The word “comeback” took on special significance this July, with some groups returning from long hiatuses or even disbandment, such as B.A.P and Fiestar. Other artists released music at a pivot or other important turning point of their careers. Astro’s Sanha and Exo’s Chanyeol were among several artists to make solo debuts this month, while others like Chungha and Taemin further established themselves under new companies. Let’s take a look at some other noteworthy debuts and comebacks this month.
Fromis_9 — “Supersonic”
Fromis_9 return with their first single since last June’s superb Unlock My World, “Supersonic.” It’s a catchy Miami bass song that may not be incredibly original, but it executes the summer concept well. Throughout the simple but well-crafted MV, sparks fly and explosions of water at the end essentially turn “Supersonic” into a Waterbomb set. The warm color grading of the video also matches the season. The MV is essentially a showcase for the group’s visuals and choreography. In terms of dance, the members’ synchronization, as well as the memorable arm waving and uppercut punches to the repetition of “supersonic”, particularly stand out.
Musically, the members’ vocals shine on the track, particularly with their lower registers in the verses rising to a powerful chorus. In the chorus, the vocal slides in phrases like “day and night” and “by my side” ramp up the energy. Hayoung’s impressive whistle notes in the background of the final chorus help ensure an uplifting finish.
“Supersonic” harnesses the group’s strengths to make an infectious summer song. It is the fastest Fromis_9 song to reach the top 100 on MelOn, which will hopefully prove to Pledis and Hybe that the group deserve more than one comeback a year.
Lisa ft. Rosalia — “New Woman”
“New Woman” is Lisa’s second single after leaving YG Entertainment for her solo work. Fitting the name, “New Woman” refreshingly departs from the sound and aesthetic of Lisa’s previous solo efforts or her work with Blackpink. With less rap than what one might expect, “New Woman” is an electropop track that showcases Lisa’s vocals. Rosalia’s feature provides an intriguing, though somewhat disjointed, switch-up, slowing down the tempo and nearly whispering her Spanish lyrics in the second verse. Even if the change-up does not entirely work, it fits the concept of evolution, and shows Lisa’s willingness to experiment musically.
For perhaps the first time, Lisa also gives a hint of vulnerability in her lyrics:
Purple into gold
Pain has come and gone again
Walked through that fire
I rediscover
Lisa portrays her reinvention as one due to overcoming challenges. The music video includes the purple and gold color palette, as well as suggesting some potential sources of the “fire” that Lisa has had to walk through. In the MV, one sees her bent over a photocopier, handled roughly by make-up artists, and spied on by a man through Venetian blinds — as a female idol, she can be scrutinized, commodified, and objectified. As she rhetorically asks in the post-chorus, “Eyes, I’m all about mind / You want this?” With Rosalia’s introduction, which includes the arresting image of the two women connected by a lip ring and hoop earring, the MV conveys the empowerment that comes from sisterhood.
“New Woman” is a convincing exhibit of Lisa’s star power and versatility, and bodes well for the direction of her solo career.
NMixx — “See That?”
While Lisa may have surprised listeners with an unexpected change-up, NMixx are known for infusing multiple styles and genres into a single track. However, “See That?”, NMixx’s follow-up to their January comeback “Dash,” takes a more subtle approach to their mixxpop concept. The song mostly incorporates elements of boom bap, with a slight change-up in the second verse, stripping back the bass and percussion and adding in twangy guitar. NMixx members have a wide vocal range, but this song mostly favors their lower registers. “See That?” may feel less dynamic or catchy than “Dash” as a result, but the song is a grower that reveals more layers upon multiple listens.
The song’s Korean title emphasizes the dual meaning of “byeol”: it means star, but also something weird. The lyrics in the chorus alternate between the two meanings:
Woah, there are so many weirdos (See that?)
All kinds of weirdos (Tsk, tsk)
Anyway, weirdos (Twinkle little, little star)
Yeah, I’m a star, star, star
Similarly, the MV has an overall dark and grimy aesthetic, but peppers stars on the members (sprayed on hair, painted as body art, or even swirling in contact lenses). Most dramatically, Sullyoon pulls a star from Haewon’s chest. The imagery reinforces the idea that one should embrace their individuality, regardless if it is considered “weird.” It is a message that fits well with NMixx’s artistic identity.
Oh My Girl — “Classified”
Like fromis_9, Oh My Girl released an album after a break of more than a year. Their latest title track “Classified” returns to their earlier dreamy sound and concept, reminiscent of MVs like “Secret Garden” or “The Fifth Season”.
“Classified” was written as a response to their B-side “My Doll” from 2021’s Dear OhMyGirl. In “My Doll”, the speaker looks back on her childhood and feels sorry for leaving her favorite doll. She muses, “Did you wait for me? / Play with me in your dreams.” In “Classified,” the doll responds, “Sometimes I dive into your dream / Though I can’t stay there forever.” Through its framing and shotmaking, the MV portrays Oh My Girl as dolls — the opening scene, for instance, introduces the members through a dollhouse window. It also periodically utilizes shots from low and high angles to make the members look small. Later sequences display the members performing choreography in artificial-looking forest and city sets, representing visiting a dream.
The song’s opening piano and strings, combined with Seunghee’s airy ’la la la’s, establish an ethereal, nostalgic feeling that matches the subject of the song. Meanwhile, the deep bass and synths add bounce to the orchestral instrumentation. “Classified” continually builds and then peaks in the final chorus, with a key change and Seunghee and Hyojung’s ad-libs adding to its drama. Yubin’s melismatic delivery of “you” brings the song to its bittersweet conclusion. “Classified” feels poignant in its song construction, as well as its retrospective views on youth and Oh My Girl’s career.
Jaehyun — “Smoke”
NCT’s Jaehyun made his mark with a trio of singles for his solo debut: “Dandelion”, “Roses”, and main title track “Smoke.” The latter might be the most surprising and layered of the three MVs. While the pre-release singles are smooth, straightforward R&B songs about love, “Smoke” starts with buttery vocals, but brings talk-rap to the anti-drop chorus. Jaehyun delivers the lines “Hold up, you’re too hot, too hot / Smoke coming out the boombox” in a husky spoken voice. The choice may be an acquired taste, especially for those who favor a more melodic chorus, but it is not unfamiliar given the hip-hop bent of NCT 127. The last forty seconds of the song adds jazzy instrumentals, particularly horns, ending “Smoke” with a pleasant groove.
The song’s lyrics seem to focus on a lover, but the MV delves more into narcissism. In one scene, Jaehyun gazes at the mirror in a hotel room, and then the reflection outstretches his hand to cup Jaehyun’s face. The MV grows more unsettling as he sinks into the couch and comes out covered in sickly yellow fluid, with factories in the background. The imagery might not sync up with the subject matter or mood of the song, but Jaehyun acts convincingly throughout the MV, making it a compelling watch. As a whole, “Smoke” showcases Jaehyun’s creativity and talents in multiple areas.
(YouTube[1][2][3][4][5]. Lyrics via Genius [1][2][3][4]. Image via Lloud).
