IU Stuns with 5th Full Album, LILAC
At long last, IU has returned with another studio album! Marking her fifth full album, with her last being Palette in 2017, IU takes listeners on another soulful and deep journey that will touch the hearts of many. Titled LILAC, the album consists of a total of 10 tracks that are all refreshing and fit for the spring season. Upon the release of LILAC, it comes as no surprise that the soloist topped real-time charts, earning herself a perfect all-kill across all major streaming platforms within a couple of days after its release. Her latest album is another album that many, regardless of age, can resonate with. Showcasing a range of songs and moods (and vocal power), IU outdoes herself once more in delivering a beautiful album from beginning to end.</deck>
Tracklist:
Title: LILAC
Flu
Coin*
Hi spring Bye
Celebrity
Troll (Feat. DEAN)*
Empty Cup
My sea*
Ah puh
Epilogue
*Author’s Favorite Pick
1. “LILAC”
As the title track of the album, IU does not hesitate to pull out all the stops by bringing another mystical and fantasy-like song and music video. The jazzy city pop song is addictive and refreshing. As we are in the cusp of spring, most songs that tend to come out around this time reflect the feeling of falling in love or budding new emotions. “LILAC” may be light and airy, but diving deeper into the meaning of the song, it’s actually about goodbyes and letting go of love. IU recognizes that whatever this relationship she has with her lover is a momentary and passing feeling. However, despite the sad undertones of the song, the love was not terrible and she looks back on it fondly. Just as a season comes and goes, the same goes for love.
With IU known for fantasy-like music videos, the soloist transports fans and viewers into another realm of her IU universe. Long-time fans of IU will pick up on the subtle nods to previous music videos and storylines that she has released in the past, such as familiar faces of those who appeared in the “Good Day” music video as well as the train from “You & I” and “above the time.” At the beginning of the music video, IU is excited to embark on a new journey, which is representative of another stage and time for the artist. As she boards the train, it’s filled with excitement and wonder as she is on a one-way trip that will take her wherever. But as the ride progresses, things change within the cabins of the train, switching from bright and happy to a fight club or a night party. These moments symbolize that while this fleeting love was fun and happy, parting ways and breaking up can also be dark and filled with turmoil. But as the light at the end of the tunnel comes and the light comes back into the train, all is good and one can look back at the memories with a smile.
Story aside, the music video is a visual treat. Whether it’s the pops of color in the fashion, the choreography for “LILAC,” or the CG and animation that are weaved in throughout the music video, there is so much to take in. It’s definitely a music video that takes a couple of watches to fully grasp all that is happening. Nonetheless, IU outdoes herself again with a whimsical music video that is refreshing and brings another story to life within her universe. If fans pay close attention to the list of destinations in the train station, there is a small nod to her past album releases in the 13 years she has been active.
2. “Flu”
Switching it up, “Flu” is an R&B track that talks about the motion of falling in love and becoming lovesick. IU equates the feeling of having the flu and flu-like symptoms when caught up in the feeling of love. But like anyone who doesn't like getting sick, this feeling is something that makes her feel like she’s suffering and in pain. It’s a feeling that she just has to accept and can’t avoid. Once it’s here and taken over her body, she has to wait to ride it out and see if she’ll make it out okay in the end.
3. “Coin”
Considered the second lead single from the album, “Coin” is another upbeat song that has a very retro-funk sound and style to it. If “LILAC” is the bright and happier song, “Coin” is the dark and spicy sibling from the album. With the saxophone and guitar taking a prominent role in the melody, one can’t help but to groove along with “Coin.” This song in particular is all about taking risks and betting it all. IU makes it a point that it’s all in or nothing in “Coin” and that she’s willing to cash in on a bet she’s confident on. As the saying goes, “the higher the risk, the higher the reward,” and IU was going all in. However, there is a wariness that one must have when taking risks and making decisions.
As the second lead single, IU released another music video to go along with it, taking on a 1950s vibe and style from the fashion and settings. As the message of the song is about taking risks and betting it all, it’s only fair that the casino theme would be the central point of the music video as IU is at a poker table winning over and over again. But at one point, there comes a time where she has met her match and loses. The overarching lesson that “Coin” gives is to be careful with the risks that one takes.
