TWICE Gives Fans a Taste of Love
TWICE is back just in time for the summer! With the release of their tenth mini-album Taste of Love and new music video for the title track “Alcohol-Free,” TWICE takes us to the beachside for an alcohol-free party. In addition to their comeback, they performed their first live performance of “Alcohol-Free” on The Ellen DeGeneres Show.
Let’s Talk Music!
Tracklist
Alcohol-Free
First Time
Scandal
Conversation
Baby Blue Love
SOS
Cry For Me (English Ver.) [CD Only]
“Alcohol-Free”
“Alcohol-Free” is a Bossa nova summer track that’s about being drunk in love with a significant other, comparing a hypnotizing romance to refreshing alcoholic drinks. Written by J.Y. Park, the song is nostalgic and reminiscent of their previous summer track, “Dance The Night Away.” With lyrics like, “Though I did not drink at all, it happens whenever I’m with you,” and, “Suddenly love feels so easy, so I fall deeper and deeper for you,” falling in love is like a hypnotizing spell that takes over quickly. A highlight from the song is the post-chorus where members Sana and Momo list a variety of drinks into their bubbly verse: champagne, wine, tequila, margarita, mojito with lime, mimosa and piña colada. TWICE’s soft vocals in this title track embody the summer season and are sure to transport you to the beach with non-alcoholic drinks.
The music video begins with a sparkling blue drink before you’re transported near the beach, watching all nine girls dance in eye-catching summery outfits. Throughout the video, we see the members performing a polished and lively choreography on various cocktail glass-inspired stages. There’s something about TWICE’s choreography that makes it look so easy to perform. During Dahyun’s verse, the choreography includes an iconic crab dance that will leave you impressed with its uniqueness. There are small details found within the choreography that stand out in this vibrant video—Dahyun’s “shot” dance in the rap verse and Sana’s drink-mixing in the post-chorus. Aside from their radiant visuals and detailed choreography, the video ends in a night-time dance party filled with fireworks. TWICE wants fans to have a bright and unforgettable summer, even in a time where it might be impossible.
B-Sides
“First Time” is a perfect song detailing the excitement you get from a person you like: butterflies, trembling hands, giddy heart, and dizziness. This track was notably co-written by Jihyo and Little Mix’s Jade Thirwell! In the lyrics, the lines, “Every moment with you is like the first time," and, “I become a fluttering flower petal and waver,” describe all the thoughts that enter your mind when you’re near someone you like. “First Time” recently became TWICE’s fastest B-side to surpass one million streams on Spotify in just two days!
In “Scandal,” the track gives off a mysterious and eccentric vibe about love, and was co-written by Dahyun. Beginning the track with a whisper of the line, “Baby we’re a scandal, way too hot to handle,” will make you want to repeat it over and over again. It feels like a night-time track that describes a love that’s dangerous. The lyrics, “Way too hot to handle," and, “My Love is like a candle,” only further confirms the risk of this love. Even though it feels right, this is a love that’ll be hard to forget.
“Conversation,” co-written by Sana, is a song that’s about the timing of love. According to this song, this is the right timing, and the girls know they don’t want to wait any longer. The lyrics, “I’m not waiting up for ya, just get here right away,” confirm the eagerness to have this love. With this track being the shortest of the entire album, the line, “Let’s have a little less conversation,” suddenly makes so much sense. TWICE is very straightforward about what they want, so don’t keep them waiting.
“Baby Blue Love” is an '80s-inspired pop song that’ll immediately bring energy into the room. With co-writing credits for Nayeon, this song describes a summer night love that’s unforgettable. The groovy beat will make you want to dance along with someone special. The lyrics, “I think the moonlight is starting to look different,” illustrates how this love changes how you see life—both physically and emotionally. It paints a picture of a love that’s sure to make you melt, no matter the season.
In “SOS,” another track co-written by Dahyun, the synth and funk sounds imply a sadder side of love. According to the lyrics, the song describes feeling sorrow and needing help from a lover, even though it’s not a good idea for their heart. The line, “I know it’s gonna hurt, but I’m already into you,” confirms their awareness that it almost feels like a pitiful romance. The line that will stay with you the most is, “Oh baby, you gotta, you gotta save me again,” because this is not the first time they need help from this romance.
Last but not least, the Taste of Love album comes to an end with an English version of their single “Cry For Me.” Unfortunately, this track is only available on the physical CD. The English version’s lyrics are still just as powerful and emotional as the original, and arguably, should be released digitally for all fans to hear. With such an opposite way to end a love-themed album, it almost describes moving on from a seasonal romance.
Over the years, TWICE has shown an incredible amount of growth through their song-writing, intricate choreography, and maturity. In the season of summer love, TWICE’s Taste of Love truly embodies the different flavors of romance. With such a flirtatious and addictive appeal, TWICE is sure to steal your heart with this album’s track list.