[MUSIC VIDEO REVIEW] ITZY - WANNABE (2020)

ITZY finally graduated from their rookie status! This JYP Entertainment girl group has released their first mini album IT’z ME with lead single WANNABE on Monday, March 9^th 2020. It’s only been one year since ITZY entered K-Pop music scene, yet they already attract interests. Their last year’s debut single, Dalla Dalla, became a hit and led them to sweep Best New Female category in major awards. They also successfully established their group identity, a mix of girl crush and playful teenagers, in terms of music and concept.

With WANNABE, ITZY continues to make us curious. Will they play it safe and replicate similar formula? Or will they experiment and create something totally different from their debut? Check out my review of IT’z ME album title track below…………………………

WANNABE follows similar formula of Dalla Dalla. It has singing/talking verses, a pop chorus, and an English chant as its hook. This song also has electronic dance music as its main genre. However, ITZY levels it up by adding deep house genre on WANNABE verses and disco sound on its chorus. As a result, this song has harder beat and more mature vibe compare to their previous single. The addition of disco sound creates a nostalgic vibe too since it will remind you to Second-Generation Girl Group sound like SISTAR and T-ara.

The emphasis on dance music makes WANNABE fascinating to listen, but unfortunately, it affects ITZY vocal. The member’s singing style starts to become similar between one another; causing it hard to differentiate their voices. Some of them noticeably have to sing outside their vocal range, which makes several verses and chorus uncomfortable to listen. I understand JYP Entertainment wants to make ITZY as a dance-focused group, but it does not hurt to polish the girls’ vocal. They have potential and the right key would allow their vocal to give more kick to the song.

In the music video department, WANNABE stays true to the song’s lyrics about empowerment. ITZY continues to carry their confident self since debut, which they ask people to stop bothering them because they just want to be themselves. Each member shines on their own in the music video, in fact, it able to accommodate ITZY girls’ strength through individual scenes.

WANNABE music video has different storyline for each member that suits to their image. For example, Yuna displays her funny and sassy charm by having a runway scene without shoes. Then Lia messes up a luxurious dining table to break her princess image. It’s a clever way to point each member’s identities, which is useful since they are still rookies.

Aside from its lyrics, WANNABE music video also represents the more mature ITZY sound. Check out, how the color tone, lighting, and setting becomes darker despite the girls still use similar stylings like their previous singles.

ITZY sticks to their success recipe in WANNABE. They maintain a similar song arrangement and concept styling like their debut single, while tease a mature side through the addition of disco and deep house sound, and darker music video. The similar formula does not really bothersome at this stage of ITZY career since it’s only been one year from their debut. It’s great to maintain your identity and let people know each member’s characteristics. However, ITZY should not become too comfortable with this style as year goes by. Don’t forget to explore more girls, otherwise your sound and concept will become repetitive!

Rating:            3.5/5

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Top 10 Best K-Pop Songs 2019

Hello everyone, how’s it going? I can’t believe we finally arrived at the end of 2019; it feels like yesterday when I started to write this year’s first music video review.

2019 has been a challenging year for me. I still need to adjust with my master’s degree life while finish dissertation on the same period. Both require a lot of energy and time, which is why I didn’t have a chance to write this year’s Summer Showdown. But luckily, I passed all those steps and ready to attend my graduation next month. Yay!

In the K-Pop music scene, 2019 has been an unusual year. Many idols find difficulties to create a longevity hit on digital charts. Rumors sparked that some singers use chart manipulation to defeat them. This issue becomes a hot topic nowadays, however there is still no further investigation regarding it.

All of these are quite pitiful since K-Pop idols themselves actually release various great tracks throughout 2019. That is why I decide to celebrate their achievements and make 10 Best K-Pop Songs 2019 list on this blog. This list is based on personal preferences, so don’t be too worried if your favorites do not make it. In fact, feel free to share your own list on the comment section below.

So, are you ready? Here is the list of 10 Best K-Pop Songs 2019……………….

