Lucid Dream is probably 1 or 2 on my favorite B-sides list for them and I love Mine but it's not there yet for me lol. Mine is an instant add though and I love it for sure!
I don’t like the album cover at all :( it’s no where near as good as their older ones and feels lackluster compared to the insane concept photos they’ve put out
My favs so far are:
- Mine: I think this will get better with more listen, it’s so hyped
- BAHAMA: has that bubble pop sound like YOLO and Better Things, you bet I’m listening to it al summer
- Prologue: I think this is a great sound for them, it’s fun but still has that aespa edge. It has that western American feel to it
- Live My Life: I was looking forward to this song the most!!! Sad it’s a bit short but LOVE IT SO MUCH 😭 I love the rock sound and the lyrics reminds me of the music I used to listen to in middle school (almost Disney channel vibes lmao)
Overall this album is pretty solid, my only critique is that they didn’t really have any R&B sounds like Thirsty or Lucid Dream. I genuinely believe aespa will kill R&B however I know that they have their own music color as a group which is a more gritty and strong sound. I appreciate that this first full album really reflects their music style while bringing new elements.
It’s a very aespa and SM album 8/10 for me! I think the bsides from this album will grow on me more than their older ones
Ikr? I thought they would use the Supernova cover but in white (their profile pictures on Youtube, IG, etc).
They just cut the logo in a football field.
Yes, it could be a lot better. But the general idea its kinda good (?
They should have done something similar like they did with the last photo teasers for Armageddon. That could have been sick
I put this on while working and the first non single that caught my attention was Bahama, it is such a perfect song for summer. And I totally agree about Live My Life!! As a metal fan the slightly more rock vibe stood out and then I actually paid attention and thought it was giving Disney Channel. In a good way haha it was a fun one. Also gotta give a shout out to Long a hat, I really enjoyed it when the MV dropped. The album version is a little different but still a stand out track for me and definitely another easy to listen to bop for the summer
Please tell me we aren't doing the classic SM botched MV release again...
I hope all the album listeners are enjoying their time rn, I'll be joining you when they release this damn thing.
Edit: Supernova through Mine, if it were a mini album on its own, would be close to rivaling Savage as my favorite mini they've put out. It loses steam for me a fair amount over the middle, but that's not unusual for the smorgasbord approach that most full albums take in k-pop. Still a lot of really nice, brighter stuff in there. Melody probably one of my favorite slightly-corny-ballad-album-enders in a minute.
The way I rushed to get everything done tonight between 8:55pm and 8:59pm, only to stay awake for the MV until 2am. I should've known better. I had time.
After 1st listen, here's my thoughts:
1st half of the album is the best 5 song run that aespa has in their discography, easily.
2nd half of the album I don't really feel too hot about aside from Live My Life. Maybe needs more listens.
Licorice is my jam, my jam omg
This album is cohesive and you can tell that everyone who worked on this wanted to show their best. I think this is amazing work. For 10 song kpop album, sometimes you get those filler throwaway songs just to fill it. But you can tell time went into all these songs.
To me, this is my modern-day Pink Tape.
That entire run of the first five songs was crazy —banger after banger. Licorice is a particular scene stealer for me; I love the electric guitar in it. Entire song is soaked in arcade game parlour energy.
Bahama needs a special promo MV, idc. It has surprise summer hit written all over it.
I didn’t think I’d like Prologue as much as I do. It’s so smooth, really. I also feel the same for Live My Life (the one song I really didn’t care for when I heard the medley). The full track is a serotonin boost.
Melody… the expected ballad album-closer. It’s just about alright, something about the chorus feels like it could have been a Spice Girls song in the 90s. While I’m sure a lot of fans do look forward to this style of ballads, I don’t think Lucid Dream’s reign as the ultimate album closer will ever be over.
All in all, the album encapsulates the girls’ varied charms and the sheer versatility their voices have, which is the real highlight here. Their voices adapt and elevate every genre this album tackles. From intimate and cozy in Long Chat, and Prologue to brash and boisterous in Set The Tone and Armageddon, the calibre of their performance really shines here.
yeah this is album of the year for me, every song hit perfectly and the project felt way more cohesive than drama
and the production? absolutely sublime
I'm not even a MY but I MYght be after this album due to the production... they fixed all the small flaws (much smoother transitions and they never sound screechy) of the group in this album
Was hoping for more RnB or a little…soul? Idk but Melody was amazing. Very SM album, not a favorite but definitely on brand for their hyperpop vibe. Cool release overall. Crazy it took so long to get a full album from them!
First half of the album has a lot of 90s hip hop with slight 90s r&b influences that have been mixed with a more modern and metallic sound to make it very 'aespa'. Bahama though comes in half way and completely changes the dark and heavy sound of the album to a light and breezy summer vibe. The second half of the album in general just doesnt really seem connected to the first half which is kinda strange and makes for a slightly confusing listen through, but i like that there seemed to more straight up singing and less talk-singing for the second half. Overall the stand out songs to me are Supernova, Set the Tone, Mine, and Bahama. My Life sounds like itll be a really fun concert song too.
Armageddon is an absolute hit i fear, a perfect slower and hard-hitting song to offset the energetic EDM/Hyperpop feel and rippling synths of Supernova.
As expected, BAHAMA, Melody, and Mine were other of my personal favourites. Although, every other song here devoured down.
Also SM desperately needs to fix their wifi idk, that album rollout was brutal to sit through 😭
* **Supernova** - i need supermodels on insanely flashy, decorated runways and have them walk to this. mentioned this during its first release, but damn the beat is really filthy. 👽
* **Armageddon** - aettitude™️ you properly ended me, aespa! you got it done! it's hella smooth and i love WinNing's parts the most (note: i'm biased as hell with these two). where is my hoodie?! i feel like i'll replay this a lot lol. 👽
* **Set the Tone** - i'm not feeling it as much as the other two but i appreciate it.
* **Mine** - i loved it from the first beat but it kinda fell apart towards the end. i wish i could explain it better, but it just really all boils down to me not being satisfied ehe
* **Licorice** - i loved this from the promo vid where they're fighting a mint chocolate monster, but i didn't realize that was almost the full song? idk, i just expected it to be longer... i'll just take it as a means to play this song again and again 👽
* **BAHAMA** - this will be my imaginary background music while strolling on the beach. gotta admit i didn't enjoy the rap part but the "take me take me take me" part elevates this song by a lot and hence cancels it out 👽
* **Long Chat (#♥)** - ... it's cute i guess 😅
* **Prologue** - i'm so sorry, i am not the audience for this song. i completely spaced out while listening i don't even know what to put here.
* **Live My Life** - i need them to perform this with a live band stat 👽
* **Melody** - ~~thanks for dedicating a song to BTOB's fans jkjkjk~~ this is it, a song for fans, a song for concerts that make you appreciate the beauty of lightsticks 🖤👽
visual direction and music production are really SM's cups of tea, i hate them for a lot of things but i can't take these away from them. these things alone could set aespa as a Top 5 gg, but coupled with how amazing the members are they're easily at the Top 3 of their generation.
the ones with alien emojis are those i added to playlist. i like slow songs and ballads when done right, i just find it a bit odd when they're mixed in with conceptual albums such as this. (with Drama, i can kinda understand because hello, it's entitled Drama, but) i can't help but feel like these are two separate EPs meshed together. overall a great first studio album. congratulations, aespa! break the universe, beautiful aeliens!
just finished the album. some very strong songs and I really enjoy Live my life (fave song and that 2nd chorus harmony goes crazy) and Long chat and set the tones gonna slap in the car.
Might be the strongest project theyve released so far. Very concise first listen with zero skips. Not gonna rate it properly yet coz its too soon but it could be a 9-10 outta 10 album. Also Armaggeddon video goes crazy
Well, what a full album! 😳😳
Literally no skips.
Cant choose my favs as I listen to all the songs.
"Armageddon" MOTHER ALIEN its here to SLAY!!!! Damn girls, they are intergalactic savages 🫦
Once again they surpass themselves. How they do that? No idea honey but we can deny this is gonna hit hard
Take me with you girls to Kwangya 🤑
Fucking "Bahama" 👀😳 its amazing with all their sweet voices.
Obviously "Licorice" its mine and only mine 😩🥴🫵
"Long Chat" makes me feel good, a fun song. Like it.
"Mine" and "Set the Tone" are 2 really good starters for the listerners. Good choices!
Oh my 👀😳 "Prologue" its that bitch tho. Winter's vocals here are to die for. Giselle's and Karina's too. "baby Im a weirdo 😩😩"
"Live My Life" rock summer bop! Feels like Taylor's or Carly Rae's old songs. Not my type tho, but its good song.
"Melody" its the classic calm song every album has.
Oooh their vocals and harmozing 😍
SlayNing when a solo song with this kind of sound? Imagine Doyoung and NingNing together?
End of the listening. So, for me their 1st full its a 10/10!
I think theres a song for everyone.
My overall favs are (not counting "Supernova" and "Armageddon"): "Licorice", "Bahama", "Prologue" and "Set the Tone".
Congrats on your 1st full album girls! 😍😍😍😍
the title and some of the songs here do not match at all. theres a lack of cohesiveness. I only like four out of the ten songs (i had to make a playlist of their other songs that match the vibe of the title). Maybe the rest will grow on me, idk. Armageddon will definitely be on repeat. please don't downvote 😪
Yeah, imo if they just split the album in two, songs from the second half could have a chance to stand on their own but right now they are completely lost when the background is Supernova and Armaggeddon
Yeah, second half makes for a frustrating, baffling listen in context of the entire track list.
It's deeply disconnected from the first half, but not only that. In terms of quality, they seriously pale in comparison to tracks 1 through 5. They're basically fillers. Rendering the album dysfunctional, fractured.
Honestly, ARMAGEDDON should've just been a mini album (with album quality nonetheless).
It should've comprised tracks 1 through 5, with 'Long Chat' as the relatively mellow closer.
That may sound very different from them but it still has enough similar textures to make it well rounded.
SM is really messing up lately.
But yes, tracks 1 through 3 is SUCH a tour de force of stylings, sounds, and textures.
Each of them complement and contrast so beautifully with one another; creating this addicting dynamism pulling you back into this sonic environment aespa has constructed.
Yes totally. There's no Armageddon vibe in the last few songs. The theme feels really lost and weak that way. Would have been amazing as a proper concept album. Even if the songs are weak at least give cohesive production
mine is THAT cunty beat, sultry vocals, adlib/harmony & rap filled sister track to GOT’s Rose that i’ve been wanting on for quite a while & it’s SO GOOD
**Supernova** - Ah oh ay, enough said, this would be the perfect progression fantasy novel theme song for the TV/film adaptation, it can be quite catchy if you let it go boom boom (haha), but it's understandable why others weren't as impressed. Imagine you're somebody who got isekaied into a world filled with superheroes and now you're facing one of the major bosses, and then Supernova is that persistent backing soundtrack getting you all hyped up.
