Itzy - Checkmate

Release Date: July 15, 2022

I like the girls, i like hearing them talk in English, and i understand they can't sound like Twice or else they will always be viewed as Twice lite, but holy shit, their music doesn't match their personalities.

Review: okay, lets get it out of the way, the chorus is "put my sneakers on" something something something "ready, get set, go." i can only imagine this would sound good if it was a short tiktok video. but as a listening experience, it sounds so dumb to get excited for. I hate this rubber band type of guitar they use and i hate it whenever any girl group uses that sassy attitude voice that sounds like they are an evil witch. Why do they always sound obnoxious or self centered?  anyways, the song makes them feel unlikable, which i know is not the case.

I'm more forgiving on "Racer" simply because its not the title track, but it's still a bit loud and in your face. I like the instrumentals for the latter half of "What I Want" and "Free Fall" sounds interesting when they do that initial "weeeee" sound. "365" sounds like "Racer"'s best friend. and last, "Domino" is the prettiest sounding song, but doesn't match up to their past ballad/sentimental songs.

Summary: Well, if you like bad bitches, i guess this is good. I'm conflicted because i do like the girls, but their music doesn't match their fun personalities. I'll probably still listen to this, but it's a hard sell to non midzy.

Favorite Song: What I Want
Rating: 6/10