Chungha Combines Glamour and Soul in New Album, Querencia
K-Pop’s rising princess Chungha has released her debut studio album, Querencia, after a successful rollout in 2020, featuring four pre-release singles including the critically acclaimed “Stay Tonight,” “Dream Of You,” and the new banger, “Bicycle.” With this 21-track album, Chungha taps into her querencia to express her authentic self. Divided into four segments, the album puts Chungha’s versatility on full display.
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Tracklist:
SIDE A {NOBLE}
“Bicycle” ♔
“Masquerade”
“Flying on Faith”
“Luce Sicut Stellae”
SIDE B {SAVAGE}
“Stay Tonight”
“Dream of You” with R3HAB
“짜증 나게 만들어 (Bother Me)”
“Chill해 (Chill)”
SIDE C {UNKNOWN}
“PLAY” feat. Changmo
“Demente” feat. Guaynaa
“Lemon” feat. Colde
“별하랑 160504 + 170607 (BYULHARANG (160504 + 170607))”
SIDE D {PLEASURES}
“ X (걸어온 길에 꽃밭 따윈 없었죠)”
“All Night Long”
“솔직히 지친다 (Everybody Has)”
“Comes N Goes”
“Querencia (Epilogue)”
“Bicycle”
Opening with a fuzzy electric guitar, “Bicycle” is about the excitement of facing life with a bold and strong attitude. Chungha, who is best known for her performance-heavy yet softer sound and vibe, opts for a bold girl-crush concept for “Bicycle.” Upon a few listens, it becomes clear that the track is very unique and different for the artist. The song showcases her sassy delivery, including an impressive rap verse over an R&B-trap beat. Chungha also didn’t hold back with the music video for the song. Stunning in every shot, she pushes the envelope even further in “Bicycle.” The video features several beautiful sets, outfits, jewelry, bold make-up, and best of all, Chungha’s show-stopping choreography.
B-Sides
SIDE A {NOBLE}
Keeping in line with the nobility concept of this side, the Latin pop sound of “Masquerade” exemplifies the sensual and mysterious tone of Querencia. The track definitely has the potential of being a single thanks to its fiery performance-driven production.
Co-produced by Cutfather whose credits include “365” by Zedd & Katy Perry, “Flying on Faith” is an all-English track that flows like a perfect pop anthem with a ringing chorus and Chungha’s powerful vocals.
“Luce Sicut Stellae” is a Latin phrase that translates to “shining stars of dawn.” Featuring an addictive percussion, this song is one of the slower tracks on the album and puts the focus on the lyrics, co-written by hitmaker Lee Seuran. With the song, Chungha hopes her listeners can escape their bustling and tiring lives and absorb all the precious moments.
SIDE B {SAVAGE}
Chungha opens Side B dubbed as “SAVAGE” with the first single from the album, “Stay Tonight,” released in May 2020. The song fits perfectly within the album’s larger storyline and sound, keeping the album dynamic and interesting. Read our full review of “Stay Tonight” here.
“Dream of You” is an all-English retro-pop song produced by R3HAB who has worked with the likes of Rihanna, Lady Gaga, Taylor Swift, and more. Filled with Chungha’s signature effortless confidence, “Dream of You'' acts as an appropriate follow-up to the first single from the album, “Stay Tonight.” The song’s primary purpose is to put the focus on her outstanding choreography skills evident in the performance video that accompanies the song.
Reminiscent of ‘90s soul-pop sound, “짜증 나게 만들어 (Bother Me)” is co-composed by critically acclaimed singer-songwriter SUMIN. The song is sung almost entirely in Korean and features witty lyrics about a relationship that leaves one hot and bothered.
“Chill해” is the perfect summer song, with Chungha declaring that she will live her life the way she wants to and encouraging her listeners to do the same. Reminiscent of the resounding sound of artists like Charli XCX, the song has a nostalgic feeling and takes listeners back to the summer of 2018.
SIDE C {UNKNOWN}
Released as a summer single by Chungha in collaboration with rapper Changmo, “PLAY” taps into the Latin pop sound that is a staple in pop music, especially during summer. Chungha manages to put a fresh take on the sound with her charismatic vocals, which are not overshadowed by the soaring instrumentals. The song’s music video took inspiration from European-Spanish aesthetics featuring circus acts, flamenco, and bullfighting with a red Ferrari. The song was one of the only pre-released singles to be promoted on music shows in Korea with most of the stages inspired by several flower festivals of Europe.
One of the most highly anticipated tracks on the album, “Demente'' is a collaboration with Puerto Rican rapper, Guaynaa. The track is a true global collaboration as it was co-composed by Zimbabwe-born British producer Rationale and Colombian singer-songwriter Lao Ra. The song is performed in Korean and Spanish with no English lyrics. The track’s message of not being limited by boundaries is presented in both its lyrics and production.
With a repetitive chorus, “Lemon” is a quirky love song written by R&B artist Colde, who is also featured on the song. The track best highlights Chungha’s versatility as it is one of the most unique tracks on the album and in Chungha’s discography as a whole.
Named after two very important moments in Chungha’s career, “BYULHARANG (160504 + 170607)” is an ode to her fans. May 4, 2016 is Chungha’s former group I.O.I's debut date while June 7, 2017 is Chungha's solo debut date. The lyrics translate to “You're the light shining so bright in my heart / Whatever trial or darkness comes / I'll be with memories we shared.” Co-written by Chungha herself, the song is a beautiful ballad that would bring fans to tears.
SIDE D {PLEASURES}
Chungha opens the final segment of her album with the song “ X (걸어온 길에 꽃밭 따윈 없었죠)” which roughly translates to “no flowers on my path.” With this rock ballad, Chungha expresses how she has faced countless struggles and despite what many might assume, her journey was not flowery or easy. Sonically, the song once again reminds us of Chungha’s versatility. The song was released as the final pre-release single from the album and was accompanied by a greyscale music video with very interesting and artistic cinematography.
“All Night Long” is a slow R&B track that combines passion and pleasure in its glimmering delivery and lyrics. The track was co-written and co-composed by singer-songwriter Baek Yerin and producer Cloud. Baek Yerin’s signature R&B sound can be heard in the song and Chungha does justice to it.
Released in early 2020, “솔직히 지친다 (Everybody Has)” is a comforting ballad that highlights Chungha’s vocal range. The song’s lyrics talk about providing warmth and comfort to those who are exhausted from the pressures of life. The music video of the song features actress Jo Boah in a storyline that sees her escaping the city life. The song is part of MNH Entertainment's project album, New.wav.
A very appropriate closer for the album, “Comes N Goes” is a bright and hopeful pop song where Chungha sings about the process of healing and happiness, encapsulating the essence and overall message of Querencia. With the album, Chungha takes her listeners through different emotions of finding her Querencia, and closing with “Comes N Goes” shows her listeners that the journey is filled with anxiety, reflection, but also hopefulness.
Each side opens with a short instrumental produced by VINCENZO who also overlooked the production of the entire album. The instrumentals set the tone for each segment of the album. Chungha closes the album with the epilogue track, “Querencia,” where she whispers the words, “I need you / My Querencia.”