The new highly anticipated mini-album from K-pop group TWICE was released recently, but how did it measure up to fan’s expectations? PHOTO CREDIT: Twitter
The South Korean girl group TWICE once again blew up the music charts with their new 11th mini album “Betw9en 1&2” released on August 26.
This album was highly anticipated after all nine members of the group— Nayeon, Jeongyeon, Momo, Sana, Jihyo, Mina, Dahyun, Chaeyoung and Tzuyu— each renewed their contracts with their company JYP Entertainment.
TWICE’s last contract only lasted until this year, and the group had just made their debut in America a couple months prior with their first English single. Assuming from this album, the group must want to continue their journey together for at least a few more years and make an even more positive impact on the world.
This new mini album consists of seven songs, each of which has their own meaning and message. Three of the members, Dahyun, Chaeyoung and Jihyo have credits for writing the lyrics to four of the songs on the album. “Betw9en 1&2” has a late 90s, early 2000s vibe to it that became apparent through beats of the songs and the outfits they wore in their concept photos and music video.
According to a Billboard article written by Xander Zellner, TWICE topped the Billboard charts at number 1 for the first time, being the fifth K-Pop group to do so behind BTS, BLACKPINK, Stray Kids and SuperM.
The title of the album is meant to show appreciation for their fan base, who coin themselves ONCES. The “1&2” being ONCE and TWICE, and the nine that replaces the second “e” in “between” representing all nine members of the group who decided to stick together as a band
The title track of this album is “Talk That Talk,” which to me is one of their best hit songs yet. The music feels like an early 2000s song with a lot of energy and powerful vocals from the members. The music video gained over 11 million views in under 24 hours as well.
My two favorite songs off of this album are “Queen of Hearts” and “Gone.” “Gone” was written by Dahyun, which makes sense since she is known for writing some of the most popular b-sides on their albums.
When I was first listening to “Gone” I was speechless because of how deep the lyrics were and how smooth and clean the members’ vocals were. Later, I heard the group’s leader and main vocalist, Jihyo, hit a strong high note that almost made me throw my phone because it was so good. This song has a powerful vibe and even though the lyrics are in Korean, the few English lyrics let me know that it’s about a breakup; and it’s also about the members vocalizing their female empowerment, taking control of their fate.
“Queen of Hearts” also has a similar vibe as “Gone,” but this song is more of a pump up song about confidence. Jihyo, Nayeon and Jeongyeon all took over this song and made it another one of their most iconic tracks.
The third song on the album is “Basics,” which was written by Chaeyoung. This is another nostalgic sounding song with a really groovy and catchy beat and lyrics. Chaeyoung’s songs are always the catchiest off the albums, and “Basics” is so chill and bouncy.
“Trouble” is the fourth song off of the album, and it was written by Jihyo. This song has another 2000s type feel to it, but a little bit more retro with the beat. The entire song as a whole makes you want to dance, which is something I always look for in music.
The fifth track is “Brave,” and it was my least favorite of the album. It’s still a good song, but I didn’t necessarily fall in love with it when I first heard it. If it plays in my shuffle mix I won’t skip it, but it’s not all that impressive in my book.
The last song on the album is titled “When We Were Kids,” written by Dahyun again. This is one of the most beautiful and heartfelt songs by TWICE because they dedicated it to themselves when they were younger. I was especially touched by this song because the girls decided to stick together as a band after rumors of them breaking up were stirring.
In the world of K-Pop, idols must train to become stars, and once they are ready they debut either as soloists or in groups. All nine of the girls went through a survival show after their training periods to be formed into a group, and the pressure and tension got to them all. This was back in 2015, and since then they have come so far and have accomplished so much in the world of K-Pop!
This is one of my favorite mini albums from them and I love the entire early 2000s theme that they went with. Each song blew me away in different ways and I have been listening to this album on repeat since it came out.