Yesterday I was just thinking about (G)I-DLE. As a music fan first and foremost, I find it so heartbreaking whenever a musical act does not reach true potential due to unexpected circumstances. (G)I-DLE filled a void that K-pop needed. Whether their mesmerizing title tracks or their amazing B-sides, the group shined like no other with Soyeon's creative direction.
People forget how amazing 2018 was for K-pop. We had the usual powerhouse names dropping hits, but we also had groundbreaking debuts such as "LATATA" by (G)I-DLE.
Later that year, they followed up with "HANN." Not my favorite from them, but I respect it. The signature (G)I-DLE sound became etched in stone, unmistakable in all its glory.
In February 2019, they came back with "Senorita." Soyeon did her thing with an amazing rap verse in superhuman and almost eerie fashion.
Months later, they took inspiration from '80s hip hop, but made sure to incorporate their unmistakable (G)I-DLE flair taken straight from the Neverland.
In 2020, I will never forget staying up and checking out the masterpiece that was "Oh my god" largely in part because it was the onset of COVID-19. Initial lockdown was underway. However, it was the addictive nature of this song that stuck with me. Can sound waves have the potential to act upon the brain's reward system by heightening dopaminergic activity? If there was ever any doubt, that has been answered. Not to mention the music video is stunning.
Okay, this one grew on me. It was a slow burn, but when it reached its height, it showcased its fiery disposition just as the song's title suggests. Expressing an inner pain, the members of (G)I-DLE elegantly yet fervently tell the story of turning tragedy into triumph. It's worth mentioning that I love the unapologetically eastern sound of this song.
Undoubtedly, what I love most about what (G)I-DLE is what they represent — a piercing boldness with just as much grace to match. The ultimate yin and yang of K-pop. The (G)I-DLE signature sound is truly hypnotic.
