B-Sides: Fruit - JYP Edition

As we roll into August, people are scrambling to get their last taste of summer. And what could be more refreshing than some fresh summer fruit? This week in B-Sides, we will look at some fruit-titled tracks from JYP Entertainment’s most charming girl groups.

“Cherry” - ITZY

ITZY debuted as a new girl group earlier this year, and they have already captured people’s attention with their youthful freshness and confidence. This B-side track was released in their second mini-album, “IT’z Different”, where the members show off their unique sound.

Contrary to the perhaps stereotypical cute fruit girl group concept, ITZY flavors the song with a more tart approach. Expressing their female empowerment, the members sing about being themselves and breaking people’s expectations of who they are as women. The beginning of the chorus simply states, “Really really me, I’m a cherry on top,” to emphasize their passion for being oneself.

The song has an interesting backtrack that keeps you moving forward with the song. The song has popping noises, whistling, clapping, and syncopated bass scattered to create a well-rounded and bold sound. The backtrack also blends well with the members’ piercing falsetto harmonies and confident rap line. Overall, the song is playful, yet fierce and it shows you that this rookie group is here to stay and make their mark.

“Strawberry” - TWICE

From JYP’s senior girl group, TWICE brings their classic charming sound with this track. Chaeyoung, one of the maknae line rappers of the group, wrote the song. One of her nicknames is “Strawberry Princess” because she has expressed her love of strawberries in the past, so this song matches her fun personality.

The sweet melody and playful backtrack are so enticing that it makes you want to be their friend. Their soft, yet clear vocals display their experience with each individual voice being highlighted, but also blending perfectly as a group. For example, maknae Tzuyu sings an impressive falsetto rift in the chorus. Even the rap line, Chaeyoung and Dahyun, get the chance to display their alluring vocals in the song. 

The song really shows TWICE’s maturing sound with its laid-back, yet irresistible charm. They sound more grounded and comfortable with a chill, yet still warm and welcoming song about a love so sweet like a strawberry, that in the end only makes you fall more in love with TWICE.