Following the immense successes of hit tracks “Love Dive” and “After Like,” Starship’s K-pop girl group IVE returns with their first full album “I’ve IVE.” Released on April 10, the album features 11 songs, including the pre-release single “Kitsch” and the lead single “I Am.”
Due to its variety in musical genres, extravagant music videos, catchy tunes and the group’s brilliant performance, the album quickly hit number one on the music charts. IVE is the first group to have multiple songs reach the top of MelOn Top 100 in 2023.
IVE made their debut on Dec. 1, 2021, and they quickly rose to fame following their 2022 single “Love Dive,” which received multiple awards and became the best-performing single of the year. The group consists of six members: Gaeul, Yujin, Rei, Wonyoung, Liz and Leeseo.
“I Am” is all about confidence and writing your own story. This message echoes throughout the entire song but presents itself most clearly in the chorus: “Life is a beautiful galaxy / Be a writer, the genre is fantasy / A big, big stage will open for me tomorrow / So that is who I am.” The song itself is a vocal-centric pop track; the pre-chorus is comprised of clean, minimalistic xylophone instrumentals, while the chorus presents a catchy rhythm with powerful high notes.
Similarly, “Kitsch” emphasizes the fun of living as a young, carefree teenager. The pre-chorus shows a type of self-confidence that symbolizes IVE: “Our own carefree nineteen’s kitsch / Haven’t ever tried this custom fit / Posting on my feed and like it / Everyone’s entranced thеy all press like it.” Although it was not as well-received as IVE’s other songs when it was released, “Kitsch” is a catchy tune that becomes more addicting the more one listens to it. Although the rap lines in verse three feel slightly out of place, the song is overall a powerful anthem for today’s youth.
The music videos for both songs complement the album’s concept and add to the brilliance of IVE’s comeback. In “I Am,” the members are dressed in chic black-and-white outfits throughout the entire song as they strut through a lavish mansion and dance on a private jet. The members make the airport runway their own as they walk confidently and perform their choreography. In “Kitsch,” the members switch their black-and-white outfits for vibrant ones that symbolize their youth; they sing, dance and laugh together like an ordinary high school friend group, showing how wonderful it is to be young, wild and free.
The remaining nine songs in “I’ve IVE” should not at all be ignored.
“Blue Blood” is a warrior’s anthem that presents intense energy and power, while “Lips” is a playful tune for a summer romance. “Heroine” presents a strong main character energy, “Mine” carries the sweet scent of young love and “Hypnosis” has a memorable beat but also a polarizing intro due to the static noise that precedes the song. The upbeat rhythm in “NOT YOUR GIRL” makes it a happy song to listen to, and “Next Page” seamlessly blends rap verses into its composition. “Cherish” has a beautiful pre-chorus that elevates the entire song, and “Shine On Me” is a powerful ballad that showcases IVE’s brilliance.
IVE’s first full album has received positive reception from fans, but some have wondered how the girls would sound live, especially with the high notes in “I Am.” Although their skills were called into question previously in their career when they dodged high notes and lip-synched, the girls have improved greatly since then, showing their potential as singers.
IVE’s improved singing skills were showcased in their live performance on Mnet, where they pulled off challenging verses with great smiles on their faces. Yujin stood out with her execution of many high notes. IVE also spread their infectious and lively youthful energy to the crowds when performing “Kitsch” for various music programs.
Even though their time in the spotlight has just begun, IVE has become one of the faces of next generation K-Pop idols. IVE’s confidence shines through their music, and they show fans that they have great potential and power through their performance in their new album. Without a doubt, a big, big stage will open for IVE; after all, that is who they are.
Their next single “Wave” is set to be released on May 31 as their first Japanese extended play. Certainly, the success of “I’ve IVE” shows that there is much to anticipate from the group’s future.
Grace Tu is a Social Media Manager for the 2022-2023 school year. She can be reached at tug2@uci.edu.