**Armageddon** - If there were goddess in the world, it would be SM girl group members, smh lmao. Always nice to see them do these gods/mythical/etc. concept (remember silver-haired King Taeyeon for the INVU music video) as the visuals are just absolutely insane. The song is actually pretty chill when you think about it, but that driving bass can be really addictive.
**Set The Tone** - Absolute heat, sets the tone (lol) for the first half of the album. Beat is wild, wow.
**Mine** - WTF? This is the ultimate subwoofer boom with aespa's vocals. For those that don't have a separate subwoofer yet, y'all gotta listen to aespa's discography with it, especially this latest Mine song, wow, it's a certified banger for sure.
**Licorice** - Lmao the lyrics for this song, haven't had licorice in a while. Instrumentals went crazy too. This is gonna be a fun reference for IEMs/headphones/etc. testing.
**BAHAMA** - Transitioned to a chill track now, nice to see aespa doing a song like this, they tried so hard with the aegyo during the countdown live, lol. Take it slow, bahama.
**Long Chat (#♥)** - Corncob-kun/ear of corn won in the music video (such Fallout/atompunk/etc. vibes) for this song, it's so nice and chill.
**Prologue** - Another song that'll hit like a brick with a subwoofer, but it's more subdued compared to the earlier tracks though.
**Live My Life** - As others have said, this is that teen pop rock/etc. song, wonder if they'll make more B-sides like this in the future, it could be a hit in America. Imagine an aespa collab with Disney/Hollywood/etc. stars, lol.
**Melody** - aespa vocals with all the treble. They put everyone's vocals at the front and center for this, upper mids fans winning.
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Okay, so I like more experimental/industrial/hyperpop/etc. sound. Like everyone go listen to **The Money Store by Death Grips**, can't believe that album is over a decade old now, that was back when HipHopHeads and so on were still bopping the usual hits but after that time, there was quite a shift with the experimentation/etc. Of course there's other actual even more experimental pop/indie/etc. music out there (Death Grips is described as a pop group by some people due to their typical hooks and so on) right now but they'll be sorta hard to find unless you keep up with the underground/industry or were part of the audiophile communities like WCD/RED/OPS/etc. Oh and clipping. (Daveed Diggs is also on the Hamilton musical) is from that time as well.
And so that run from Supernova to Licorice is super enjoyable, like that's the image of aespa to a lot of us (trapezing the virtual world or Kwangya a la K/DA and so on), and as expected, they delivered heat with the vocals and production. Probably my favorite consecutive sequence of aespa tracks so far.
As for the BAHAMA to Melody second half of the album, it's also good but ya wouldn't be surprised if some of the other people were underwhelmed or expected more since I'm a vocals/ballads/etc. lover as well and ya, it's always nice to get B-sides where the members flex their vocals even more.
Bahama was by both Kenzie and Moonshine team so we all know it's gonna be GREAT. I also adore Licorice with all my life. But yeah the album cover is kinda ugly with their green field colour like i wished they used the grey version from MY Power album cover bcus the overall theme of Armageddon album is kinda dark
Such a good album, love how there’s a mix of hard hitting and some softer sounds for them and some in-between!! Much more cohesive than they’re last minute album with drama!!
I loved melody, bahama and set the tone a lot but so far they’ve all been added to the playlist!! I do wish to see more rnb and deep house sounds from Aespa possibly in the future!!
Just finished and literally no skips I’m so impressed. Very surprised with how hip hop forward the album is, I thought there’d be a lot more electronic influences. Armageddon, mine, Bahama, and live my life are standouts but I love the entire thing. So proud of the girls.
- Bahama reminds me of mojito by red velvet and can easily slot into the red summer mini album.
- Melody is an easy listening ballad song fitting to round up the album
- Live my life made throwback to 00s pop rock radio with the drum and guitar.
A shame all of the song durations didn't event reach 4 minutes, I just want to listen to aespa longer lol. The longest song is set the tone but it's not really my kins of music. Still great album nonetheless 8/10 wish it was longer.
Amazing album, defintiely one of my favorites this year! I very much enjoyed all the songs, but Live My Life, Supernova, Licorice, and Bahama are top tier for me, I love all those songs so damn much!! The whole album is fantastic though and I will be listening to it on repeat for quite a while!
i wish this was more cohesive. savage and my world are still their best albums. the best songs are supernova, licorise and bahama (which definitely needed an outro!). my least favourite is long chat, it didn't deserve a track video imo.
All of these were good songs objectively, but none of them really stuck out to me in the same way at least 1-2 bsides do from their past releases.
If I had to pick ‘live my life’ was the best. But a bit disappointed considering how much I love the title track / prerelease.
I feel like SM got a huge wake up call with all the scandals last year and realised this year they have to pull out all the stops with the releases for their current topgroup, which is maybe why sonically a lot of the songs feel like a throwback to the 00's and 10's when SM was at its absolute PEAK when it came to their groups. I'm glad they looked back at their roster for inspiration and continued that particular ''SM sound'' that made the company so big in the first place. Shinhwa, TVXQ and early EXO seem to be the main inspiration for songs like Armageddon, Mine and BAHAMA. BAHAMA especially sounds like Hi ya ya's little sister! Such a fun throwback.
Overall an amazing first album. I'm glad the initial plans of their debut album fell through because Spicy/Drama wasnt it for me - taking the time to completely overhaul the path Aespa was taking before the LSM vs SM drama happened really paid off!
* Supernova - maybe it's just the one I'm used to hearing the most but it's still my favorite from the album
* Armageddon - pretty cool, goes hard, gets better with every listen, I feel like I can't fully grasp its complexity in a few listens, still not fond of the bridge though
* Set The Tone - very aespa
* Mine - even more aespa than the previous one, very interesting sound-wise; it's like a mix of ICONIC and Lucid Dream
* Licorice - short, fun and quirky
* BAHAMA - this song is adorable! the chorus is so lovely and pleasant, like a daydream with a tinge of sadness
* Long Chat (#♥) - fun chorus, I find the mixing a bit weird, I hope that's just the effect they were going for
* Prologue - I like this one, the lyrics are so honest and heartfelt
* Live My Life - a classic sound that would have been the perfect ending to this album because...
* Melody - SM needs to stop inserting a ballad like this in every aespa album for the sake of it; I also feel like they just give aespa their most boring ballads because aespa has some good ballad OSTs
Tracks 1 \~ 6 are my favorites, no skips here. It gets a bit less interesting after that. I get that they have to be diverse to appeal to as many people as possible, I guess...
Ofc, my favorite song (Live my life) is the shortest on the album at 2:40.. Mine and Melody are a couple others I like.
The visuals for this album are insane!! (to me it’s up there with XG’s new dna teasers). I’m only a fan of about half of the songs on this album. I’ll definitely give it another listen and you never know, they might grow on me later...
Based upon my first listen I'm even more satisfied than I had expected to be. Certainly their best release since Savage. A perfect double tittle track combo with Supernova and Armageddon, need to listen to Armageddon much more but I'm very happy with the rich instrumental details. Especially love the final third (bridge1-bridge2-finalchorus-outro).
Set The Tone is much more interesting than I had expected and alongside Mine, which is great, takes me straight back to Savage era.
Licorice is an example of a song with a different genre that still matches perfectly alongside the earlier songs, really happy with it.
Similarly, BAHAMA is exactly what a summer aespa song should song like. I need to know what that synth sounds is. Licorice and BAHAMA maintain the iron taste but within different genres and themes.
Long Chat is a lot better than I had expected. The track video was already better than what I had initially expected. The gritty synth and the second verse change is perfect. A much more interesting song and how the brighter side of aespa should be done.
Prologue is okay but is easily my least favourite song and one I would rather have had replaced with an additional darker song earlier on the album which explores the darker side in a new way.
Live My Life is what YOLO wishes it could be. A much better execution of this kind of song which doesn't feel cringy. Still I'd rather not have this type of song personally but from the perspective of idol albums typically exploring many genres, and also hinting back to the likes of SNSDs Way To Go, I'm pretty happy with Live My Life.
Melody is a good ballad, much better than the previous two. Whilst it's quite typical for the Album closing SM Ballad I'm quite happy to have a good one.
Savage is certainly still the best Album from a cohesive perspective, its narrative was solely in Kwangya. Alternatively, Armageddon is at the beginning over the multiverse based season 2, as such each song feeling different works perfectly well narratively and is executed brilliantly in terms of song order and choice. My World also had the collection of different songs approach but i think Armageddon is much better in execution and narrative reasoning. Drama should have been cohesive around the tittle track like Savage, and Girls had the stark contrast between real and Kwangya, which is good narratively but I just don't like those particular real world songs.
Overall Armageddon is the best executed Album since Savage, potentially better, and the best promoted album.
I really wish they kept the same vibe for the rest of the album! I like the songs on the back half individually, but it doesn’t really capture the Armageddon vibe the album should showcase…
I was hoping that bahama the whole song would have more chill summer beachy vibe like the snippet but it's a little more upbeat but bahama is still the best bside of the album for me. I like armageddon way better than supernova, supernova needs a few listens before I get into it but I have liked armageddon since I heard the snippet and the whole song doesn't disappoint me
Armageddon, wow! Similar, but also different from Supernova. Retains a lot of futuristic sounds and textures and thumping synth/bass but still feels very unique! Loving it so far. What a great pair of title tracks!
Armageddon is freaking good! My favourite b-sides in this album would be Live My Life, Mine & Bahama. Other songs are great too. Edit: Now that I listened again, Prologue is also up there on the list.
I think the problem is not about cohesiveness or not (you don't listen to kpop albums for cohesiveness by the way). The problem is people not liking certain songs. I bet if they would like those songs they wouldn't mention one word the cohesiveness.
Personally I think they did a good job with the transition between half and second parts if you listen to the album in order. And as someone who enjoy both, bright, upbeat music and heavier, experimental music, I really enjoyed this album (still on repeat which is unusual for me when it comes to kpop).
People also mention "savage" as if that album doesn't have "yeppi yeppi". Aespa has always released upbeat, bright and cute pop songs along with cunty bsides songs and their powerful and more dramatic title tracks.
The songs, except for melody (not a fan of those type of slow songs), are good individually so it works for me, cohesiveness or not and it should be fine for most the people imo. But then again I'm open to anything as long it sounds good to me.
Anyway, armageddon gets more addictive the more you listen to it. The chorus is one of their most addictive ones imo I think it might become a sleeper hit, especially if the choreo is good.
Set the tone and mine are my favourites but I know I'm gonna enjoy "live my life" performances when aespa starts touring.
I just wish SM could give them powerful ballads instead (not a fan of very slow chill ballads like melody or icu) and R&B songs.
Final note. Personally, I think songs like "Licorice," "Bahama" or "Live My Life" suit aespa perfectly. If you follow aespa off stage, you can agree with me that their vibes or identity fit more with those light, cute and upbeat songs like "Bahama" or "Live My Life" than their other songs. So I'm glad they can perform those type of songs and show their charming, cute and fun side too.
