Jan '24 Speed Music Review: Western & Beyond
Authored by Sara Davis
Though 2024 has just begun, it has already been a whirlwind of a few months, especially in music. Western pop releases like ORQUÍDEAS by Kali Uchis, VOIR DIRE by Earl Sweatshirt and The Alchemist, and Ariana Grande’s controversial single “yes, and?” are charting on major music charts like Billboard and becoming extremely popular on social media. Like their Western counterparts, K-Pop album releases by ITZY titled Born To Be, labelmate NMIXX’s Fe3O4:BREAK, and recently debuted TWS’ Sparkling Blue are becoming increasingly popular internationally. The Times took a deep dive to provide speed reviews of these popular recent releases.
yes, and? by Ariana Grande
Having won multiple prestigious awards, starred in the famous 2010s tweenager shows Victorious and Sam and Cat, been a part of the original Broadway musical cast of 13, and toured her amazing four-octave range across the globe, Ariana Grande is a quintessential 21st-century pop diva. Grande is also known for using her music to document the good, the bad, and–in the case of “yes, and?”–the controversy in her life. “yes, and?” is a single from her album Eternal Sunshine that has Grande’s classic pop sound blended with the ever-popular house beats that many critics have compared to the likes of Madonna and Beyoncé. “yes, and?” encapsulates Grande’s confident attitude of not letting toxic public perception and rumors affect her life. Many theorize that Grande is hinting at her alleged affair with fellow Broadway star, Ethan Slater, in late 2023 and past “scandalous” relationships with other men. “yes, and?” is reminiscent of Grande’s 2019 album, thank u next.
VOIR DIRE by Earl Sweatshirt and The Alchemist
Earl Sweatshirt and The Alchemist are relatively unknown names in the mainstream music scene. However, this rapper and producer have collaborated with some of the most popular artists in alt hip-hop and hip-hop as a whole. Earl Sweatshirt's most notable work is contributing to Odd Future in the late 2000s and early 2010s. The Alchemist has collaborated with celebrated 90s rappers and musicians like Eminem, Snoop Dogg, Nas, Lil Wayne, and Linkin Park. VOIR DIRE has been teased since 2019 after fans of Earl Sweatshirt’s and the Alchemist asked for a collaboration. Voir dire is an Old French phrase meaning “to speak the truth” (possibly a nod to Earl’s mother, who teaches law at UCLA). VOIR DIRE showcases Earl Sweatshirt's iconic abstract hip-hop sound, poetic lyrics, laidback voice, and in the titular track, frequent references to death and the afterlife. “100 High Street” is orchestra-esque and has a kicking beat throughout the song, accompanied by eerie lyrics like “Tempur-Pedic with the reaper, got to know Death It wasn't easy, but we grown men,” reminiscent of Sweatshirt’s troubled youth.
ORQUÍDEAS by Kali Uchis
Kali Uchis has made a name for herself with her strong yet soft, wispy vocals in songs like “Telepatía” and “See You Again,” a collaboration with Tyler, The Creator. Kali Uchis has gained massive attention on TikTok and Instagram. Uchis took to social media in late 2023 to announce the dropping of ORQUÍDEAS which was received with great enthusiasm (having dropped two singles “Muñekita” with El Alfa and JT and “Labios Mordidos” with Karol G). ORQUÍDEAS is Uchis’ sixth album. In terms of language, Uchis is hailed for using Spanglish in her music. ORQUÍDEAS is a display of Uchis’ security in aspects of her life whether that be her romantic, monetary, or cultural life. “Igual Que Un Ángel,” translating to “Like an angel” featuring Peso Pluma, is a song with a chill yet uptempo beat accompanied by 80s synths about a woman who is out of this world in every aspect and simply wants true, authentic love.
Born To Be by ITZY
South Korean idols Ryujin, Chaeryeong, Yuna, Lia, and Yeji comprise the girl group ITZY, which debuted in the summer of 2019 with the song “DALLA DALLA.” ITZY’s name is a play on the Korean phrase “있지/issji,” translating to “there is.” ITZY has gained international recognition for its positive messaging and electro-dance sound. Born To Be is ITZY’s fifth album and their message of self-love and confidence remains. “UNTOUCHABLE” is a bass-heavy electronic dance song with an anti-drop reminiscent of 2018 club music, ITZY’s way of saying nothing can deter them from achieving their goals and dreams.
Fe3O4: Break by NMIXX
NMIXX is also a South Korean girl group (and are labelmates with ITZY under JYP Entertainment) consisting of members Haewon, Lily, Sullyoon, BAE, Jiwoo, and Kyujin. The “n” in NMIXX has many different interpretations of meaning, including “next” or “new,” perhaps referencing the mixing and combination of genres. Fe3O4: Break is NMIXX’s first full-length album, following a series of EP and single releases. Fe3O4: Break features a sharp change in the group’s sound, moving towards fast-paced, danceable pop. “Passionfruit” is a Jersey Club track with slight UK Garage undertones. The song is about trying out new prospects–whether that be romantic prospects or otherwise–and is up to the listener’s interpretation.
Sparkling Blue by TWS
TWS is a newly debuted South Korean boy group. Its members are Shinyu, Dohoon, Youngjae, Hanjin, Jihoon, and Kyungmin. They are labelmates with BTS and Seventeen under HYBE Labels. TWS is an acronym for “Twenty-Four Seven With Us,” meaning that they want to commit to appreciating and loving their fans while celebrating their youth and boyhood. TWS exemplifies the concept of youth and boyhood in their EP Sparkling Blue. The track “plot twist” is a classic pop song with an early 2010s Disney quality which explores the awkward yet refreshing feeling of starting something new like high school and making new friends.
Check out this curated playlist of the songs mentioned in the article.
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6pYWWIwpvUtlAWegzxAdUa?si=541ffb70d96c4385