Ok-pop group Ive has launched After Like, its summer season 2022 comeback album, after having teased its arrival for a month. It’s the six-member group’s third launch following Eleven and Love Dive, so what must you anticipate once you go to pay attention, and what are the important thing moments within the music video for the title monitor?
After Like
After Like continues Ive’s love of brief songs, with the music video coming in at three minutes and the obtain from iTunes working a mere two minutes, 56 seconds. The B-side, My Satisfaction, is definitely longer than the title monitor. After Like doesn’t outstay its welcome, and is actually virtually over earlier than you already know it. The music’s title is intelligent, and asks the query about what emotions come after merely liking somebody. The affect of social media on the title is made apparent when, through the video, Yujin is surrounded by hearts as she deliberates on what does come after a Like.
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third SINGLE ALBUM
<After LIKE> MVhttps://t.co/jwvuuLics2 #IVE #아이브#AfterLIKE #애프터라이크#아이브의_사랑법_AfterLIKE pic.twitter.com/xOmVGF0HIM— IVE OFFICIAL (@IVEstarship) August 22, 2022
Gone is the ethereal coolness of Love Dive, and in comes a robust disco vibe with After Like, which is kind of a departure from what we’ve heard from the group thus far. From fireworks to strobing backlights and fluorescent equipment worn by the members, there’s additionally loads of ’70s and ’80s nostalgia on show within the After Like video. Underlining the disco affect is using the dominant tune from Gloria Gaynor’s incredibly well-known classic I Will Survive.
Will this find yourself being controversial? Whereas the pattern definitely suits the construction of the music and matches fairly effectively with the lyrics, to some will probably be not solely very acquainted, but in addition overplayed. An empowering disco anthem, I Will Survive has been rerecorded and coated a number of instances since its preliminary launch in 1978, and it has been featured on many biggest music lists, so its use right here does barely rob After Like of its personal distinctive sound. It’s a disgrace, as a result of earlier than that tune kicks in, After Like has that particular Ive pop sound that showcases the member’s vocal skills so effectively. But when the music ends, there’s the possibility the tune that sticks in your head not due to After Like, however as a result of it sounds extra like I Will Survive.
What the presence of I Will Survive shouldn’t do (but is at risk of doing) is overshadow the expansion of Ive’s singers, specifically Gaeul and Rei, who, along with different elements of the music, additionally carry out the principle rap sequence. If Wonyoung dominated Love Dive, then it’s Gaeul who ought to develop into After Like’s star. Ive’s title tracks haven’t included rap earlier than, so to have two members achieve this here’s a deal with. Whereas they each sound nice, it’s Gaeul who will get the look precisely proper all through. Whether or not she’s on a platform surrounded by lights, enjoyable at the back of a power-sliding convertible automotive, or wearing a glowing D&G outfit, her look, expressions, and voice completely match the music.
It has beforehand taken me a number of listens earlier than actually appreciating Ive’s songs. There’s a stunning quantity of depth to every one, and every time it has taken some time for the hooks to essentially seize me. I Will Survive threatens to overpower the music at first, however the extra you pay attention, the extra the Ive sound begins to seem. I actually do assume Wonyoung’s and Yujin’s pre-chorus and their “Yeah, yeah, yeahs” are as addictive and doubtlessly iconic as Love Dive’s “Narcissistic, my god I adore it” line.
I do miss the cool, electropop, virtually minimalist sound of Eleven and Love Dive, however After Like explores new territory for Ive, and that’s a great factor for the group and its future. Crucially, it introduces us to extra of the member’s skills, and there’s nonetheless every little thing that makes Ive’s music so thrilling right here, notably when you think about After Like and My Satisfaction collectively as one. It’s what an amazing comeback needs to be.
My Satisfaction
If After Like is musically additional away from Ive’s earlier songs, then My Satisfaction will, because the title suggests, fulfill anybody who needs that more durable Ive sound full with its now virtually trademark tempo and elegance variations. There’s no music video for the music but, however any choreography for it needs to be highly effective and darkish, as there are a number of bass drops all through and the vocals have a tricky edge to them.
Vocals are by no means overpowered by the robust, ever-present beat, and I extremely suggest listening over headphones, as there’s some nice stereo separation. After Like might win Ive new followers, however My Satisfaction is extra what we’ve come to anticipate from the group, and is arguably the very best B-side of any Ive launch but. It’s additionally the primary time the 2 songs appear to belong collectively, with the title monitor pushing the group ahead in a brand new route, and the B-side giving established followers — who’re collectively often called Dives — precisely what they need.
Availability
Ive’s After Like is offered on Spotify, Tidal, and different streaming platforms now. It can be bought and downloaded from iTunes. The bodily launch could be bought from dependable Ok-pop on-line shops, akin to Global Interpark, for worldwide supply.
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