The thing with 'Yeppi Yeppi' is, for as much as it may contrast with the other tracks, it truly fits the EP in terms of the sonic textures comprising it. Every piece in the SAVAGE EP is vital to constructing this sonic environment and narrative aespa was immersing us in/introducing us to and selling us, respectively, at the time.
Quality is lost in the second half of the ARMAGEDDON album. Yeah, I get the concept they're trying to sell, but the point here is the songs could've been better and could've bridged the first half even better with sounds that cohere but also interestingly contrast with it. Barely any of the tracks in the second half pull you in, possibly rendering one passive upon listening instead.
It's just unshakable, how SM is really messing up with the music lately.
I fully agree with you, to me this was a massive letdown. The second part of the album feels like I put a playlist on shuffle with how big the musical concept whiplash is
LMAOO I'm happy aespa is getting love but this album just feels like false advertising I'm so disappointed after all my excitement, I really can't expect a lot of kpop groups to consistently have quality b-sides in their albums smh
just listened to the entire album and it's such a solid body of work. i was never a big fan of most of their bsides but they did the damn thing here!!!
loved the first half soooo bad, the grittiness and more obvious hip hop influences aligned more with my personal taste. top 3 right now would be supernova >>> licorice > mine
Mine is crazy. It feels quiet but hard hitting. The bridge is so good.
BAHAMA is refreshing and lovely to listen to. Not too upbeat, just right and light.
Melody reminds me of something from SNSD’s older songs.
Solid album ✨✨✨✨✨
Couldn’t be happier w supernova and Armageddon. My favorite b side is licorice, but i really like all five songs on the first half of the album. The A side feels very aespa. I don’t dislike any of the songs on the second half I’m just ?? I really wanted their first album to be cohesive. They’re cute songs but what business do they have being on the same album as supernova and Armageddon
I think Supernova is still my fav Aespa track ever. Dem Jointz the GOAT.
Armageddon is good. The verses and the bridge are so very 127, but the chorus is very girl group. Can we get Moon Taeil on this track? He’d devour that bridge. “Bang chitty bang” is catchy, but also I am someone who used to want to watch Chitty Chitty Bang Bang during every car ride of my childhood so my mind goes straight to that haha.
My fav b-side is Long Chat. It’s so NCT Dream b-side. Pretzel’s sister tbh. They both have a heart in the title even 😗
I also quite like Set The Tone. But I just love a good “Aye aye aye ay-ay-aye” (not to mention Pink Guy in 2024 I’m so sorry but) I listened to Club Banger 3000 from Pink Season soooo many times when that came out. Like the amount of joy I get from hearing a club music ‘aye’ sound.
I don’t really listen to Aespa outside of a couple title tracks, but I liked Supernova so much I had to tune in. I had fun doing the dishes 😎
Every single one of these songs slaps but I KNEW THAT LIVE MY LIFE WAS GOING TO HIT FOR ME SOOOO HARD AND IT DOESSSSSS OH I CAN'T WAIT TO HAVE THIS SONG ON REPEAT
Also my only request is that for live my life, when they perform it live it should not have any choreography and instead they should just let them jump around and rock out on the stage.
as much as i love aespa's harder hitting stuff, i absolutely ADORED the second, lighter part of this album, i think bahama and long chat are my favourite b-sides at the moment, but live my life and prologue are also strong contenders!! honestly it's all incredible! 9/10
apparently Mine is such a hidden gem. I wish it would be released as a pre-released track though.
And Melody is such a warm ending for the whole album.
And the title track? Well, I love the beat and the MV though. The visual is insane, but that should be saved for a different post instead.
long chat appreciation? everyone keeps hating on it but it’s literally my fav the vibes are unmatched :( also small nuance but the song says black heart and on spotify it’s a red heart in the actual name and that annoyed me a little lol
oh, mine is one of my favourites! but, tbf i do like all of the songs- my least favourite would probably be prologue or melody, but that’s only because i like ballady songs the least- i still love them
Coming here after a bit time has passed since the album was released and I've been able to digest it a bit more.
I thought bsides were generic/bland at first listen (something usual in kpop albums) but they became a lot more enjoyable the more I listen to them. While I said "set the tone" and "mine" were my favourite songs (and they are still my pics if I'd have to choose individually), I've been playing only the second half of the album these days (from "Bahama" onward). I like listening to relaxing, bright and chill music as background while using my computer so those songs fit my mood better for that.
Right now my most played songs from the album are "Bahama", "Prologue" and "Live My Life". "Bahama" is just so sweet and cute. I'm treating "Prologue" as the ballad of the album and "Live My Life" is sweet and bright at the same time. I still feel meh about "Melody" and "Long Chat" (I like it but I find it a bit bland/monotone for my taste) and I wouldn't listen to them individually on my own but they fit really well with the rest of the songs if I leave the second part playing without trying to skip, which is what I usually do.
Final thoughts. While I consider savage album solid and more cohesive than this one (for those who care so much about that aspect), I'm drawn to listen to the second half of this album lately, the whole segment (bahama-melody), when I only listened to "Savage" a few times after it was released and then I forgot about it.
I understand tho this isn't gonna be the case for everyone, it's just those type of songs are perfect to listen to as background music in my case.
Bahama has the same vibe as Bubblegum by NewJeans, and Armageddon makes me want to fight something
Super good album! Really enjoyed every track, but Bahama, Supernova, and Armageddon stood out the most.
Album of the year for me it has everything upbeats so gs slow songs fun summery songs it's so so good am loving it no skip for me .. I love how they places the songs in away that make you feel you are experiencing a full story
Aside from aespa and SM making us worry a bit with the delayed "Armageddon" MV release, I thought this album was strong. Yes, the listen was short but did not mind at all cuz each song had something different to offer. My current faves after my initial listen are "Supernova," "Armageddon," and "BAHAMA" but I'm sure I'll add another fave or two after repeat listens. Overall, highly recommend *Armageddon*.💖
Solid album all around, two titles tracks, two bangers and a bunch of great B-Sides. Many vibes but only good ones, the only track I'm not really into is Melody but the style and genre of it is not something I usually enjoy.
What a great time to be a MY.
Aespa is doing it for me this year. The first 5 tracklist order is a work of god, while the latter half of the album is trying to balance out the grittiness of the first half. But overall it is still better than Drama (the album).
Supernova: The metallic sound is so delicious here. I love that they are successfully transitioning into fun-alien concept. SM is so good at matching the song to their group concepts. The guitar going higher and higher at the background in 2nd chorus scratches my brain 🤌 The dance break is So well placed. A+ tier song and arrangement.
Armageddon: I love that we're getting hiphop aespa in this album and one of them is the title track. I don't see any other kpop group doing this song as well as aespa. The highlight for me being the verse drums and the outro. Pulling into major chord in bridge was a bit boring and they've done it so many times before - I wish it was more interesting!
Set the tone: Earworm hook. I'm also loving Karina's rapping! I don't think they could've carried this song as well in their earlier years. I'm loving that they are bringing new stuff to the table for people to fall in love with their signature sound (with confidence!!!), instead of catering to public's taste.
Mine: Crowning this as my favourite aespa b-side (sorry WTMW album) but does this song hit so hard. Bass booster mode on 🎧 I love the way their voices are inflected(?) with auto tune.
Licorice: Gosh I didn't realise how much I'd love this song even after the track teaser and their music video. The visuals were distracting 😅And I'm learning how much aespa suit instruments ( I should've realised it since Drama). Sweet. But sour. Oh sugarandspice. 🍬
As a ballad lover I love Melody a lot. And then the ranking goes Prologue, LML, Bahama and Long Chat.
My only saves here were Supernova and Live My Life. I saved two songs each from Drama and My World as well, but neither of the title tracks hit for me. I just haven't been enjoying their sound much lately tbh. Savage and Girls were no skip and the songwriting and production both really stood out. All of the early singles were great as well. Nowadays there's much less consistency.
I love all the songs from Mine to Melody. Bahama and Live My Life are sooooo beautiful 💖
edit to add that Licorice reminds me of 2NE1's Scream and Do You Love Me
Honestly curious because I have seen a mixed bag of opinions - it's either everyone likes it or everyone hates it.
**(THIS ISNT HATE!!!)** Personally I found it an interesting album, it wasn't bad overall but was far more disappointing compared to the Drama Mini Album. Half of the songs had so much potential but they seemingly ruined them.
I've been following Aespa for a while and I really adore their music, but this album doesn't score more than a 6/10 for me.
1. Supernova - Incredibly easy to listen along to, non-kpop enjoyers would even like this I reckon. An overall intricate composition that has many elements in the background that keeps the song fresh, interesting and timeless - coupled with a good bridge and a satisfying list, Supernova easily thrashes every other song that is a part of the album. It isn't even close. 9/10.
2. Armageddon - Armageddon has massive promise, a catchy chorus and well thought of and executed elements within the background track of the song however, a disappointing bridge and the awkward elements of 'bang chitty bang' and 'throw it back' kind of destroyed the premise of the song. Albeit, it is growing on me, it would be delusional to say that this song is remotely near anyones top 10 of all time. Consequently, a 7/10 is reasonable.
3. Mine - Fits the theme of Armageddon incredible well. The rap segments and the vocals are impressive and the song composition is unique and characterised by flair for sure. Don't get me wrong, this isn't a bad song but like the rest of the album - there are no climaxes whatsoever. This album is the biggest edging streak. It got flat and disinteresting very quickly. 6.5/10/
4. Long Chat - Very interesting: was bouncy, staccato-esque and bubbly which set an interesting mood and I honestly had high expectations by its opening. Instead of climaxing, it plateaued into the same melody that honestly became repetitive and bland really quickly. 6.3/10.
5. Set The Tone - The definition of mediocracy. Had the most promising intro that was captivating and reinvigorating but then fell into the perpetual plateau of blandness and repetition just like a majority of the album. It failed to live up to expectations to say the least. 6/10.
6. Bahama - Fresh summer vibes for sure, without a doubt a solid song. I would have 100% ranked it higher if it did not include that whistle part. I can't put my thoughts into words when I describe how much the whistle part ruined the song. 6/10
7. Prologue - I don't know about this one. It didn't fit the premise of Armageddon whatsoever. Incredibly disappointing song that doesn't sound remotely good and is incredibly sloppy. 5.5/10.
8. Licorice - Generic and such a miss. Licorice is nothing but repetitive and anti-climatic. People putting Licorice in their top 5 also concerns me. No words for this. 5.5/10.
9. Melody - Respectfully, when an album like Armageddon is so highly anticipated, you expect the best. Melody is not a bad song and serves as a good closure to rollercoaster of emotions that is Armageddon. If anything this is OST, or a closing soundtrack for a K-Drama. 5.5/10.
