden Disk Awards 2019. It becomes a viral sensation in South Korea where different age group of people knows and memorizes the song lyrics. Aside from Love Scenario, iKON also releases solid mini and full album throughout the year. Their Return album is actually my pick of the best album last year!
With I’m Ok, it would be interesting to see whether iKON could continue last year’s success. Does this single live up expectation? Check out my review of iKON newest single, I’m Ok below…………….
I’m Ok continues to showcase a darker side of iKON after Killing Me and Goodbye Road. This is a medium tempo song that combines strong synthesizer sound, piano melody, and a strong beat. The song dynamic is quite interesting because it emphasizes more on pre-chorus rather than the following part. It has the high notes and beat change while the refrain sounds calmer with its catchy hook.
iKON decision to focus on pre-chorus makes I’m Ok stands out. It works well with the lyrical theme, which talks about how iKON pretends to be fine after breaking up. The calmer refrain successfully represents the boys’ suppressing feeling. It also manages to showcase iKON’s signature laid-back style. I like that they stick to this type of sound post Love Scenario success last year. It differentiates their sound with other groups.
Although it offers something new in terms of song dynamic, I’m Ok still have a major issue, which is repetitiveness. There is not much going on in terms of music and vocal that makes the song seems never-ending. iKON also needs to be careful not to trap in same song formula. If you notice, there is a similar arrangement between I’m Ok and most of their last year’s singles. The boys should explore more.
As for I’m Ok music video, it translates the darker music and lyrical theme. It shows iKON goes in different place alone. The usage of various setting makes the music video becomes more appealing while also giving each iKON member time to shine. From Bobby’s television scene, Yunhyeong’s chair scene to B.I. car accident’s scene, each has a distinct vibe.
Despite having different settings, I’m Ok music video does not look messy. This is because red and black tone dominates the whole music video, which creates a cohesive theme. The contrasting effect and unusual cinematography also become an interesting aspect of the whole music video. Plus, iKON styling is sharp too!
I’m Ok is a solid release for iKON to open 2019. This song offers different dynamic compared to their previous releases while still sticks to iKON’s signature laid-back sound. The music video showcases a darker tone of iKON, which fits the song lyrics about pretending to be fine after breaking up.
With I’m Ok, iKON off to a good start in continuing last year’s success. The boys become more comfortable with laid-back musical direction, which is also their strongest point. But at the same time, don’t let them become too comfortable. iKON still has many potentials that could be explored more. Tons of luck this year, iKON!
Rating: 3.5/5
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