aespa - Savage

Release Date: October 5th, 2021
Genre: kpop, hiphop

This group is wild. I wasn't sure about their first single, but their 2nd single grow on me and I was impressed how they took a fast and furious song nobody heard of and made it awesome.

Review: So the first track "aenergy" feels like a setup track because it's easy to get into and there's that feeling of a build up. Then with the title track, "Savage," on first listen, it was a big "what the fuck is this?" but the "gimme gimme now" became endearing and the song just makes me laugh at how many genres it can combine. It definitely left a mark. The next song sounds a bit weird to me, but because it's still weird, I like how messy it sounds.

I think with "YEPPI YEPPI" they went full pop here and I should like it, but it reminds me of Itzy and I don't know if that's a good thing or a bad thing. The chorus feels tired to me when it's clearly suppose to be upbeat and cheery. "ICONIC" sounds okay. And the last song, "Lucid Dream," I like how smooth it goes. It seems like I'm always a sucker for kpop songs that are dreamlike.

Tracklist/Scorecard:
1. aenergy 8/10
2. Savage 9/10
3. I'll Make You Cry 8/10
4. YEPPI YEPPI 7/10
5. ICONIC 6/10
6. Lucid Dream 8/10

Summary: Will this grow on me?  I don't know. "Next Level" and "Savage" have this ridiculousness that confuses me, but I also find engaging and entertaining. Occasionally, I hear some impressive vocals from some of the girls. I think I like their raps more than their singing. They are a group that I'll keep watch for.

Key Tracks: Savage, Lucid Dream
Rating: 7/10