K-pop comebacks have been quite lackluster recently. I find myself anticipating a new comeback or album from my fave just to have the same reaction, “Oh, I liked it but it’s definitely not my favorite.” Oftentimes thinking to myself it was just okay. I’m never quite satisfied. But when I saw the teaser for Itzy’s “Motto”, I just couldn’t hold my excitement. The bright and joyful clips were enough to keep me hooked and these girls did not disappoint. No joke...I’ve had this album on repeat since its release and I don’t plan on stopping anytime soon. Motto was the perfect album release following Itzy’s contract renewal. The tracks introduce a new era of Itzy while also encapsulating who they are, not just as a group, but individuals. It’s very clear that there has been a lot of effort and thought put into this album.
Motto: The Title Track and M/V
The first thing I noticed when “Motto” released was that the song actually felt like a complete song. Part of my disappointment from new releases these days is how empty they feel. They’re short, repetitive, and I always feel like they’re missing something. But with "Motto," there’s no empty chorus without a pre-chorus, we have our build up, break down, resolve. My jaw dropped when I heard the bridge between Lia, Ryujin, and Chaeryeong. And most importantly: THE SONG IS LONGER THAN THREE MINUTES!! Which is honestly hard to come by these days. This song feels like a gem compared to recent releases. Very refreshing.
The track is honestly a dream come true and the perfect playful summer song. It’s such a big contrast to their previous title tracks, but it’s so sweet and it really conveyed the message they were going for. I love how upbeat and vocally driven the song is. Another thing I wanted to point out, that I really enjoyed, was the synth-pop that was incorporated into the song. I feel that the slight retroness made the track feel a bit more nostalgic.
The music video was so beautiful and I think it complemented the song well. I loved the direction the production team took during filming. It’s like I was watching a fairy tale pop-up storybook come to life. Everything felt so sentimental and magical. It's genuinely so mesmerizing to watch.
Upon their recent contract renewal, Itzy has opened a new chapter in their career. This song signifies that turning point while also sending a tender message to their fans. It’s really the embodiment of the feelings Itzy have for each other and Midzy. There will always be ups and downs throughout life, it's inevitable. Between one another, they’re able to stay motivated and uplifted. Through their fans, they have a purpose.
“We become one because you are my motto.” - Itzy
Motto: B-sides and Solos
I don’t think I have much to say about the b-sides. Not because they’re not good, but just because I think the title track was so special. I still loved the b-sides, especially, the solo tracks.
Glitch - this song is very on brand with Itzy's self-love theme. Being confidently different. I loved the instrumentals of this track. We're back to electo-pop and it's so catchy. I love it.
You and I - "You and I" has a pretty similar sound to "Glitch." I think it's a little more smooth and its rhythm was a bit more flowy. Very cute.
Pocket (Yeji) - I was moving AS SOON as this song came on. Yeji is so hypnotizing. She definitely has me in her pocket. Like actually obsessed with this song. It's so fun and upbeat. It's giving 2000's It Girl. It kinda reminds me of "Beautiful Liars" by Beyonce and Shakira. Just a little bit.
Asylum (Lia) - Lia is actually one of the most underappreciated vocalists in K-pop. It's been almost two years since she came back from hiatus, but I am still so grateful to have her back. "Asylum" is such a beautiful soft-rock/alternative song. Her voice is so comforting and matches the lyrics so perfectly. Speaking of lyrics, sometimes, K-pop lyrics in English can feel a little inauthentic because of language barriers and mistranslations, but this song was written so well. I get goosebumps listening to it.
Look (Ryujin) - "Look" makes me feel like I should be on a runway. It's very cool-girl vibes, which honestly makes it the perfect song for Ryujin. I suggest looking at a stage performance because I absolutely love her dance style. I hope I can see it live one of these days.
Undefined (Chaeryeong) - Chaeryeong has definitely found her style between "Undefined" and her last solo, "Mine." She's so charismatic and alluring through her visuals and stage presence. Her solo is very seductive, from her smooth vocals to her to the jazz trumpets in the background. This song is so her, through and through
Tangerine (Yuna) - Nothing screams, "Yuna solo," more than a high-energy, bubbly pop song. It's cute and It's sweet, just like her. I have yet to find a city-pop song that I didn't like. "Tangerine" is the perfect song for the bright and charming Yuna.
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