We can’t possibly think of a better way to start the year! 2024 is already starting right with the release of ITZY‘s second full-length album, BORN TO BE. And they’ve done it again: it’s already iconic. They keep pushing themselves forward and giving us the best songs, performances, and concepts. Everything about BORN TO BE screams ITZY, with their unique sound and unforgettable energy. This is all we can think about.
‘UNTOUCHABLE’
The main title track of BORN TO BE is nothing like ITZY’s previous title tracks, yet we couldn’t possibly imagine anyone but them doing this song. ‘UNTOUCHABLE’ is a confident song that mixes pop with an EDM drop, giving us a genuinely addictive melody that will not leave your head. Yet, its slower rhythm makes it stand out from ITZY’s discography. ‘UNTOUCHABLE’ is all about facing struggles and remaining invincible. It’s strong, confident, and dark yet refreshing, boosting the energy of anyone who listens to it.
One of our favorite things about every ITZY release is, of course, the choreography – and the girls delivered. The choreography for ‘UNTOUCHABLE’ is yet another one to get obsessed over with how synchronized they are in this mindblowing choreography. They perform it flawlessly, and every member has their moment in the spotlight, but when they come together, it truly hits. ITZY are truly untouchable.
Born To Be – the b-sides
‘BORN TO BE’
Much like their KILL MY DOUBT mini-album release, ITZY went all-out with their pre-releases. ‘BORN TO BE’ was the first taste we got of the album, and it set the tone for the entire comeback. And what a start it was.
‘BORN TO BE’ is a fierce, confident, and bold electronic pop song that emphasizes their energy and sets them as the queens that they are. In this song, they fully embrace who they are and show us one of their most incredible choreographies. Every moment of this choreography is simply incredible. ‘BORN TO BE’ is here to make clear that ITZY are one of the best performers in K-Pop for anyone who could’ve ever doubted it.
‘Mr. Vampire’
‘Mr. Vampire’ was the second pre-release out of BORN TO BE. This one is a more relaxed song with a soft pop melody and a production that makes it bright and fun. The song explores the complicated feelings of falling for someone after being hurt and opening up to the chance of being hurt again. It’s truly pop excellence, and we’re here for it.
‘Dynamite’ & ‘Escalator’
‘Dynamite’ and the closing track, ‘Escalator,’ are the other group songs in BORN TO BE. And while they don’t have music videos, you shouldn’t forget about them. These are absolute bangers. Both songs share the confidence and boldness that we love in ITZY’s music, as well as the type of sound we absolutely love to find in their b-sides. With a dark undertone, ‘Dynamite’ turns more fun with its anti-drop, and ‘Escalator’ is loud and unapologetic. Truly, b-sides only ITZY could deliver.
The Solo Tracks
Even though we love group songs, what makes BORN TO BE even more special is that, for the first time, ITZY released solo tracks. And that has to be our favorite thing about the comeback. They each get to shine and show their different identities through their music in ways we haven’t seen before, and each of the girls participated in creating their song. As if that wasn’t enough, we got videos for each song. What’s not to love?
‘Crown On My Head’
Yeji’s ‘Crown On My Head’ is a pop-rock song that shows off her vocals’ power beautifully and her versatility as a vocalist. While the song is all about confidence, it is also quite vulnerable as Yeji sings about her journey and her struggles to get where she is. It’s even more meaningful when considering the title references ITZY’s iconic crown-ending pose.
‘Blossom’
While Lia could unfortunately not participate in the comeback, we did get her solo song, and it’s hands down one of our favorites. ‘Blossom’ is a beautiful and very meaningful pop song where Lia uses the metaphor of a flower that blossoms late to refer to herself with her struggles and insecurities. However, with its melody and lyrics, ‘Blossom’ remains hopeful and optimistic. The emotions she managed to explore in this song are simply indescribable.
‘Run Away’
Ryujin’s solo song also goes into the pop-rock genre, but it is also heavily influenced by grunge and pop-punk. ‘Run Away’ is full of Ryujin’s charisma and attitude as she sings about the disillusion of love and the complicated feelings after a falling out. The chorus will make you want to sing at the top of your lungs. It’s nothing short of a banger.
‘Mine’
‘Mine’ is miles away from the dark energy of ‘Run Away.’ Chaeryeong’s solo track is heavily influenced by synth-pop and city pop. And this song, the vibes, scream her name. Her vocals sound sweet yet powerful and shine beautifully throughout the song. It’s fun and pretty, and words cannot describe just how good a love song like ‘Mine’ makes you feel.
‘Yet, but’
Yuna delivered with ‘Yet, but.’ We couldn’t imagine any other type of song than this for Yuna. This bright pink-pop song is BORN TO BE‘s most upbeat and cheerful song, and we absolutely love the energy it brings to the album. Along the lines of ITZY‘s signature message, this song is about giving confidence to whoever listens to it, and ‘Yet, but’ reminds us not to care about whatever anyone else thinks.
We’re not even a month into the year and ITZY are already owning it. BORN TO BE is bold, and confident, and screams ITZY’s name all over – only they could do this. They’ve proven countless times that they were born to be performers, to be idols, and to be where they are, and BURN TO BE is the perfect embodiment of all that hard work. 2024 already looks like one of ITZY’s biggest years, and we’re so here for it.
You can listen to BORN TO BE now, here.
What’s your favorite song out of BORN TO BE? What music video for this ITZY era was your favorite? Be sure to let us know by tweeting us at @thehoneypop or visiting us on Facebook and Instagram.
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