Chuu is back, and she’s here to stay. Making her solo re-debut, the LOONA member is giving us one of the most magical releases we’ve heard in a long time. We were already obsessed with her, but Howl is making us fall deeper in love with Chuu – and we’re not complaining.
The Title Track
Being alone and going into the world can be scary, but Chuu is taking it head-on. ‘Howl’ is all about that – trusting that there are people there for you and people she is there for even through the tough times. With a soft, almost-acapella intro, ‘Howl’ creates a world on its own from the very start. Chuu’s gentle yet powerful voice shines as she sings about overcoming fear and loneliness while making sure the people around her do, too. The chorus is upbeat and uplifting, so inspiring to the point it makes us want to cry. ‘Howl’ feels like a light in the dark.
The music video shows the beautiful journey of Chuu – from being locked and hidden in a dark place, scared of the outside world, to going outside and seeing the beauty of it all. With the addition of magical creatures, this music video is one of the prettiest and most comforting ones we’ve seen all year. It has her name written all over, and very few can make us as happy as Chuu.
The Mini-Album
The title track is a world in itself, sure. But Chuu manages to extend on it by creating a beautiful atmosphere through her first mini-album, Howl, with every single b-side.
‘Underwater’ was released along with a music video before the rest of the mini-album. And it was the perfect introduction to Chuu’s world. Similarly to ‘Howl,’ ‘Underwater’ is a soft song that comforts us. Only this time, Chuu embraces uncertainty, and ‘Underwater’ is all about trusting yourself and trusting that everything will work out eventually. The vibes are immaculate and full of hope.
Chuu created a world with Howl, and ‘My Palace’ is its main opening title. Creating the atmosphere of a fantasy movie, Chuu welcomes us into her world with this one. It takes a different route with a more elegant sound yet remains bright and true to her. ‘My Palace’ comes right out of a fairytale where Chuu is the queen.
In ‘Aliens,’ Chuu taps into city pop, creating a beautiful and meaningful love song. It uses the metaphor of aliens to represent how two people can still love each other no matter their differences. Howl has to come to an end eventually, and ‘Hitchhiker’ is the closing act. It’s the B-side with the most similar vibes to the title track, but it’s even more fun and hopeful. It portrays Chuu’s optimism in life and encapsulates her healing energy. Howl gives us nothing but joy and happiness. And to see Chuu in her element, to hear her beautiful voice, that alone makes our whole day, but Howl takes it to another level. Howl is nothing but magic.
You can listen to Howl by Chuu here.
Is Howl what you expected from Chuu? What is your favorite song in the mini-album? Be sure to let us know by tweeting us at @thehoneypop or visiting us on Facebook and Instagram.
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