Su.. su.. su.. supernova! Four years after their debut, aespa’s first full-length album Armageddon is finally here.
Since their debut in 2020, aespa has consistently pushed boundaries, releasing hit after hit, such as “Next Level,” “Savage,” “Spicy,” and “Drama.”
With their first full-length album, Armageddon, aespa members Karina, Winter, Giselle, and Ningning face high expectations, mainly due to the time taken to release it and the quality of songs the group has produced over the past four years.
Let’s have a pop review of the aespa Armageddon album tracks!
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Armageddon – First Impression
With daesangs (grand prize awards) and chart-topping hits under the group’s belt, Armageddon is an album that further cements the position of aespa as one of the leaders of fourth-generation KPOP acts. Released on May 27, 2024, the album showcases the group’s versatility and dynamic performance style.
Armageddon puts a strong emphasis on world-building and delivers a rich and immersive experience. With ten tracks that blend a variety of genres, from pop and hip-hop to dubstep and ballads, the album creates a dynamic listening experience (something you would expect from aespa).
Track-by-Track Review
1. Supernova
As one of the two title tracks, “Supernova” opens the album with a bang. The song features a high-energy beat with pulsating synths and powerful vocals, setting the tone for the rest of the album.
With its beat, lyrics, and music video, “Supernova” can be described in three words: creative, unique, and weird. It’s unquestionably aespa, in all ways that makes aespa, well, aespa.
The visually stunning video, starting with Karina’s line “I’m like… some kind of supernova,” features intricate choreography and cutting-edge special effects that align perfectly with the group’s cyber-futuristic concept. The visual narrative intertwines space exploration and digital landscapes, showcasing aespa’s signature style.
Despite not having the typical TikTok trend vibe, “Supernova” smashed aespa’s previous records and took the Korean music industry by storm. Within a month of its release, the song garnered over 68 million views on YouTube and achieved Perfect All-Kill status, reaching #1 on all Korean music charting platforms.
Internationally, it reached No. 7 on Billboard’s Global (Excl. US) chart and No. 19 on the Global 200 chart, marking aespa’s highest ranking to date.
The group’s live music show encores and university festival performances of the song have also gone viral due to their amazing vocal performances.
2. Armageddon
As the official album title track, “Armageddon” stands out with its bold and intense sound. It combines elements of pop-punk with dubstep basslines, creating a dynamic and intense listening experience.
The song’s production highlights aespa’s vocal prowess and ability to deliver powerful performances. The lyrics depict a battle against an impending apocalypse, metaphorically reflecting personal and collective struggles.
The music video is, to put it briefly, insanely sophisticated. The creative direction combined dramatic cinematography with a sci-fi concept, featuring a post-apocalyptic world where the members of aespa emerge as powerful figures ready to save the day.
Moreover, the 3D visual effects, including explosive scenes and intricate CGI, elevate the track’s impact. The members also mesmerized fans with their otherworldly visuals and intense and sexy charm.
As of writing, “Armageddon” has over 50 million YouTube views and ranks in the top 10 on all major music charts.
3. Set the Tone
“Set the Tone” shifts gears with a more laid-back vibe. The track features a mix of R&B and pop influences, providing a nice contrast to the more intense songs on the album. It’s a testament to the group’s versatility and ability to explore different genres.
The lyrical content revolves around establishing one’s identity and confidence, making it a relatable anthem for fans.
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4. Mine
With “Mine,” aespa declares a narrative of self-worth and independence. The song features a minimalist arrangement, allowing the group’s vocal talents to shine. Its reflective lyrics and emotive delivery provide a poignant contrast to the more high-energy tracks on the album.
5. Licorice
“Licorice” is a fun and playful bubblegum pop track with a funky beat and catchy hooks. This song might polarize listeners, but it undoubtedly adds a unique flavor to the album.
6. BAHAMA
“BAHAMA” brings a summery vibe to the album with its tropical beats that transport listeners to a sunny paradise. The song’s laid-back rhythm and beachside vibe make it a perfect addition to any vacation playlist.
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7. Long Chat (#♥︎)
“Long Chat (#♥︎)” offers a more intimate listening experience with its soulful melody and heartfelt lyrics. The song explores themes of love and connection. Its charm lies in its simplicity, making it an easy listen that still manages to leave a lasting impression.
8. Prologue
As its name suggests, “Prologue” serves as a narrative bridge within the album. This instrumental piece builds anticipation and provides a moment of introspection before the album’s final act. Its cinematic quality enhances the storytelling aspect of “Armageddon.”
9. Live My Life
“Live My Life” is an empowerment anthem that encourages listeners to embrace their individuality and live authentically. The song’s driving beat and uplifting lyrics make it a motivating and energizing track, making it a great encore addition for their upcoming concerts.
The music video captures this spirit with teen rock vibes and vibrant visuals, highlighting the members’ confidence and charisma.
10. Melody
Closing the Armageddon album of aespa, “Melody” is a fan-dedicated track that offers a nostalgic and sentimental conclusion. The song’s sweet instrumentals and sentimental lyrics create a comforting feeling, reminiscent of classic K-pop ballads.
In this song, aespa sings directly to MYs with lines such as “You make me feel so lucky, I hope you feel the same way,” and “I will remember you deeply, ‘cause you’re MY whole world.” This track gives the whole album a warm and sentimental finale.
aespa’s Armageddon is a testament to the group’s growth as artists. The album’s blend of genres and themes showcases the group’s versatility and artistic vision, making it a memorable addition to their discography.
Meanwhile, the group is preparing for their upcoming Asia tour “Synk: Parallel Line,” kicking off in Seoul on June 29. They will also release their Japan debut single, “Hot Mess,” on July 3.
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What is your favorite track from the Armageddon album of aespa?
Source: K-entertainment News, aespa (official Youtube channel)