4. “Hi spring Bye”
As one of the only ballads off the album, “Hi spring Bye” is another R&B ‘90s influenced ballad that speaks on reminiscing on a past love. The song has a lingering and nostalgic feeling as IU looks back at a lover she had during the spring. However, in the new season, she happens to come across her former lover. Although time has passed, not much has really changed and their former lover is still the same person they were before. Upon encountering her former lover, the feelings come rushing back and this sense of familiarity washes over her. “Hi spring Bye” is relatable and is a cool palette cleanser amidst the tracklist. It’s a song that one might pick out from a ‘90s karaoke list thanks to the nostalgic sound and style. It’s also a song that might resonate a lot with the older audience, but it’s a great introduction to those experiencing this feeling for the first time.
5. “Celebrity”
Prior to the release of LILAC, IU surprised fans with the pop-ballad “Celebrity.” The music video shows that while the fame, glitz, and glam is nice to have, one needs to remind themselves where they came from and to still be the same person they were before hitting the spotlight. “Celebrity” is almost a letter to herself as IU is shown speaking and looking out to her more vulnerable self. She is always reaching out to remind herself that it’s okay to have unique and special qualities and that it does not make herself any less of a person or worthy of being a celebrity.
The main focal point of the music video is the emphasis placed on the fashion choices. There is heavy contrast between the celebrity version of herself that is always seen dressed to the nines in lovely gowns and chic clothing, and the vulnerable self that is in loose fitting clothes that are meant to be worn around the house where no one else can see.
6. “Troll (Feat. DEAN)”
As the only collaboration on the entire album, IU and DEAN come together to bring such a bright and groovy vibe in “Troll.” With a tropical summer sound, “Troll” is meant to be danced and swayed to the more it’s listened. However, as a contrast to the bright song, the true meaning of the lyrics speaks of a couple that has fallen into this routine of constantly being in a loop of breaking up and making up. While there is some attraction that lingers, it’s pretty much agreed that things are not going to work out, yet they can’t seem to break the cycle. With the coming together of DEAN and IU on a track, they bring a zesty chemistry that is fun and addictive. Both work so well and complement each other’s vocal abilities in a way that listeners are bound to have “Troll” on repeat for a long time to come.
7. “Empty Cup”
Following up with another ballad, “Empty Cup” is a song that is about falling out of love and having no more feelings left. Unlike “LILAC” or “Hi spring Bye” which embrace a former love, “Empty Cup” is about leaving it all behind in the past. This is the quintessential breakup song of just being done with love and knowing there is nothing left to salvage or save. The song also emphasizes that IU is fine if her ex-lover is angry and upset as she is just so numb to the feeling and tired of being stuck in this relationship that is just not working out anymore. “Empty Cup” may reflect a sore spot when it comes to love, but it’s a great track from the album nonetheless.
8. “My sea”
For those who are fans of “Last Fantasy” or “Dear Name” from IU, “My sea” is another grand ballad that hits right into the soul. With the backing of an orchestra and choir, “My sea” is a powerful song that reaches out to one’s inner child of being fearful of getting hurt or not fully embracing who they are. “My sea” is a song of growth and continuing to dream big, like a vast ocean of endless possibilities. She gives her inner child that little boost of energy and reassurance that everything will be okay and to continue chasing and exploring the big ocean that she creates for herself. Like how she can reach out to her inner self, “My sea” encourages listeners to do the same for themselves as well.
9. “Ah puh”
To pick up the pace of the album into a fun and lighthearted vibe, “Ah puh” also sticks to the nautical/sea theme from the previous track. However, it’s all about having fun and riding the waves as they come. It’s similar to going with the flow of things and enjoying being in the moment. “Ah puh” is fun and quirky, thanks to the repetition of certain consonants and vowels, which give this beach-ready song that extra edge. “Ah puh” may not necessarily be the song that is in-your-face, but it pops off in a bright and bubbly manner.
10. “Epilogue”
Closing out the album, “Epilogue” brings the album back down to a chill and mellow vibe. There is an old-timey, nostalgic feeling when listening to the song. Like most epilogues of a story, “Epilogue” ends the album on a feel-good, happy sound. It’s another song that encompasses a lot of reflection on life and being content with all that has happened so far. For IU, she acknowledges that there were good and bad moments, but at the end of the day, she continues to hope that her own story ends on a happy note.
Overall, this is another amazing and wonderful album from IU. She continues to reach heights in each new release. LILAC is an album that transcends all ages and time itself. Whether a new or old fan, there is a song for everyone that can be added to the soundtracks of their life.