fromis_9's instagram
K-pop powerhouse fromis_9 made a triumphant splash on Monday with the highly anticipated release of their first full-length album, "Unlock My World." The eight-member girl group, which debuted in 2018, is back to electrify fans for the summer with a fresh musical offering that delves into uncharted territory.
Speaking at a press showcase event in Seoul, fromis_9's leader, Lee Sae-rom, expressed their dedication to presenting exceptional music with this landmark album. "It's our first LP, and we were determined to showcase good music with it. We shared a lot of conversations and poured ourselves into every small detail," she shared. The event featured a performance of the album's title track, "#menow."
With "Unlock My World," fromis_9 grants listeners a glimpse of an unseen side of their artistry, as Roh Ji-sun explained, "It portrays our will to unlock ourselves and head into a larger world." This album not only serves as a musical voyage but also reflects the members' desire to show their authentic selves to the world.
The album's leading track, "#menow," perfectly encapsulates the overarching theme of self-discovery and empowerment that resonates throughout the entire album. The members collectively chose the theme "me and now" for their milestone first LP, and the song's title captures this sentiment perfectly.
Lee Chae-young revealed that the year-long process of producing the album itself helped them come closer to their true selves. "We focused on 'me' and the 'I love myself' for this album. We each reflected on ourselves individually and had some deep and honest talks with each other. Our teamwork also improved throughout this time," she shared.
"Unlock My World" showcases fromis_9's versatility as musicians, as they explore various genres ranging from pop dance to R&B, electro-pop, and UK garage music. Infusing their own unique flavors, some members even contributed to the production of certain tracks. Park Ji-won, the sole lyricist of the track "Wishlist," also participated in its composition. Baek Ji-heon is credited as the lyricist for "In the Mirror" and "Prom Night," while Lee Seo-yeon and Lee Na-gyung teamed up as composers for "My Night Routine."
A delightful surprise awaits fans in the form of a special present from Bang Si-hyuk, the executive producer of Hybe, under which fromis_9's label Pledis Entertainment is housed. Known for his work as the producer of global superband BTS, Bang contributed a groovy R&B pop anthem titled "Bring It On" to the album. This track deviates from the band's signature uplifting sound and showcases their adaptability and growth as artists.
The album also features four sub-unit tracks that offer a glimpse into the unique synergies between the members. Lee Seo-yeon and Lee Na-gyung form a dynamic duo for "In the Mirror" and "My Night Routine," while the group splits into two teams for "Don't Care" and "Prom Night."
After a year-long hiatus that began last June and the departure of member Jang Gyuri, fromis_9 is finally ending their break with this highly anticipated studio album. The wait has been particularly arduous, as their previous album, the fifth EP "From Our Memento Box," marked a career-high for the group.
Sayart.net
Joy, nunimbos@gmail.com
Related articles
- K-Pop Sensations StayC and Kard Appointed Honorary Ambassadors of Korea Brand and Entertainment Expo 2023 in Frankfurt
- BTS Celebrates 10 Years of Unprecedented Success as Pioneers of K-Pop
- Sumi Jo, Celebrated South Korean Soprano, to Launch International Singing Competition in France
- South Korean Baritone Kim Tae-han Makes History with Landmark Win at the Queen Elisabeth Competition