Since its debut in 2020, SM Entertainment’s girl group aespa has been making waves in the industry. First of all, the concept of having virtual avatars as a part of a K-pop group was something, considering the fairly nascent introduction of AI to the world back then. Then coming to the distinct tonality, aespa’s songs have always made the group stand out of the crowd. Right from the music concepts to the final execution, aespa has always surprised the crowd. The group’s comeback this season is no different.
After close to four years of debut, the group finally has a full studio album to its name. Titled Armageddon, this full studio album features ten tracks in all including two title tracks – ‘Armageddon’ and the pre-release single ‘Supernova’. The song achieved the perfect “all-kill” after winning every music reality show there is in South Korea. Not only that, the album received over a million pre-orders adding one more milestone to the group’s success. Armageddon was released on May 27, 2024 along with the music video for the eponymous title track. Just a few hours after release, the music video clocked millions of views on YouTube just within hours of its release. Let’s take a closer look at aespa’s first full studio album Armageddon.
1. SUPERNOVA
For a group that has been presenting out of the world ideas, aespa’s ‘Supernova’ is a testament to the group’s staggering success and fame since their debut in 2020. There is an unapologetic attitude as the girls traverse through this supersonic track. What makes the song a great listen is a mix of grunge pop mixed with hip hop, plated on stretched out synth beats and funky guitar strums. There is a hypnotic trance in the song which makes it difficult to stop listening to the track.
Watch the music video for ‘Supernova’ here:
I, for one, like the slight wordplay on Armageddon and ‘Imma get ‘em’. This track brings guns ablaze in all its musical glory. The girls croon to an eccentric mix of hip hop layered with stretched synth beats. The hint of retro influence is a nice addition in this track. This title track is a testament to the group’s creativity not only as a music group but also a group which knows how to create a visually appealing offering. The music video has incorporated stunning AI graphics in addition to creating a fantastic world within.
Watch the music video for ‘Armageddon’ here:
‘Set the Tone’ is a track akin to aespa’s previous renditions. The music, the vocals, the overall vibe is loud. The girls resort to switching between rap and vocal verses in this hip-hop heavy track. Just like ‘Armageddon’ this track is also a proclamation of their success. The energy that vibrates throughout the track is truly addictive.
4. MINE
If you were looking for a haunting track, then ‘Mine’ is your option. The constant jingle in the background, accompanied with reverbing synth beats lend a gothic charm to the song. What makes the song even better is the speed at which it progresses. The vocal harmonization in the track is unmissable.
5. LICORICE
The concept video for ‘Licorice’ is as sweet as the song. We see the girls in an animated avatar as they choose delicious food and traverse through the fictional universe. Who would have thought licorice would be used to express desire and temptation in an alt rock song? The heavy guitar strums paired with the girls’ vocals creates a wonderful juxtaposition of ‘sugar and spice’.
Watch the video for ‘Licorice’ here:
‘BAHAMA’ is a great summer track for those who want to splash around the ocean waves and chill with their friends. The vocal harmonization of the group is something to watch out for in this song. Right from the start to the finish, we see the girls play around with the idea of a fun time spent at the beach. The music incorporates early 2000s charm, mixing it with electric synth beats.
7. LONG CHAT (#♥︎)
‘Long Chat’ encapsulates what most of us do after a long day at work or over a weekend - spend time on our phone, doom scrolling on social media or spilling tea with our friends. The song is bubbly and sweet, complete with alt rock and pop beats. The aespa charm of having a sonic segue is quite evident in this track as well.
8. PROLOGUE
With ‘Prologue’ we see the scenario changing sonically. What was earlier a mish mash of hard hitting genres is now a jazz pop display. ‘Prologue’ is a proclamation and acceptance of one’s weird and different ways. The girls sing their hearts as they exude a powerful aura in this song.
9. LIVE MY LIFE
Rapid guitar strums paired with cinematic percussion set the stage for ‘Live My Life’. This song is akin to the ones we hear in a heartwarming movie about overcoming obstacles and living life in its true way. The girls’ energetic singing in the chorus is accompanied by an equally powerful music arrangement which adds a new zest to the song.
10. MELODY
Aespa finally went down the SM way with having a ballad-like rendition as the concluding track for an album. ‘Melody’ is a thank you letter to the group’s fandom MY. The songs is a fitting conclusion to an album that culminates aespa’s four year long journey.
aespa's debut full-length album, Armageddon, is a testament to their versatility. While retaining their signature sound, they push boundaries and explore uncharted territories. The album opens strong, showcasing their mastery of both powerful vocals and hip-hop influences. The young women confidently dive into new musical landscapes, offering a glimpse of their artistic growth.
Armageddon amplifies this, showcasing a distinct evolution in songwriting, vocal delivery, and overall composition. The album unfolds like a captivating narrative. It starts with a triumphant anthem, a celebration of victory. As the tracks progress, the mood shifts, culminating in a heartfelt expression of gratitude towards their supporters. It's a rich exploration woven from diverse musical influences, solidifying aespa's reputation as a group that defies definition and dares to experiment. Their sonic journey is far from over, and Armageddon is a thrilling glimpse into the exciting future that awaits.
What do you think of aespa’s Armageddon? Tell us in the comments or connect with us over our social media!
Also Read: Lee Jae Wook, The Impossible Heir star, confirmed to be dating Karina of K-pop group aespa
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