On Jan. 8, K-Pop quintet ITZY released their eighth mini-album, “BORN TO BE.” The album explores a plethora of genres, such as EDM, dance-pop and rock. Five of the 10 tracks in “BORN TO BE” are solo songs by the members, with each of the girls credited for the lyrics of her respective song, making this album the first-ever to include solos.
The album’s self-titled song “BORN TO BE” is the first on the tracklist and is a solid introduction to what vibes are expected for the rest of the album. The EDM track is heavy with synth sounds that emphasize their empowering lyrics. According to Genius, this song “showcases a new style while staying true to ITZY’s signature sound.” Fans of bass-heavy “construction music” will dig the instrumental if anything.
The track begins with a repetition of the phrase “born to be” in a way that is reminiscent of EDM artist Derivakat. The song continues its repetition with the beginning of the chorus repeating the same words. Although it is a bit catchy, one can’t help but cringe at the lack of creativity in the lyrics. Not only are the lyrics repetitive, but they also come off as cheesy — especially the English lyrics. However, that is expected for a lot of K-pop songs, and ITZY themselves are no strangers to cheesy English lyrics. The theme of the lyrics is a callback to the messages of their first releases, which are supposed to embody the strength of female warriors, but the execution wouldn’t exactly make Artemis proud. The ad-lib cheering that emphasizes some of the lyrics is cute at the beginning but, by the ending chorus, is all over the place.
Following the first song on the mini-album is the title track, “UNTOUCHABLE.” During a press conference in Seoul on Jan 8, the group’s leader, Yeji, said, “The title track sings about nobody being able to stop us from moving forward. We fight together against the difficulties we face living in this complicated world.” “UNTOUCHABLE” is a dance-pop number that attempts to be EDM but fails. The song’s downfall is marked by its disappointing “beat drop” — it builds up before slowly being let down instead of being truly “dropped.” However, the ad-libs and humming in the background are nice touches to the chorus. The vocal doubling is also really cool, especially in the post-chorus when the girls sing “bam-bam-bam-ba-li.” It’s a really fun addition to the track. The ending ties the song together much neater than “BORN TO BE,” but, in general, the song is nothing special.
At first listen, the next track is sure to take one by surprise. Trust that “Mr. Vampire” sounds like nothing you have ever heard before. According to an article in PINKVILLA, the song “expresses the thrill of discovering potential true love and the desire not to miss the opportunity for a perfect match” and uses “vampire metaphors for intimacy” to convey that. Besides the lyrics, many other elements catch listeners’ ears. For starters, the introduction is very unique, from the sounds of rushing water in a forest to the beat remixing a synth that sounds like birds chirping transitioning smoothly into a piano. The piano sounds almost magical, but the sound clip does get slightly weird and choppy when the same trill is repeated. Regardless, it is so satisfying when it’s finished.
Additionally, the verses transport the listener into the body of Bella Swan in the middle of the wilderness with her vampire lover before the chorus takes a complete turn back into the synth. While unconventional, the beat drop doesn’t feel out of place. The track sounds so chill, but the EDM elements make it feel more upbeat. The speak-rapping is extremely pleasing to the ears as it flows well with the distinct beat. To end the bridge, Chaeryeong belts out a high note, which is welcomed as ITZY’s vocals are not showcased too often. “Mr. Vampire” presents ITZY’s vocals so perfectly that the listener can hear the metaphorical blood-red bow wrapping it together. This sets it apart from the many rap and speak-singing-heavy songs in ITZY’s discography.
Verdict: Pretend that you’re “not like the other girls” for a moment as you skip the popular tracks on ITZY’s “BORN TO BE,” because the B-sides are what should be on your rotation.
