NewJeans, a K-pop trendsetter, and tripleS, a group exploring new avenues in their own unique way, have reached different turning points. Both teams maintain their distinctive compositions and methods, but with a hint of new attempts, freely expressing the unique colors of their new songs. Let’s take a look at the new steps of these groups that would be second to none in terms of music.
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Another Winning Formula, NewJeans ‘How Sweet’
Despite the twists and turns outside of music, NewJeans remains unwavering. Leading the forefront of K-pop trends, NewJeans have made a full-fledged comeback with their title single ‘How Sweet,’ following the refreshingly soft ‘Bubble Gum’ music video released in April.
The song exudes a refreshing and ‘hip’ atmosphere throughout, drawing from Miami Bass, the foundation of the southern US hip-hop sound. The drum beat, snares, and crackling electronics are emphasized to make it bouncy and exciting, but the melody and vocals gently neutralize the initial taste, making it easy to listen to. Once again, the undefeated formula that made NewJeans what they are today is right on point.
As always, they’re skilled enough to adeptly defy overanalysis. When the 808 drums are pounding away, you can simply let the rhythm take over, and when the members’ dreamy vocals catch your ears, you can slow down and immerse yourself in emotion. It's NewJeans, the 'trusted' NewJeans, and it's sweet enough to make you dizzy.
Grand Pinnacle of a Large-Scale Universe, tripleS ‘Girls Never Die’
24 possibilities have finally come together. tripleS, the largest domestic girl group with a total of 24 members, ambitiously returns with their first full-length album [＜ASSEMBLE24＞] since the debut of their unit, Acid Angel from Asia, in October 2022. As it marks their largest gathering since debut, the title track ‘Girls Never Die,’ is filled with stronger determination than ever before.
As a title determined by fans, the attractiveness of the central melody is considerable. Similar to the introduction of the previous 10-member lineup’s title track ‘Rising,’ and the choruses of the Acid Angel from Asia unit title ‘Generation,’ and the LOVElution unit title ‘Girls’ Capitalism,’ maintaining a consistent “lalala” tune while reaching extremes in simplicity is truly remarkable. With the music video depicting the appearance of real-life Seoul girls and accompanied by a large-scale choreography of 24 members, the grandeur is palpable.
This is exactly the direction tripleS intended. Celebrating the group’s historic milestone, ‘Girls Never Die’ overlays a solemn narrative of ‘trial-awareness-overcoming-ourselves’ onto a solid melody, auditing the scene of convergence in the unique way of tripleS. It’s what tripleS has been all about, a blend of grit and harmony that captivates fans’ eyes and ears.
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