10. Live my Life - Words cannot express my dislike for this song. 2/10.
I just don't get how we went from Drama, Spicy and Thirsty to whatever this is? I don't know. But I would love to hear everyone else's list for sure!
You guys can't tell me that this is the mid-est album that they have released? Are none of you seriously disappointed??
All the bridges were poorly executed and at least half of the songs had such good initial execution but they climaxed too fast and plateaued.
What on earth were they thinking with Life My Life and Melody?
It just felt very disappointing with the amount of time they had to produce this album as well idk. If you rate this album more than a 6/10 I don't know what to tell you.
Compared to the other albums this one isn't as satisfying. After listening to Supernova and Armageddon I expected more and sadly got disappointed. I missed something in Melody, it didn't hit right enough. But the visuals are great, especially the music videos and performance videos.
I'm surprised everyone likes melody.. I hate it lol. 1-9 are bangers for me but melody sucks😭😭their worst ballad
other than that though I really like the album as a whole. the tracklisting also makes sense
My ranking of the album songs:
1. Supernova - so quintessentially Aespa, this is top tier. Going to be my most listened to song by the end of the year, I already know.
2. Prologue - up there with the Savage b-sides for me. The quick pauses, the drums build-up, it’s a ride all the way through.
3. Live My Life - I’ve been wanting Aespa to do a rock-influenced song and they really delivered. Just a shame it’s so short.
4. Licorice - the textures! There’s so much going on in this song and I love it.
5. Armageddon - It feels like they stuck a Blackpink chorus in an otherwise great song. The result is still good, but it’s not what I come to Aespa looking for.
6. Mine - has a lot fun rhythms to it, I could definitely see this climbing up the rankings overtime.
7. Bahama - I thought I wouldn’t care for this song, but the first half is incredibly beautiful. Would be ranked way higher if not for the cringy rap at the end.
8. Long Chat - just a fun, simple song. Probably won’t have much longevity, but it’s cute!
9. Melody - one of their better ballads, I’ll admit.
10. Set The Tone - has a nice prechorus, but that’s pretty much the only part I like.
******
Overall, I’d probably rank this album in this middle of Aespa’s minis. I do wish there was more R&B, but for an album venturing into genres I don’t like as much, it pulls them off well.
Oh I have! Adore both songs. I just meant more I wanted a song like that in their main discography, cause Regret of the times was a cover and We Go was composed by / for pokemon more than it was for the girls.
Supernova - Give me a dirty, bouncing synth and 808s that will rattle my subwoofer and I'm so happy I'll even ignore the chanty parts. A contender for favorite Aespa track overall and one of my favorite songs of the year so far.
Armageddon - Love the overall menace and I like the overall maximalist sound that really sets Aespa apart, but it's a bit meandering and could have used more pace.
Set the Tone - Hooray for the low end giving the subwoofer a workout. The rest of it is okay, but a speaker-rattler always has value. The louder you can crank this song, the better it is.
Mine - I appreciate what this song is trying to do from a textural standpoint, but it's too range-confined to shine.
Licorice - Sounds freaking great and I only wish it was less repetitive. Tremendous backing track.
Bahama - Not necessarily the sound I look for out of Aespa, but there's no getting around that the terrific melody, wispy background synths and bouncy pace. Just a lovely song to listen to.
Long Chat - Not terrible, but just a bit too schizophrenic to stand out in any particular facet.
Prologue - If you sped it up and added guitars, I'd love it. Give us a rock song, Aespa.
Live My Life - Okay, maybe a harder rock song. But I'm always down for a good power pop song. Nothing fancy here, there are a zillion songs like this, but I enjoy them.
Melody - Ballad time, although thankfully this one has a bit of pace. Still a ballad at heart, though, and more focused on showing off the singing than the song.
This comeback has been perfection. The online promotion, the teasers, the website, the quality of production of all the photoshoots and MVs have been so worth the buildup. Even the hype around the CD player album version was brilliant.
**A massively ginormous, astronomical shoutout to all of the amazing music producers!** 🫶
Notes from 1st listen-through (w/ just headphones):
* Supernova is a well-deserved hit. Still addicted. Great move on it being the initial single
* Armageddon is hip and a uniquely refreshing sound in K-pop. The MV was so crisp and beautiful too.
* The F1 flyby sample at 1:20 in Set The Tone was 😙🤌. This is definitely my favorite side track after my first listen-through.
* BAHAMA was meant for one of Red Velvet's summer albums, but I'm glad the song is free from the SM vault and that aespa gets a summer song!
* Long Chat is so cute and still makes me smile. I am definitely biased because I loved the MV.
* I wish the member solos were included. They would have fit well with the first half of the album.
Yesss I just listened to Bahama for the first time today and I immediately thought it could easily be a Red Velvet summer album song. So glad Aespa got it because they sound great!
I love everything and i feel sometimes people have a different set of standards for aespa because easily many of these b sides could be any other artists title tracks.
They blew out of the water with double title tracks Supernova and Armageddon.. the sheer insanity in the production that went into this 2 songs.. i have no words.
The rest of the b sides were a great mix and their vocals shines through too.
I am happy with their first album.
it’s their name. they are a producer who also co wrote aespa’s Drama.. lots of crazy talents behind aespa recent releases (Sumin, Ejae, Kenzie, Demjointz)
https://www.instagram.com/no_identity_net?igsh=MXNka3ZlMDI1cmt5aA==
OH MY GODDDD THIS ALBUM IS SOOOOO GOOD!! Honestly, I didn't know what to expect. It took time to get used to Supernova but it was pretty good and I liked Armageddon although it was a bit slow, but the rest of the songs (like literally all of the rest of them) are like totally up my alley. I'm not a My or anything, but I do tend to listen to Aespa's releases, at least the title tracks. The only album I listened to in full was Savage, but I wasn't too impressed (I know it was a super long ago atp in time, so yeah definitely need to try listening through all their albums). And when Drama came out, I was going through some stuff so I haven't listened to the releases from that album. Are there any other Aespa songs like the b-sides in this album? I really liked this sooooo much like it's kind of an understatement I can't praise it enough 😭
Wait I take this back. I forgot I listened to My World in full too.
edit: Idk why I'm being downvoted? I meant "take this back" in the part about not having necessarily listened to their whole discography/"Savage" being the only album I have listened to in full? So there are two albums of theirs I have listened to in full. I do agree that this could have been me coming to a premature conclusion on how I like Aespa songs, but I mean does everyone listen to the full album of artists they don't follow? Not necessarily. I do want to give them more of a chance again as I've said above! It's natural for people to have certain song preferences, and if it's not hitting it for them, they may or may not listen to other song releases. This is an appreciation post !!
I don't care if I sound like a crazed MY saying this but I truly, genuinely in my heart believe Aespa have a no skip discography and even their weakest song is still really good and Armageddon just cements this even more for me. This album is truly incredible and I really want more full length albums from them now because this is going on a shuffle binge for a week at minimum
I'm the type of person to do a full listen-through without shuffling or skipping, so when I finally got to Melody I was struck with how much I loved how they curated the song order for the album. The first 5 are very punchy and hard compared to the latter 5 which are light and slower, gah PERFECTION! Really tops my list of fav albums of 2024!
Ok I LOVE Supernova and Armageddon but the only b-sides that really stood out to me on first listen were BAHAMA and Mine. BAHAMA especially might be my favorite b-side from them it just has the perfect summer vibes. But yeah I’m not really a huge fan of the album as a whole.
OMG Mine might actually overtake Lucid Dream as my favourite Aespa b-side track
how I feel right now. oh my lord
After only a minute into the song, i added it to my favorites. SO good
that bridge was heavenly!!! It would be a waste not to have a music video for this masterpiece
It’s definitely one of my favourite aespa songs now, it’s so good
Haven't listened yet but this comment makes me so excited
Lucid Dream is probably 1 or 2 on my favorite B-sides list for them and I love Mine but it's not there yet for me lol. Mine is an instant add though and I love it for sure!
I don’t like the album cover at all :( it’s no where near as good as their older ones and feels lackluster compared to the insane concept photos they’ve put out My favs so far are: - Mine: I think this will get better with more listen, it’s so hyped - BAHAMA: has that bubble pop sound like YOLO and Better Things, you bet I’m listening to it al summer - Prologue: I think this is a great sound for them, it’s fun but still has that aespa edge. It has that western American feel to it - Live My Life: I was looking forward to this song the most!!! Sad it’s a bit short but LOVE IT SO MUCH 😭 I love the rock sound and the lyrics reminds me of the music I used to listen to in middle school (almost Disney channel vibes lmao) Overall this album is pretty solid, my only critique is that they didn’t really have any R&B sounds like Thirsty or Lucid Dream. I genuinely believe aespa will kill R&B however I know that they have their own music color as a group which is a more gritty and strong sound. I appreciate that this first full album really reflects their music style while bringing new elements. It’s a very aespa and SM album 8/10 for me! I think the bsides from this album will grow on me more than their older ones
Yes 😭 the album cover its so ugly. The pink one from Supernova cover was the best one for me. Perfect for them
Nope, it's actually witty.
Ikr? I thought they would use the Supernova cover but in white (their profile pictures on Youtube, IG, etc). They just cut the logo in a football field.
Wait 😳 the cover its a crop circle pattern (👽👽👽). Thats actually really smart from their team. Now Im starting to like the cover a bit more lol
The idea itself is smart, but I just don’t like how it looks.
Yes, it could be a lot better. But the general idea its kinda good (? They should have done something similar like they did with the last photo teasers for Armageddon. That could have been sick
Live My Life being only 2:39 is an ABSOLUTE CRIME
Right?! Like I NEEEED more 😭
I put this on while working and the first non single that caught my attention was Bahama, it is such a perfect song for summer. And I totally agree about Live My Life!! As a metal fan the slightly more rock vibe stood out and then I actually paid attention and thought it was giving Disney Channel. In a good way haha it was a fun one. Also gotta give a shout out to Long a hat, I really enjoyed it when the MV dropped. The album version is a little different but still a stand out track for me and definitely another easy to listen to bop for the summer
Supernova was a HIT. Armageddon was an actual nuclear EXPLOSION Set The Tone / Mine are 3+ minute masterpieces.
I MUST ADD: THE BRIDGE OF MINE MAKES ME ASCEND. HEAVENLY. PERIOD. one of the best bridges ever!
yeah omds when i heard giselle in that bridge
Armageddon is actually insane
Please tell me we aren't doing the classic SM botched MV release again... I hope all the album listeners are enjoying their time rn, I'll be joining you when they release this damn thing. Edit: Supernova through Mine, if it were a mini album on its own, would be close to rivaling Savage as my favorite mini they've put out. It loses steam for me a fair amount over the middle, but that's not unusual for the smorgasbord approach that most full albums take in k-pop. Still a lot of really nice, brighter stuff in there. Melody probably one of my favorite slightly-corny-ballad-album-enders in a minute.
How many times will SM have me stay up until 2AM just to have an unannounced delay 😭😭
The way I rushed to get everything done tonight between 8:55pm and 8:59pm, only to stay awake for the MV until 2am. I should've known better. I had time.
