[MUSIC VIDEO REVIEW] TWICE - Fancy (2019)

TWICE joins Blackpink and BTS to have an April comeback! On Monday, April 22^nd, 2019, the girls released their new mini album called Fancy You with Fancy as the title track. TWICE comeback gathered a lot of curiosity since the first teaser release, which shows the girls with bold styling. Public want to know whether TWICE decide to ditch their bubbly image and go for mature looks through Fancy. This assumption grows stronger because TWICE junior, Itzy has debuted this year and targeted on younger audiences, which could allow them to explore more sound as well as concept.

So does TWICE really change their image through Fancy? Check out my review Fancy You album title track below…………

Fancy opens with a combination of electronic beat and guitar riff. It presents a different side of TWICE since the way they play the instrumental gives a sultry vibe as well as retro sound. The opening sound followed by an interesting verse where the music tones down and relies on a percussion beat. Fancy electronic beat starts to rise again during Jungyeon and Momo’s part at the second verses and continues with Sana and Tzuyu chanting-like pre-chorus.

Fancy opening verses are promising because it mixes different sound without losing its charm. It also showcases a more mature side of TWICE. The solid opening amplifies on the second verses with Dahyun and Chaeyoung’s rap part that does not fall into cliché then Jungyeon and Mina’s follow up. Verses definitely the most dynamic part of Fancy, which continues TWICE strength from their previous title tracks.

As for its refrain part, Fancy considered as safe because TWICE sticks to their pop sound. The “Fancy you” hook is catchy enough to stick in your head for a long time, but it does not add an interesting element to the song. Nayeon and Jihyo’s singing style is quite worrisome too because the refrain sounds way above their range.

TWICE continues to show their mature side through appearances on Fancy music video. The girls play out with bold eye shadow and wear bright as well as patterned dress. Aside from mature, this styling also fits Fancy retro-inspired sound. TWICE members do not find difficulties in adjusting this different image. Each of them manages to be captivating on the screen whether on individual shots or dance scene.

At the same time, Fancy music video still presents TWICE quirky image through its setting. We see Nayeon sits on a pink diamond on the lake, Jihyo lies around bubbles, and Tzuyu stands in a milky way. All of these scenes wrap in neon pink tone. It is such a pity the special effects are overboard and TWICE signature unique storyline is missing though.

TWICE successfully breaks out their shell with Fancy. The song and music video theme are more mature compared to their previous hits. However, it still stays on TWICE brand with its exciting verses, addictive hook part, and quirky music video. Fancy is a great start for TWICE to grow with their music and sound. Cannot wait to see how the girls venture next!

Rating:                                    4/5

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[MUSIC VIDEO REVIEW] TWICE - Likey (2017)

TWICE is on a roll this year! After releasing Knock Knock and Signal, the girls are back with their newest single Likey on Monday, October 30^th 2017. This song is a part of TWICE first studio album called TWICETAGRAM.

For Likey, TWICE bring back again their long time collaborator Black Eyed Pilseung. This is a composer who successfully created TWICE massive hits such as Cheer Up and TT.

With Likey, will TWICE and Black Eyed Pilseung manage to produce another hit? Check out my review for below……………………

Since the first listen, we could definitely tell that Likey is TWICE and Black Eyed Pilseung’s song. Their signature hook straight up attacked us. Its ‘likey likey’ lyrics appeared repeatedly in the beginning. It would surely stick in our head.

Then verses came along with electronic music companion. Black Eyed Pilseung showed their capabilities to produce different verses throughout Likey. Each verse managed to stand out on its own. My favorite would be Jungyeon and Tzuyu’s verse in the beginning.

Beside verses, Black Eyed Pilseung also changed Dahyun and Chaeyoung’s rapping part. It did not appear after the first refrain like previous TWICE singles. Instead, it placed towards Likey ending. The way the girls exchanged line seemed different this time. It was a fresh attempt and able to cover their weakness including Dahyun’s flow.

Verse is the strongest part of Likey. Its bridge and refrain part unfortunately did not follow through. Both fell flat after its build up verses. It sounded uninspired too since the music arrangements quite similar with TT. Another problem came from vocal arrangement. It was uncomfortable to listen TWICE sang higher than their range.

As for its lyrics, Likey tackled social media issue. TWICE mentioned how they always put effort in order to look beautiful on their social media account. I like that they are honest and not shy away from insecurities. It felt relatable on their personal level too since they still teenagers who lived in this digital era.

Likey social media theme showed on its music video. We see Jihyo recorded her activities and talked to the camera. We also pay attention on TWICE choreographies. The girls acted as if asking us to like their photo on Instagram.

However, it appeared briefly. Most scenes on Likey music video only showed TWICE walked with colorful background and styling. I wished TWICE maximized the social media theme and their opportunities to shoot in Canada. It has so much potential and could provide interesting twist.

Likey maintained TWICE signature style. It showed all those catchy hook, quirky lyrics, and easy to remember choreography. But at the same time, it did not offer something new from TWICE. It still has similar vocal and music arrangements like TWICE previous hits.

It is good to have consistency, but I wish TWICE did not stick to repetitive formula. Their decision to showcase similar formula eventually made people bored. The girls need to explore more, they have long way to go in this music industry.

Rating:                                    2.5/5

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[MUSIC VIDEO REVIEW] TWICE - Signal (2017)

Nothing can stop TWICE at this moment. Three months after releasing their TWICEcoaster: Lane 2 album, the girls are ready to launch new music. TWICE just released their new album called Signal on Monday, May 15^th 2017.