Honorable Mentions: A Pink - %%, Chen – Beautiful Goodbye, MAMAMOO – HIP

10.  AKMU – How Can I Love the Heartbreak, You’re the One that I Love

After Chanhyuk finished his two-years military services, AKMU proves that they still have their charm on How Can I Love the Heartbreak, You’re the One that I Love. It’s a ballad track with a piano sound background about how hard it is to let go of someone that you love. Chanhyuk and Suhyun display both soothing vocal and strong emotions, which not only able to carry us away, but also create pleasant dynamic to this song.

9.     IU – Above the Time

Listening to Above the Time feels like reading a fairytale. There is a bittersweet feeling of longing and hoping because of IU’s storytelling way of singing. But at the same time, there is a nostalgic beauty behind her light vocal, wrapped in a dramatic piano and string sound. It’s full of IU signature style, which makes Above the Time easily her best releases this year.

8.     Day6 – Time of Our Life

Time of Our Life travels us back to early 2000s era where band dominates the whole music industry. It is an anthem with strong guitar and drum beat that manages to pump us up. The song might sound loud, however Day6 adds a heartwarming touch through its relatable lyrics. They remind us on the importance of making the most out of our youth. Interestingly, their decision makes Time of Our Life becomes a more powerful song.

7.     Taeyeon – Four Seasons

Taeyeon attempts something new by taking reggae genre through Four Seasons. She plays along with a strong bass and whistle sound and goes into more soulful way of singing. It’s a twist to Taeyeon’s clear vocal tone, however it does not bury her roots. Four Seasons still has a catchy pop chorus like Taeyeon’s previous singles.

6.     ITZY – Dalla Dalla

Playing with the term Dalla Dalla, which means different in Korean language, ITZY proves that they are indeed unique among other rookies. Look at how the song mixes different elements such as a trap breakdown, a pop chorus, and a catchy post-chorus chant. It’s infectious, yet does not sound too messy, thanks to a powerful drum beat which serves as Dalla Dalla main foundation. 

5.     BTS – Boy with Luv (feat. Halsey)

When you already so successful, what will you do? For BTS, they choose to have fun by releasing Boy with Luv. This is their most pop title track to date with its catchy hook that spread through different parts of the song. The bright theme fits the song lyrics about falling in love, but it does not mean BTS takes the song lightly. Boy with Luv has a rich song arrangement from funk-inspired guitar riff, quirky keyboard sound, to Halsey’s striking vocal tone.

4.     Seventeen – HIT

When K-Pop idols approach a trendy sound, they often have to sacrifice their signature style. However, Seventeen proves the otherwise through HIT. They take the EDM genre and craft the song’s arrangement based on their own sound. Yes, HIT has a fast-paced rap, chorus breakdown, and chanting-like ending. But; the soaring vocal style and hook melody still screams Seventeen. What a great combination and a strongest release from them this year!

3.     GOT7 – You Calling My Name

Forget previous hard-hitting title tracks since GOT7 aims for a minimalistic style on You Calling My Name. Their distinct vocal tone and harmonization take a center stage in this R&B style title track. It’s sexy, yet still playful due to the addition of strong guitar riff. The latter instrumental also effective to give enough punch for You Calling My Name.

2.     TWICE – Fancy

It’s about time for TWICE to switch things up and present more mature side of them in 2019. Fancy is an electronic-pop sound with an interesting dynamic; switching between the girls’ powerful and airy vocal, as well as, singing and talking on its verses. The build-up is strong, but surprisingly, the refrain opts for a bright hook and soaring vocal. This is a fantastic combination because it shows different side of TWICE, yet still carries their uplifting spirit.   

1.     Chungha – Gotta Go

Gotta Go has everything that makes it the best K-Pop songs in 2019. It starts with an alluring melody and a powerful beat on verses to a simple hook chorus. The arrangement between these parts is gripping enough, but the real climax happens during the post chorus when Chungha’s soaring vocal appears alongside a unique synthesizer sound. It’s a strong dynamic from a pop song and rare to be found nowadays, which is why it’s not surprising to see Gotta Go sits on top of this list.

That’s all the list of 10 best K-Pop songs in 2019. It’s a diverse list since most idols attempt to do something different this year. It’s refreshing to listen to new side of them, while also relieving to see them does not forget their own signature style. It’s a great achievement and I cannot wait to hear what they have in store next year!

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