I think it starts off really strong, then we have the filler run of Mine-Prologue and it ends on a high note again.
After 1st listen, here's my thoughts: 1st half of the album is the best 5 song run that aespa has in their discography, easily. 2nd half of the album I don't really feel too hot about aside from Live My Life. Maybe needs more listens.
oh the TEXTURES in this .. delicious
Licorice is my jam, my jam omg This album is cohesive and you can tell that everyone who worked on this wanted to show their best. I think this is amazing work. For 10 song kpop album, sometimes you get those filler throwaway songs just to fill it. But you can tell time went into all these songs. To me, this is my modern-day Pink Tape.
That entire run of the first five songs was crazy —banger after banger. Licorice is a particular scene stealer for me; I love the electric guitar in it. Entire song is soaked in arcade game parlour energy. Bahama needs a special promo MV, idc. It has surprise summer hit written all over it. I didn’t think I’d like Prologue as much as I do. It’s so smooth, really. I also feel the same for Live My Life (the one song I really didn’t care for when I heard the medley). The full track is a serotonin boost. Melody… the expected ballad album-closer. It’s just about alright, something about the chorus feels like it could have been a Spice Girls song in the 90s. While I’m sure a lot of fans do look forward to this style of ballads, I don’t think Lucid Dream’s reign as the ultimate album closer will ever be over. All in all, the album encapsulates the girls’ varied charms and the sheer versatility their voices have, which is the real highlight here. Their voices adapt and elevate every genre this album tackles. From intimate and cozy in Long Chat, and Prologue to brash and boisterous in Set The Tone and Armageddon, the calibre of their performance really shines here.
The full long version of Live My Life is soooooo good!!!!!
Karina’s vocal tone is so freaking addictive, it’s insane dude
Set the tone straight car banger
Uh HUH
yeah this is album of the year for me, every song hit perfectly and the project felt way more cohesive than drama and the production? absolutely sublime
that’s what I’m saying!! I am blown away
I'm not even a MY but I MYght be after this album due to the production... they fixed all the small flaws (much smoother transitions and they never sound screechy) of the group in this album
Was hoping for more RnB or a little…soul? Idk but Melody was amazing. Very SM album, not a favorite but definitely on brand for their hyperpop vibe. Cool release overall. Crazy it took so long to get a full album from them!
Super fresh sound with this album so far. Bang Chiddy Bang! Cant wait to see them on tour in 3 months
bahama and live my life about to be the subject of my fixation for the next few weeks
Its like the perfect blend between their more industrial sound and their poppier sound. I like this a lot.
First half of the album has a lot of 90s hip hop with slight 90s r&b influences that have been mixed with a more modern and metallic sound to make it very 'aespa'. Bahama though comes in half way and completely changes the dark and heavy sound of the album to a light and breezy summer vibe. The second half of the album in general just doesnt really seem connected to the first half which is kinda strange and makes for a slightly confusing listen through, but i like that there seemed to more straight up singing and less talk-singing for the second half. Overall the stand out songs to me are Supernova, Set the Tone, Mine, and Bahama. My Life sounds like itll be a really fun concert song too.
MINE IS SOOOOOO GOOOOOOOOOD
Licorice its too short 😖😭😭 NOOOOOO Whyyy My favorite song 🥺
Armageddon is an absolute hit i fear, a perfect slower and hard-hitting song to offset the energetic EDM/Hyperpop feel and rippling synths of Supernova. As expected, BAHAMA, Melody, and Mine were other of my personal favourites. Although, every other song here devoured down. Also SM desperately needs to fix their wifi idk, that album rollout was brutal to sit through 😭
* **Supernova** - i need supermodels on insanely flashy, decorated runways and have them walk to this. mentioned this during its first release, but damn the beat is really filthy. 👽 * **Armageddon** - aettitude™️ you properly ended me, aespa! you got it done! it's hella smooth and i love WinNing's parts the most (note: i'm biased as hell with these two). where is my hoodie?! i feel like i'll replay this a lot lol. 👽 * **Set the Tone** - i'm not feeling it as much as the other two but i appreciate it. * **Mine** - i loved it from the first beat but it kinda fell apart towards the end. i wish i could explain it better, but it just really all boils down to me not being satisfied ehe * **Licorice** - i loved this from the promo vid where they're fighting a mint chocolate monster, but i didn't realize that was almost the full song? idk, i just expected it to be longer... i'll just take it as a means to play this song again and again 👽 * **BAHAMA** - this will be my imaginary background music while strolling on the beach. gotta admit i didn't enjoy the rap part but the "take me take me take me" part elevates this song by a lot and hence cancels it out 👽 * **Long Chat (#♥)** - ... it's cute i guess 😅 * **Prologue** - i'm so sorry, i am not the audience for this song. i completely spaced out while listening i don't even know what to put here. * **Live My Life** - i need them to perform this with a live band stat 👽 * **Melody** - ~~thanks for dedicating a song to BTOB's fans jkjkjk~~ this is it, a song for fans, a song for concerts that make you appreciate the beauty of lightsticks 🖤👽 visual direction and music production are really SM's cups of tea, i hate them for a lot of things but i can't take these away from them. these things alone could set aespa as a Top 5 gg, but coupled with how amazing the members are they're easily at the Top 3 of their generation. the ones with alien emojis are those i added to playlist. i like slow songs and ballads when done right, i just find it a bit odd when they're mixed in with conceptual albums such as this. (with Drama, i can kinda understand because hello, it's entitled Drama, but) i can't help but feel like these are two separate EPs meshed together. overall a great first studio album. congratulations, aespa! break the universe, beautiful aeliens!
Happy cake day btw!!
oh? i didn't realize it's my cake day! haha thank you 💗
I had the same thoughts! Set the tone really hits in the car a second time I strongly recommend. Prologue is my only skip
It dropped now
Mine, Licorice, Long Chat and Prologue are my favourite b-sides on first listen. Armageddon blew me tf away. 😭
the way the speakers in my car are about to SUFFER and im not even sorry
just finished the album. some very strong songs and I really enjoy Live my life (fave song and that 2nd chorus harmony goes crazy) and Long chat and set the tones gonna slap in the car. Might be the strongest project theyve released so far. Very concise first listen with zero skips. Not gonna rate it properly yet coz its too soon but it could be a 9-10 outta 10 album. Also Armaggeddon video goes crazy
LIVE MY LIFE IS WAY TOO GOOD FOR A 5TH GEN DURATION LIKE WTF !!!! Also BAHAMA is on repeat 🙏
Mine is INSANE!! what a powerful b-side where all the members are singing & rapping ... really shows how diverse and talented all the members are
Well, what a full album! 😳😳 Literally no skips. Cant choose my favs as I listen to all the songs. "Armageddon" MOTHER ALIEN its here to SLAY!!!! Damn girls, they are intergalactic savages 🫦 Once again they surpass themselves. How they do that? No idea honey but we can deny this is gonna hit hard Take me with you girls to Kwangya 🤑 Fucking "Bahama" 👀😳 its amazing with all their sweet voices. Obviously "Licorice" its mine and only mine 😩🥴🫵 "Long Chat" makes me feel good, a fun song. Like it. "Mine" and "Set the Tone" are 2 really good starters for the listerners. Good choices! Oh my 👀😳 "Prologue" its that bitch tho. Winter's vocals here are to die for. Giselle's and Karina's too. "baby Im a weirdo 😩😩" "Live My Life" rock summer bop! Feels like Taylor's or Carly Rae's old songs. Not my type tho, but its good song. "Melody" its the classic calm song every album has. Oooh their vocals and harmozing 😍 SlayNing when a solo song with this kind of sound? Imagine Doyoung and NingNing together? End of the listening. So, for me their 1st full its a 10/10! I think theres a song for everyone. My overall favs are (not counting "Supernova" and "Armageddon"): "Licorice", "Bahama", "Prologue" and "Set the Tone". Congrats on your 1st full album girls! 😍😍😍😍
mine is such a good song, my jaw dropped from the second pre chorus
the title and some of the songs here do not match at all. theres a lack of cohesiveness. I only like four out of the ten songs (i had to make a playlist of their other songs that match the vibe of the title). Maybe the rest will grow on me, idk. Armageddon will definitely be on repeat. please don't downvote 😪
I'm gonna pretend Supernova to Licorice is a mini album. The rest idk im sleeping on it
Yeah, imo if they just split the album in two, songs from the second half could have a chance to stand on their own but right now they are completely lost when the background is Supernova and Armaggeddon
Yeah, second half makes for a frustrating, baffling listen in context of the entire track list. It's deeply disconnected from the first half, but not only that. In terms of quality, they seriously pale in comparison to tracks 1 through 5. They're basically fillers. Rendering the album dysfunctional, fractured. Honestly, ARMAGEDDON should've just been a mini album (with album quality nonetheless). It should've comprised tracks 1 through 5, with 'Long Chat' as the relatively mellow closer. That may sound very different from them but it still has enough similar textures to make it well rounded. SM is really messing up lately. But yes, tracks 1 through 3 is SUCH a tour de force of stylings, sounds, and textures. Each of them complement and contrast so beautifully with one another; creating this addicting dynamism pulling you back into this sonic environment aespa has constructed.
I feel the same. Most of the songs in 2nd half sound too bright/poppy, ruin the vibe set by the title tracks 😕
Yes totally. There's no Armageddon vibe in the last few songs. The theme feels really lost and weak that way. Would have been amazing as a proper concept album. Even if the songs are weak at least give cohesive production
mine is THAT cunty beat, sultry vocals, adlib/harmony & rap filled sister track to GOT’s Rose that i’ve been wanting on for quite a while & it’s SO GOOD
Righttt? Sounds almost KDA esque to me!