Signal is a mini album, which consisted of same name title track and other five songs. This album feels special since JYP finally composes TWICE title track for the first time. Many people have anticipated whether JYP manage to create another hit for his idols. Also, people were curious to see if TWICE could continue their success streak.

So, does Signal meet people anticipation? Check out my review for TWICE newest music video below…………………….

Signal once again showed JYP capability to create catchy melody. This song will grab people attention since the first listen because of addictive rap part. It then followed by lovely singing verse and chorus. The latter is the best part in Signal. It differentiates this song from TWICE previous hits.

Rather than the usual powerful chorus, TWICE takes more laid back approach here. I really like the ‘jjirit jjirit’ part. It sounds adorable and easy to remember! Other than chorus, Signal also shows differences in TWICE vocal distribution. It is surprising to see vocalists like Jihyo, Nayeon, and Jungyeon lead verses with Jungyeon gets the biggest part. Meanwhile, Tzuyu and Sana takes on chorus. This change spices up Signal a bit as TWICE song.

Good melody and vocal distribution must have proper other elements to accompany them. Unfortunately, this is where Signal falls. The song structure is messy with its sudden transition. It becomes confusing when people start to enjoy the melody, but the song abruptly takes different turn.

The music arrangement also makes this disjointed part clearer. Signal only has strong drum and bass beat along with synthesizer throughout the song. This simple arrangement fails to cover up transition. Plus, it makes some TWICE members’ weakness in vocal sounds visible.

Meanwhile the music video itself is able to make up song flaws. TWICE manage to bring back their fun signature in Signal music video. It is interesting to see domination of all those pop colors such as pink, red, and yellow.

TWICE members look gorgeous too, especially when they styled as retro girls. Moreover, we get glimpse of Signal choreography. It seems easy to remember, so there is a high chance that it would become viral.

Aside from fun, TWICE also known for their quirky style. Signal might be TWICE most bizarre music video yet. It tells a story about how TWICE members fall in love with an alien. They try to get alien attention by sending signal just like the song lyrics. The funny thing is TWICE shows their interests by displaying super powers. Take a look at Mina’s way to hypnotize the alien or Momo’s action to run fast in front of the alien. We enjoy all of their actions, but wait until you see twist at the ending ;)

With Signal, TWICE showed that they could create another memorable song again. It has catchy melody although paired up with disjointed arrangement. The music video itself continues to display TWICE fun and quirky charm.

TWICE still has long way to go to showcase their potential as a group or individual. It’s great to see them manage to create consecutive hit while keep their momentum. However, I wish TWICE slow down a little bit. They could take a break to prepare for their new music and increase its material quality. They don’t have to be worried since we will patiently wait for them J 

Rating                         : 3/5

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[MUSIC VIDEO REVIEW] TWICE - Knock Knock (2017)

It has not been that long since TWICE released their latest album TWICEcoaster: Lane 1. But, the girls already back again! TWICE just launched new album called TWICEcoaster: Lane 2 on Monday, February 20^th 2017. It’s a follow up album from TWICEcoaster series that has two additional songs.

For this album, TWICE chooses Knock Knock as title track. This song managed to garner anticipation prior to its release. People want to know whether this song able to continue TWICE’s last year success. But at the same time, they also curious to see if TWICE formula become repetitive.

So, how does Knock Knock fare into? Could TWICE continue their success? Check out my review below…………………….

TWICE provided fresh twist in Knock Knock. The girls decided to ditch dance music and went into pop-rock route. This song dominated by full band instrumental with a little bit of electronic touch. Unlike TWICE previous singles, Knock Knock flowed was simple. The verses became strongest point while the refrain part did not explosive.

TWICE also tried new approach regarding their vocals. The talking part and cutesy intonation were still there. However, they minimized it this time. We finally got to hear TWICE real vocals! Most of the girls nailed Knock Knock because the singing part fitted right into their vocal range. The girls also had a chance to do vocal layering, which sounded unique throughout the song.

Knock Knock may have different treatment, but it did not mean to lose TWICE identity. This song still has build up verses with hook ending. This made Knock Knock enjoyable and easy to remember like TWICE previous hits. Beside that, Knock Knock also successfully maintained TWICE cheerful music vibe.

TWICE signature style can also be seen on Knock Knock music video. It’s a mix of fun and quirky theme. The fun aspect represented by usages of color. TWICE decided to go bold by appearing in bright colors such as yellow and orange. These colors popped up on stop motion scene, which added uniqueness in the music video.

Then quirky theme represented on Knock Knock storyline. It told a story about how TWICE waited for someone to knock on their house door. They hoped someone special who could come and shake their heart, just like the song lyrics.

The girls stayed together in pajama attire and waited for a long night. But, the right boy never came. The girls instead got a visit from JYP (this was hilarious!) and mysterious book. When TWICE read the book, it showed fairytale stories and various characters, which referred to their appearance in TT music video.

Suddenly, the snow fell and the girls went out to play around. They had fun without realizing time. At 12 AM, their house door closed while the girls still stayed outside. They could not go back and decided to ask help by knocking the door continuously.

There was a twist here. Their knocking gesture apparently related to TT music video. It’s pretty cool, right? I love how TWICE always managed to coordinate all of their music video.

TWICE nailed it again with Knock Knock. The song showed a right balance between trying something new and maintaining signature style. It’s a combination of TWICE uniqueness, cuteness, and sassiness. As for Knock Knock music video, it added more fun aspect to the song.

It’s safe to say that TWICE is on the right track. I like that they showed enough effort to explore various type of music without losing their identity. If they keep this up and avoid repetitiveness, I’m sure they able to lock their position as one of top girl groups in K-Pop music industry.

Rating:            3.5/5

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