TWICE Deliver Intoxicating Pop on “READY TO BE”
Rating: 9/10
Standout tracks: WALLFLOWER, CRAZY STUPID LOVE, SET ME FREE, MOONLIGHT SUNRISE
Last year, K-pop superstars TWICE renewed their contract with JYP Entertainment, breaking the so-called “seven-year curse” that plagues many groups. As older acts begin to become inactive and newer ones take their place, TWICE has continuously proven that they can withstand, even thrive in, the shifting music climate. The girls have a strong TikTok presence comparable to younger groups and continue to rise higher on the charts with each comeback, receiving the “Breakthrough Award” at the 2023 Billboard Women in Music event. This summer, they will become the first girl group and second K-pop group overall to hold concerts at Sofi Stadium in LA and Metlife Stadium in East Rutherford.
On their new EP, READY TO BE, TWICE show that they are ready to expand their worldwide dominance with irresistible hooks and stunning visuals. READY TO BE marks a more mature shift in the group’s music, yet still retains their signature charm. The album features lush production and fiery vocals. Every track sounds like it could be a single, and the b-sides are some of TWICE’s most memorable to date. Despite being only seven tracks, with a runtime of exactly 20 minutes, this album displays TWICE’s ability to pull off many genres, from EDM to rock to Latin pop.
The title track, “SET ME FREE,” begins with a retro bassline, propelling into a disco-infused earworm. The high-production music video references past TWICE projects such as “Feel Special” and Eyes Wide Open. The setting shifts throughout the video– from an intergalactic planet to a movie set to an editing studio, ending with a meta scene of the girls watching the music video that they just filmed. The album also features an English version of “SET ME FREE” which is just as captivating as the original track.
The pre-release English-language single “MOONLIGHT SUNRISE” is a seductive radio hit that contains tongue-in-cheek lyrics reminiscent of Ariana Grande’s 2020 track, “34+35.” The song gets more addictive with each listen, and the hook, “I guarantee I gotcha!” will linger in your mind for days. It’s a meticulously arranged pop song in which no line or note seems out of place. The second verse seamlessly transitions from Chaeyoung’s rap to Momo and Sana’s vocals and the bridge strips back the song’s instrumentals before launching into an explosive final chorus.
“GOT THE THRILLS” is a bubblegum pop track that starts out slow, gradually adding more instruments as it leads into the catchy pre-chorus where the girls sing, “It’s like a symphony of you and me.” The EDM build-up to the post-chorus feels nostalgic yet fresh. As the song progresses, the chorus gains more energy, turning into a pure dance track by the final iteration.
The girls channel their inner Joan Jett on “BLAME IT ON ME.” They sing about their uncontrollable allure, taunting their lover by saying, “It’s not my fault that you fell for me.” “WALLFLOWER,” another standout track, incorporates elements of Latin pop. When the intoxicating bassline kicks in, it’s impossible to refrain from dancing along.
The penultimate track, “CRAZY STUPID LOVE,” is written by lead rapper of the group Dahyun, who has also penned fan favorites such as “Scandal” and “CRUEL.” This is clearly a breakup song– a stark contrast from the previous tracks, which are overflowing with lovesickness. Members Jihyo and Nayeon unleash impressive vocals, especially during the song’s emotional bridge. The girls also deliver gorgeous harmonies and adlibs.
With its smooth production and infectious melodies, READY TO BE demonstrates TWICE’s mastery of the perfectly-crafted pop song and shows that they can go toe to toe with Western pop prima donnas. After this triumphant outing, there’s no doubt that TWICE possess the momentum to continue growing on a global scale.
You can listen to READY TO BE here.
About TWICE:
TWICE is a K-pop girl group under JYP Entertainment, consisting of nine members from South Korea, Japan, and Taiwan. They made their debut in October 2015 with the single “Like OOH-AHH.” TWICE made their breakout in the United States with 2019’s viral hit “Fancy,” and have since placed three albums in the top ten on the Billboard 200 Chart.