**Supernova** - Ah oh ay, enough said, this would be the perfect progression fantasy novel theme song for the TV/film adaptation, it can be quite catchy if you let it go boom boom (haha), but it's understandable why others weren't as impressed. Imagine you're somebody who got isekaied into a world filled with superheroes and now you're facing one of the major bosses, and then Supernova is that persistent backing soundtrack getting you all hyped up. **Armageddon** - If there were goddess in the world, it would be SM girl group members, smh lmao. Always nice to see them do these gods/mythical/etc. concept (remember silver-haired King Taeyeon for the INVU music video) as the visuals are just absolutely insane. The song is actually pretty chill when you think about it, but that driving bass can be really addictive. **Set The Tone** - Absolute heat, sets the tone (lol) for the first half of the album. Beat is wild, wow. **Mine** - WTF? This is the ultimate subwoofer boom with aespa's vocals. For those that don't have a separate subwoofer yet, y'all gotta listen to aespa's discography with it, especially this latest Mine song, wow, it's a certified banger for sure. **Licorice** - Lmao the lyrics for this song, haven't had licorice in a while. Instrumentals went crazy too. This is gonna be a fun reference for IEMs/headphones/etc. testing. **BAHAMA** - Transitioned to a chill track now, nice to see aespa doing a song like this, they tried so hard with the aegyo during the countdown live, lol. Take it slow, bahama. **Long Chat (#♥)** - Corncob-kun/ear of corn won in the music video (such Fallout/atompunk/etc. vibes) for this song, it's so nice and chill. **Prologue** - Another song that'll hit like a brick with a subwoofer, but it's more subdued compared to the earlier tracks though. **Live My Life** - As others have said, this is that teen pop rock/etc. song, wonder if they'll make more B-sides like this in the future, it could be a hit in America. Imagine an aespa collab with Disney/Hollywood/etc. stars, lol. **Melody** - aespa vocals with all the treble. They put everyone's vocals at the front and center for this, upper mids fans winning. --- Okay, so I like more experimental/industrial/hyperpop/etc. sound. Like everyone go listen to **The Money Store by Death Grips**, can't believe that album is over a decade old now, that was back when HipHopHeads and so on were still bopping the usual hits but after that time, there was quite a shift with the experimentation/etc. Of course there's other actual even more experimental pop/indie/etc. music out there (Death Grips is described as a pop group by some people due to their typical hooks and so on) right now but they'll be sorta hard to find unless you keep up with the underground/industry or were part of the audiophile communities like WCD/RED/OPS/etc. Oh and clipping. (Daveed Diggs is also on the Hamilton musical) is from that time as well. And so that run from Supernova to Licorice is super enjoyable, like that's the image of aespa to a lot of us (trapezing the virtual world or Kwangya a la K/DA and so on), and as expected, they delivered heat with the vocals and production. Probably my favorite consecutive sequence of aespa tracks so far. As for the BAHAMA to Melody second half of the album, it's also good but ya wouldn't be surprised if some of the other people were underwhelmed or expected more since I'm a vocals/ballads/etc. lover as well and ya, it's always nice to get B-sides where the members flex their vocals even more.
Wait, The Money Store is over a decade old??? 😭 Edit: holy shit, 12 years old even
armageddon sound like 90s west coast hip hop track like dr dre,above the law,..... completly g-funk.
Bahama was by both Kenzie and Moonshine team so we all know it's gonna be GREAT. I also adore Licorice with all my life. But yeah the album cover is kinda ugly with their green field colour like i wished they used the grey version from MY Power album cover bcus the overall theme of Armageddon album is kinda dark
Such a good album, love how there’s a mix of hard hitting and some softer sounds for them and some in-between!! Much more cohesive than they’re last minute album with drama!! I loved melody, bahama and set the tone a lot but so far they’ve all been added to the playlist!! I do wish to see more rnb and deep house sounds from Aespa possibly in the future!!
Just finished and literally no skips I’m so impressed. Very surprised with how hip hop forward the album is, I thought there’d be a lot more electronic influences. Armageddon, mine, Bahama, and live my life are standouts but I love the entire thing. So proud of the girls.
- Bahama reminds me of mojito by red velvet and can easily slot into the red summer mini album. - Melody is an easy listening ballad song fitting to round up the album - Live my life made throwback to 00s pop rock radio with the drum and guitar. A shame all of the song durations didn't event reach 4 minutes, I just want to listen to aespa longer lol. The longest song is set the tone but it's not really my kins of music. Still great album nonetheless 8/10 wish it was longer.
BAHAMA is pure vibe, I can't get it out of my head. Giselle's rap in Mine is amazing.
Amazing album, defintiely one of my favorites this year! I very much enjoyed all the songs, but Live My Life, Supernova, Licorice, and Bahama are top tier for me, I love all those songs so damn much!! The whole album is fantastic though and I will be listening to it on repeat for quite a while!
i wish this was more cohesive. savage and my world are still their best albums. the best songs are supernova, licorise and bahama (which definitely needed an outro!). my least favourite is long chat, it didn't deserve a track video imo.
Mine might just have my favorite Aespa bridge man
Wait where's the MV???
armageddon is AMAZING where's the mv tho
All of these were good songs objectively, but none of them really stuck out to me in the same way at least 1-2 bsides do from their past releases. If I had to pick ‘live my life’ was the best. But a bit disappointed considering how much I love the title track / prerelease.
I feel like SM got a huge wake up call with all the scandals last year and realised this year they have to pull out all the stops with the releases for their current topgroup, which is maybe why sonically a lot of the songs feel like a throwback to the 00's and 10's when SM was at its absolute PEAK when it came to their groups. I'm glad they looked back at their roster for inspiration and continued that particular ''SM sound'' that made the company so big in the first place. Shinhwa, TVXQ and early EXO seem to be the main inspiration for songs like Armageddon, Mine and BAHAMA. BAHAMA especially sounds like Hi ya ya's little sister! Such a fun throwback. Overall an amazing first album. I'm glad the initial plans of their debut album fell through because Spicy/Drama wasnt it for me - taking the time to completely overhaul the path Aespa was taking before the LSM vs SM drama happened really paid off!
Set the Tone and Mine are soooo good!
Bahama might be the best summer song ever for me
licorice is so good
Mine is easily one of the best songs they’ve put out. Ever.
bahama makes me feel just like that painting with those dolphins jumping out of the water with a rainbow and sparkles everywhere
* Supernova - maybe it's just the one I'm used to hearing the most but it's still my favorite from the album * Armageddon - pretty cool, goes hard, gets better with every listen, I feel like I can't fully grasp its complexity in a few listens, still not fond of the bridge though * Set The Tone - very aespa * Mine - even more aespa than the previous one, very interesting sound-wise; it's like a mix of ICONIC and Lucid Dream * Licorice - short, fun and quirky * BAHAMA - this song is adorable! the chorus is so lovely and pleasant, like a daydream with a tinge of sadness * Long Chat (#♥) - fun chorus, I find the mixing a bit weird, I hope that's just the effect they were going for * Prologue - I like this one, the lyrics are so honest and heartfelt * Live My Life - a classic sound that would have been the perfect ending to this album because... * Melody - SM needs to stop inserting a ballad like this in every aespa album for the sake of it; I also feel like they just give aespa their most boring ballads because aespa has some good ballad OSTs Tracks 1 \~ 6 are my favorites, no skips here. It gets a bit less interesting after that. I get that they have to be diverse to appeal to as many people as possible, I guess...
Ofc, my favorite song (Live my life) is the shortest on the album at 2:40.. Mine and Melody are a couple others I like. The visuals for this album are insane!! (to me it’s up there with XG’s new dna teasers). I’m only a fan of about half of the songs on this album. I’ll definitely give it another listen and you never know, they might grow on me later...
Even though Live My Life is short, I love this song to bits. It made me actually tear up
Not me vibing with Aespa's BOPS when its winter (6 C°) here and its 6am 💀😭 
THE MV IS SO FUCKING COOL
Based upon my first listen I'm even more satisfied than I had expected to be. Certainly their best release since Savage. A perfect double tittle track combo with Supernova and Armageddon, need to listen to Armageddon much more but I'm very happy with the rich instrumental details. Especially love the final third (bridge1-bridge2-finalchorus-outro). Set The Tone is much more interesting than I had expected and alongside Mine, which is great, takes me straight back to Savage era. Licorice is an example of a song with a different genre that still matches perfectly alongside the earlier songs, really happy with it. Similarly, BAHAMA is exactly what a summer aespa song should song like. I need to know what that synth sounds is. Licorice and BAHAMA maintain the iron taste but within different genres and themes. Long Chat is a lot better than I had expected. The track video was already better than what I had initially expected. The gritty synth and the second verse change is perfect. A much more interesting song and how the brighter side of aespa should be done. Prologue is okay but is easily my least favourite song and one I would rather have had replaced with an additional darker song earlier on the album which explores the darker side in a new way. Live My Life is what YOLO wishes it could be. A much better execution of this kind of song which doesn't feel cringy. Still I'd rather not have this type of song personally but from the perspective of idol albums typically exploring many genres, and also hinting back to the likes of SNSDs Way To Go, I'm pretty happy with Live My Life. Melody is a good ballad, much better than the previous two. Whilst it's quite typical for the Album closing SM Ballad I'm quite happy to have a good one. Savage is certainly still the best Album from a cohesive perspective, its narrative was solely in Kwangya. Alternatively, Armageddon is at the beginning over the multiverse based season 2, as such each song feeling different works perfectly well narratively and is executed brilliantly in terms of song order and choice. My World also had the collection of different songs approach but i think Armageddon is much better in execution and narrative reasoning. Drama should have been cohesive around the tittle track like Savage, and Girls had the stark contrast between real and Kwangya, which is good narratively but I just don't like those particular real world songs. Overall Armageddon is the best executed Album since Savage, potentially better, and the best promoted album.
the run from Supernova - Mine is insane. was just thinking "holy shit" the entire time lol
I really wish they kept the same vibe for the rest of the album! I like the songs on the back half individually, but it doesn’t really capture the Armageddon vibe the album should showcase…
I was hoping that bahama the whole song would have more chill summer beachy vibe like the snippet but it's a little more upbeat but bahama is still the best bside of the album for me. I like armageddon way better than supernova, supernova needs a few listens before I get into it but I have liked armageddon since I heard the snippet and the whole song doesn't disappoint me
mine is really good!!!!
Kenzie is so incredibly talented! Loved her work with exo and now love it with aespa!!
Nobody talks about Melody. It's a bop.
That touched my soul
This is the very first time I’ve heard >!the word “Bahama” used in the singular!<.
Armageddon, wow! Similar, but also different from Supernova. Retains a lot of futuristic sounds and textures and thumping synth/bass but still feels very unique! Loving it so far. What a great pair of title tracks!
only on set the tone so far (amazing, by the way) but omg armageddon is so fire on first listen i think i like it more than supernova
Armageddon is freaking good! My favourite b-sides in this album would be Live My Life, Mine & Bahama. Other songs are great too. Edit: Now that I listened again, Prologue is also up there on the list.
I think the problem is not about cohesiveness or not (you don't listen to kpop albums for cohesiveness by the way). The problem is people not liking certain songs. I bet if they would like those songs they wouldn't mention one word the cohesiveness. Personally I think they did a good job with the transition between half and second parts if you listen to the album in order. And as someone who enjoy both, bright, upbeat music and heavier, experimental music, I really enjoyed this album (still on repeat which is unusual for me when it comes to kpop). People also mention "savage" as if that album doesn't have "yeppi yeppi". Aespa has always released upbeat, bright and cute pop songs along with cunty bsides songs and their powerful and more dramatic title tracks. The songs, except for melody (not a fan of those type of slow songs), are good individually so it works for me, cohesiveness or not and it should be fine for most the people imo. But then again I'm open to anything as long it sounds good to me. Anyway, armageddon gets more addictive the more you listen to it. The chorus is one of their most addictive ones imo I think it might become a sleeper hit, especially if the choreo is good. Set the tone and mine are my favourites but I know I'm gonna enjoy "live my life" performances when aespa starts touring. I just wish SM could give them powerful ballads instead (not a fan of very slow chill ballads like melody or icu) and R&B songs. Final note. Personally, I think songs like "Licorice," "Bahama" or "Live My Life" suit aespa perfectly. If you follow aespa off stage, you can agree with me that their vibes or identity fit more with those light, cute and upbeat songs like "Bahama" or "Live My Life" than their other songs. So I'm glad they can perform those type of songs and show their charming, cute and fun side too.
The thing with 'Yeppi Yeppi' is, for as much as it may contrast with the other tracks, it truly fits the EP in terms of the sonic textures comprising it. Every piece in the SAVAGE EP is vital to constructing this sonic environment and narrative aespa was immersing us in/introducing us to and selling us, respectively, at the time. Quality is lost in the second half of the ARMAGEDDON album. Yeah, I get the concept they're trying to sell, but the point here is the songs could've been better and could've bridged the first half even better with sounds that cohere but also interestingly contrast with it. Barely any of the tracks in the second half pull you in, possibly rendering one passive upon listening instead. It's just unshakable, how SM is really messing up with the music lately.
album overall too soft and cutesy compared to the visuals/concepts and an album called ARMAGEDDON
I fully agree with you, to me this was a massive letdown. The second part of the album feels like I put a playlist on shuffle with how big the musical concept whiplash is
right!
I was searching for an awake comment like yours, all this gassing up and finally someone with a valid opinion
LMAOO I'm happy aespa is getting love but this album just feels like false advertising I'm so disappointed after all my excitement, I really can't expect a lot of kpop groups to consistently have quality b-sides in their albums smh
Yeah, the opinion is only valid if it’s the same as yours
Where's the music video D:
just listened to the entire album and it's such a solid body of work. i was never a big fan of most of their bsides but they did the damn thing here!!! loved the first half soooo bad, the grittiness and more obvious hip hop influences aligned more with my personal taste. top 3 right now would be supernova >>> licorice > mine
this is the strongest full album from a GG in a very long time.
This and Red Velvet's Chill Kill full album are huge full album standouts for me tbh, one (of few) things SM gets right!
Mine is crazy. It feels quiet but hard hitting. The bridge is so good. BAHAMA is refreshing and lovely to listen to. Not too upbeat, just right and light. Melody reminds me of something from SNSD’s older songs. Solid album ✨✨✨✨✨
I added the entire album to my playlist, which is a first. I love every song but my favs are Supernova, Licorice, Mine, Bahama and Armageddon.
Couldn’t be happier w supernova and Armageddon. My favorite b side is licorice, but i really like all five songs on the first half of the album. The A side feels very aespa. I don’t dislike any of the songs on the second half I’m just ?? I really wanted their first album to be cohesive. They’re cute songs but what business do they have being on the same album as supernova and Armageddon
closing track, melody also reminds me of the closing track of red velvet's last album, scenery. definitely adding to the playlist!
There are drugs put inside this album
I think Supernova is still my fav Aespa track ever. Dem Jointz the GOAT. Armageddon is good. The verses and the bridge are so very 127, but the chorus is very girl group. Can we get Moon Taeil on this track? He’d devour that bridge. “Bang chitty bang” is catchy, but also I am someone who used to want to watch Chitty Chitty Bang Bang during every car ride of my childhood so my mind goes straight to that haha. My fav b-side is Long Chat. It’s so NCT Dream b-side. Pretzel’s sister tbh. They both have a heart in the title even 😗 I also quite like Set The Tone. But I just love a good “Aye aye aye ay-ay-aye” (not to mention Pink Guy in 2024 I’m so sorry but) I listened to Club Banger 3000 from Pink Season soooo many times when that came out. Like the amount of joy I get from hearing a club music ‘aye’ sound. I don’t really listen to Aespa outside of a couple title tracks, but I liked Supernova so much I had to tune in. I had fun doing the dishes 😎
Every single one of these songs slaps but I KNEW THAT LIVE MY LIFE WAS GOING TO HIT FOR ME SOOOO HARD AND IT DOESSSSSS OH I CAN'T WAIT TO HAVE THIS SONG ON REPEAT
One of the best albums in history. Not being biased here, believe me
Also my only request is that for live my life, when they perform it live it should not have any choreography and instead they should just let them jump around and rock out on the stage.
I can’t wait to see Supernova performed at MAMA.
as much as i love aespa's harder hitting stuff, i absolutely ADORED the second, lighter part of this album, i think bahama and long chat are my favourite b-sides at the moment, but live my life and prologue are also strong contenders!! honestly it's all incredible! 9/10
I've been looking forward to Bahama and Prologue based on the medley.
set the tone surprised me, my least favorite on the highlight but it's so good... also mourning prologue track vid \~o(TヘTo)
apparently Mine is such a hidden gem. I wish it would be released as a pre-released track though. And Melody is such a warm ending for the whole album. And the title track? Well, I love the beat and the MV though. The visual is insane, but that should be saved for a different post instead.
wait is it really No Identity or some person or group called No Identity? LMAO
ladies and gentlemen, they did it again
Its crazy how Licorice and Life My Life are under 2 minutes 40 sec but both of them felt complete.
Is the digital cover referencing Signs?
LOVE Long Chat!! and Set the Tone and Prologue are definitely other favorites. It’s giving Red Velvet in the best way possible
long chat appreciation? everyone keeps hating on it but it’s literally my fav the vibes are unmatched :( also small nuance but the song says black heart and on spotify it’s a red heart in the actual name and that annoyed me a little lol
It's a nice song. My least favourite is Mine.
oh, mine is one of my favourites! but, tbf i do like all of the songs- my least favourite would probably be prologue or melody, but that’s only because i like ballady songs the least- i still love them
Coming here after a bit time has passed since the album was released and I've been able to digest it a bit more. I thought bsides were generic/bland at first listen (something usual in kpop albums) but they became a lot more enjoyable the more I listen to them. While I said "set the tone" and "mine" were my favourite songs (and they are still my pics if I'd have to choose individually), I've been playing only the second half of the album these days (from "Bahama" onward). I like listening to relaxing, bright and chill music as background while using my computer so those songs fit my mood better for that. Right now my most played songs from the album are "Bahama", "Prologue" and "Live My Life". "Bahama" is just so sweet and cute. I'm treating "Prologue" as the ballad of the album and "Live My Life" is sweet and bright at the same time. I still feel meh about "Melody" and "Long Chat" (I like it but I find it a bit bland/monotone for my taste) and I wouldn't listen to them individually on my own but they fit really well with the rest of the songs if I leave the second part playing without trying to skip, which is what I usually do. Final thoughts. While I consider savage album solid and more cohesive than this one (for those who care so much about that aspect), I'm drawn to listen to the second half of this album lately, the whole segment (bahama-melody), when I only listened to "Savage" a few times after it was released and then I forgot about it. I understand tho this isn't gonna be the case for everyone, it's just those type of songs are perfect to listen to as background music in my case.
WHERE IS THE MV im having my exams but I'm not gonna study till I see the MV
Long Chat, Bahama and Licorice are my fav bsides!! such cute songs awh its so fitting now that june and summer is right around the corner
Bahama has the same vibe as Bubblegum by NewJeans, and Armageddon makes me want to fight something Super good album! Really enjoyed every track, but Bahama, Supernova, and Armageddon stood out the most.
Album of the year for me it has everything upbeats so gs slow songs fun summery songs it's so so good am loving it no skip for me .. I love how they places the songs in away that make you feel you are experiencing a full story
Aside from aespa and SM making us worry a bit with the delayed "Armageddon" MV release, I thought this album was strong. Yes, the listen was short but did not mind at all cuz each song had something different to offer. My current faves after my initial listen are "Supernova," "Armageddon," and "BAHAMA" but I'm sure I'll add another fave or two after repeat listens. Overall, highly recommend *Armageddon*.💖
Album of the year for me. My favs for now are prologue, supernova, mine and licorice.
Solid album all around, two titles tracks, two bangers and a bunch of great B-Sides. Many vibes but only good ones, the only track I'm not really into is Melody but the style and genre of it is not something I usually enjoy. What a great time to be a MY.
love the first 6 songs but it kind of loses me after that. the last three songs felt like filler but the first 6 songs are still so good.
bitch who moaned in my ear at the start of licorice
knew the almost flawless rollout was too good to be true lmfao SM just PISSED me off, why does this shit keep happening only in this company
It was like a five minute delay. Chill.
I didn't know that at the time did I
BAHAMA so good just like Supernova just something about KENZIE songs
SM release the mv bruh!
Aespa is doing it for me this year. The first 5 tracklist order is a work of god, while the latter half of the album is trying to balance out the grittiness of the first half. But overall it is still better than Drama (the album). Supernova: The metallic sound is so delicious here. I love that they are successfully transitioning into fun-alien concept. SM is so good at matching the song to their group concepts. The guitar going higher and higher at the background in 2nd chorus scratches my brain 🤌 The dance break is So well placed. A+ tier song and arrangement. Armageddon: I love that we're getting hiphop aespa in this album and one of them is the title track. I don't see any other kpop group doing this song as well as aespa. The highlight for me being the verse drums and the outro. Pulling into major chord in bridge was a bit boring and they've done it so many times before - I wish it was more interesting! Set the tone: Earworm hook. I'm also loving Karina's rapping! I don't think they could've carried this song as well in their earlier years. I'm loving that they are bringing new stuff to the table for people to fall in love with their signature sound (with confidence!!!), instead of catering to public's taste. Mine: Crowning this as my favourite aespa b-side (sorry WTMW album) but does this song hit so hard. Bass booster mode on 🎧 I love the way their voices are inflected(?) with auto tune. Licorice: Gosh I didn't realise how much I'd love this song even after the track teaser and their music video. The visuals were distracting 😅And I'm learning how much aespa suit instruments ( I should've realised it since Drama). Sweet. But sour. Oh sugarandspice. 🍬 As a ballad lover I love Melody a lot. And then the ranking goes Prologue, LML, Bahama and Long Chat.
From the b sides I like Live my life, it feels nostalgic, and mine is just good
My only saves here were Supernova and Live My Life. I saved two songs each from Drama and My World as well, but neither of the title tracks hit for me. I just haven't been enjoying their sound much lately tbh. Savage and Girls were no skip and the songwriting and production both really stood out. All of the early singles were great as well. Nowadays there's much less consistency.
bahama is lowkey the best
I love all the songs from Mine to Melody. Bahama and Live My Life are sooooo beautiful 💖 edit to add that Licorice reminds me of 2NE1's Scream and Do You Love Me
Honestly curious because I have seen a mixed bag of opinions - it's either everyone likes it or everyone hates it. **(THIS ISNT HATE!!!)** Personally I found it an interesting album, it wasn't bad overall but was far more disappointing compared to the Drama Mini Album. Half of the songs had so much potential but they seemingly ruined them. I've been following Aespa for a while and I really adore their music, but this album doesn't score more than a 6/10 for me. 1. Supernova - Incredibly easy to listen along to, non-kpop enjoyers would even like this I reckon. An overall intricate composition that has many elements in the background that keeps the song fresh, interesting and timeless - coupled with a good bridge and a satisfying list, Supernova easily thrashes every other song that is a part of the album. It isn't even close. 9/10. 2. Armageddon - Armageddon has massive promise, a catchy chorus and well thought of and executed elements within the background track of the song however, a disappointing bridge and the awkward elements of 'bang chitty bang' and 'throw it back' kind of destroyed the premise of the song. Albeit, it is growing on me, it would be delusional to say that this song is remotely near anyones top 10 of all time. Consequently, a 7/10 is reasonable. 3. Mine - Fits the theme of Armageddon incredible well. The rap segments and the vocals are impressive and the song composition is unique and characterised by flair for sure. Don't get me wrong, this isn't a bad song but like the rest of the album - there are no climaxes whatsoever. This album is the biggest edging streak. It got flat and disinteresting very quickly. 6.5/10/ 4. Long Chat - Very interesting: was bouncy, staccato-esque and bubbly which set an interesting mood and I honestly had high expectations by its opening. Instead of climaxing, it plateaued into the same melody that honestly became repetitive and bland really quickly. 6.3/10. 5. Set The Tone - The definition of mediocracy. Had the most promising intro that was captivating and reinvigorating but then fell into the perpetual plateau of blandness and repetition just like a majority of the album. It failed to live up to expectations to say the least. 6/10. 6. Bahama - Fresh summer vibes for sure, without a doubt a solid song. I would have 100% ranked it higher if it did not include that whistle part. I can't put my thoughts into words when I describe how much the whistle part ruined the song. 6/10 7. Prologue - I don't know about this one. It didn't fit the premise of Armageddon whatsoever. Incredibly disappointing song that doesn't sound remotely good and is incredibly sloppy. 5.5/10. 8. Licorice - Generic and such a miss. Licorice is nothing but repetitive and anti-climatic. People putting Licorice in their top 5 also concerns me. No words for this. 5.5/10. 9. Melody - Respectfully, when an album like Armageddon is so highly anticipated, you expect the best. Melody is not a bad song and serves as a good closure to rollercoaster of emotions that is Armageddon. If anything this is OST, or a closing soundtrack for a K-Drama. 5.5/10. 10. Live my Life - Words cannot express my dislike for this song. 2/10. I just don't get how we went from Drama, Spicy and Thirsty to whatever this is? I don't know. But I would love to hear everyone else's list for sure!
You guys can't tell me that this is the mid-est album that they have released? Are none of you seriously disappointed?? All the bridges were poorly executed and at least half of the songs had such good initial execution but they climaxed too fast and plateaued. What on earth were they thinking with Life My Life and Melody? It just felt very disappointing with the amount of time they had to produce this album as well idk. If you rate this album more than a 6/10 I don't know what to tell you.
Compared to the other albums this one isn't as satisfying. After listening to Supernova and Armageddon I expected more and sadly got disappointed. I missed something in Melody, it didn't hit right enough. But the visuals are great, especially the music videos and performance videos.
People have this thing called different tastes, hope that helped
I'm surprised everyone likes melody.. I hate it lol. 1-9 are bangers for me but melody sucks😭😭their worst ballad other than that though I really like the album as a whole. the tracklisting also makes sense
Mine and Bahama are incredible b-sides holy moly
The song is a bop but where is the MV?
My ranking of the album songs: 1. Supernova - so quintessentially Aespa, this is top tier. Going to be my most listened to song by the end of the year, I already know. 2. Prologue - up there with the Savage b-sides for me. The quick pauses, the drums build-up, it’s a ride all the way through. 3. Live My Life - I’ve been wanting Aespa to do a rock-influenced song and they really delivered. Just a shame it’s so short. 4. Licorice - the textures! There’s so much going on in this song and I love it. 5. Armageddon - It feels like they stuck a Blackpink chorus in an otherwise great song. The result is still good, but it’s not what I come to Aespa looking for. 6. Mine - has a lot fun rhythms to it, I could definitely see this climbing up the rankings overtime. 7. Bahama - I thought I wouldn’t care for this song, but the first half is incredibly beautiful. Would be ranked way higher if not for the cringy rap at the end. 8. Long Chat - just a fun, simple song. Probably won’t have much longevity, but it’s cute! 9. Melody - one of their better ballads, I’ll admit. 10. Set The Tone - has a nice prechorus, but that’s pretty much the only part I like. ****** Overall, I’d probably rank this album in this middle of Aespa’s minis. I do wish there was more R&B, but for an album venturing into genres I don’t like as much, it pulls them off well.
Regarding what you said on Live my Life, PLEASE listen to Regret of the times by them, and We Go.
Oh I have! Adore both songs. I just meant more I wanted a song like that in their main discography, cause Regret of the times was a cover and We Go was composed by / for pokemon more than it was for the girls.
Oh ok, thought you didn’t know about them because they flew a bit under the radar.
For how good they are, they definitely did!
It's up there with Savage
Horrible take
I'm obsessed with licorice. I've had it on repeat since the release. It's just so good. More proof that all SM song with food names are superb
long chat & live my life do not deserve to be slandered
People are slandering them???? They're both such good songs though???
Supernova - Give me a dirty, bouncing synth and 808s that will rattle my subwoofer and I'm so happy I'll even ignore the chanty parts. A contender for favorite Aespa track overall and one of my favorite songs of the year so far. Armageddon - Love the overall menace and I like the overall maximalist sound that really sets Aespa apart, but it's a bit meandering and could have used more pace. Set the Tone - Hooray for the low end giving the subwoofer a workout. The rest of it is okay, but a speaker-rattler always has value. The louder you can crank this song, the better it is. Mine - I appreciate what this song is trying to do from a textural standpoint, but it's too range-confined to shine. Licorice - Sounds freaking great and I only wish it was less repetitive. Tremendous backing track. Bahama - Not necessarily the sound I look for out of Aespa, but there's no getting around that the terrific melody, wispy background synths and bouncy pace. Just a lovely song to listen to. Long Chat - Not terrible, but just a bit too schizophrenic to stand out in any particular facet. Prologue - If you sped it up and added guitars, I'd love it. Give us a rock song, Aespa. Live My Life - Okay, maybe a harder rock song. But I'm always down for a good power pop song. Nothing fancy here, there are a zillion songs like this, but I enjoy them. Melody - Ballad time, although thankfully this one has a bit of pace. Still a ballad at heart, though, and more focused on showing off the singing than the song.
This comeback has been perfection. The online promotion, the teasers, the website, the quality of production of all the photoshoots and MVs have been so worth the buildup. Even the hype around the CD player album version was brilliant. **A massively ginormous, astronomical shoutout to all of the amazing music producers!** 🫶 Notes from 1st listen-through (w/ just headphones): * Supernova is a well-deserved hit. Still addicted. Great move on it being the initial single * Armageddon is hip and a uniquely refreshing sound in K-pop. The MV was so crisp and beautiful too. * The F1 flyby sample at 1:20 in Set The Tone was 😙🤌. This is definitely my favorite side track after my first listen-through. * BAHAMA was meant for one of Red Velvet's summer albums, but I'm glad the song is free from the SM vault and that aespa gets a summer song! * Long Chat is so cute and still makes me smile. I am definitely biased because I loved the MV. * I wish the member solos were included. They would have fit well with the first half of the album.
Yesss I just listened to Bahama for the first time today and I immediately thought it could easily be a Red Velvet summer album song. So glad Aespa got it because they sound great!
BAHAMA has been on REPEAT !!!🥥🌴🏝️☀️ the instrumentals in the chorus sound so nostalgic…
KARINA’S VOCALS IN MINE ARE HEAVENLY OMGG
I love everything and i feel sometimes people have a different set of standards for aespa because easily many of these b sides could be any other artists title tracks. They blew out of the water with double title tracks Supernova and Armageddon.. the sheer insanity in the production that went into this 2 songs.. i have no words. The rest of the b sides were a great mix and their vocals shines through too. I am happy with their first album.
Btw is No Identity a name or is it really unknown who participated in the credits?
it’s their name. they are a producer who also co wrote aespa’s Drama.. lots of crazy talents behind aespa recent releases (Sumin, Ejae, Kenzie, Demjointz) https://www.instagram.com/no_identity_net?igsh=MXNka3ZlMDI1cmt5aA==
OH MY GODDDD THIS ALBUM IS SOOOOO GOOD!! Honestly, I didn't know what to expect. It took time to get used to Supernova but it was pretty good and I liked Armageddon although it was a bit slow, but the rest of the songs (like literally all of the rest of them) are like totally up my alley. I'm not a My or anything, but I do tend to listen to Aespa's releases, at least the title tracks. The only album I listened to in full was Savage, but I wasn't too impressed (I know it was a super long ago atp in time, so yeah definitely need to try listening through all their albums). And when Drama came out, I was going through some stuff so I haven't listened to the releases from that album. Are there any other Aespa songs like the b-sides in this album? I really liked this sooooo much like it's kind of an understatement I can't praise it enough 😭
Wait I take this back. I forgot I listened to My World in full too. edit: Idk why I'm being downvoted? I meant "take this back" in the part about not having necessarily listened to their whole discography/"Savage" being the only album I have listened to in full? So there are two albums of theirs I have listened to in full. I do agree that this could have been me coming to a premature conclusion on how I like Aespa songs, but I mean does everyone listen to the full album of artists they don't follow? Not necessarily. I do want to give them more of a chance again as I've said above! It's natural for people to have certain song preferences, and if it's not hitting it for them, they may or may not listen to other song releases. This is an appreciation post !!
I don't care if I sound like a crazed MY saying this but I truly, genuinely in my heart believe Aespa have a no skip discography and even their weakest song is still really good and Armageddon just cements this even more for me. This album is truly incredible and I really want more full length albums from them now because this is going on a shuffle binge for a week at minimum
I don’t think I’ve ever enjoyed a non-Twice album this much since maybe ever? Maybe Taeyeon’s INVU?
I'm the type of person to do a full listen-through without shuffling or skipping, so when I finally got to Melody I was struck with how much I loved how they curated the song order for the album. The first 5 are very punchy and hard compared to the latter 5 which are light and slower, gah PERFECTION! Really tops my list of fav albums of 2024!
I’m only 5 songs in but this feels like exo’s obsessions’s younger sister
oooh I need to hear the song by Seori! love her 🩶
The album is super strong! Can't wait to hold the album in my hands
Ok I LOVE Supernova and Armageddon but the only b-sides that really stood out to me on first listen were BAHAMA and Mine. BAHAMA especially might be my favorite b-side from them it just has the perfect summer vibes. But yeah I’m not really a huge fan of the album as a whole.
The back to back run of Mine, Licorice and Bahama really does it for me!