Sunmi Creates a Retro Universe in 1/6
Multi-talented solo artist Sunmi is back with a second comeback this year! With the release of her third mini-album 1/6, she makes her fierce return with the retro and cinematic track “You can’t sit with us.” This time, Sunmi is taking a dive into retro influence and creating a universe that’s like no other.
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Tracklist
You can't sit with us
SUNNY
1/6
Call
Narcissism
Borderline
“You can't sit with us”
“You can’t sit with us” is an ‘80s inspired dance-pop song that summarizes the anger and disappointment one has towards a persistent lover. The track was composed by Melanie Joy Fontana, Michel “Lindgren” Schulz, and Ross Golan, while the lyrics were written entirely by Sunmi. In each era that Sunmi drops new music, her vocal technique differs, but she never loses her essence or versatility. With this comeback in particular, Sunmi excels in creating a retro universe of her own. The synth sounds will tickle your brain with nostalgia and give imagery to Sunmi’s lyrics, and the pre-chorus and chorus have an addictive earworm sound that’ll lead you to replay it over and over again. There is also an unexpected moment in this track in the second verse where she raps in English and shows her boldness in the line, “Don’t call me honey, ‘cause I ain’t gon’ be no sweet girl.” Sunmi doesn’t disappoint at all with such creative and versatile tracks that’ll leave a mark in the industry.
There is so much to unpack in this music video! The Y2K influence is heavy in the aesthetic, production, and fashion for Sunmi’s track and video. In the video, we enter an aesthetically pleasing pink bedroom where Sunmi gets a phone call from a persistent lover that she chooses to ignore all advances from. With her frustrated by his attempts, she throws a vase that inadvertently kills him as shown by his bloodied body on the floor, though the video makes an immediate unexpected turn, as she’s trapped in a retro DVD rental store surrounded by zombies, including the zombie of her persistent lover. It’s so unique and creative to perform flawless choreography in such a nostalgic location, but that isn’t even the best part of this video! The storyline takes a turn again when Sunmi and her squad have a fighting scene against the zombies, all while giving killer visuals and showcasing her acting skills. This fighting montage gives off ‘80s horror movie vibes similar to Nightmare on Elm Street and a zombie-killing theme similar to Lollipop Chainsaw. By the end of Sunmi’s killing spree, her persistent lover pulls out all the stops by giving her a ring where she then accepts his love. The “You can’t sit with us” music video gave fans such an elevated and impressive cinematic experience that goes beyond the usual videos.
B-Sides
“SUNNY” is a vibrant pop song that’s fitting for the summer! The groovy sound alongside Sunmi’s bubbly vocals feels like a much-needed serotonin boost. This song is about a love that feels as bright and warm as the sun, someone that will make you feel different in a good way. The lyrics give off a romantic appeal with lines like, “Call you my honey, honey, I’ll be your Sunmi, Sunmi,” and, “Every moment we spent together, it seems like they will last forever.” If you’re looking for the feeling of summer love, this is the perfect track to express those emotions.
In “1/6,” the retro sound continues into this bubble-pop track. It might not be everyone’s favorite in terms of sound, but it still has really great quality. According to the lyrics, it appears that the track could detail moments where Sunmi has difficulties with her emotions and her borderline personality disorder. In the lines, “When my helpless thoughts are submerged under one glass of water and three pills, the many noises disappear,” and, “Don’t wanna feel anything, take my pressure to the moon, astronaut,” it feels as if she’s expressing the struggles she faces explicitly that make her heart feel heavy.
The dance-pop track “Call” describes feeling disappointed by a lover and no longer trusting them. With the sound of a call waiting tone in the track, she’s trying to have them answer the call so she can let them know she doesn’t care anymore. This is seemingly confirmed based on the lyrics, “I have something to say, answer the call,” and, “We’re done, it’s over.” She knows what’s best for her and she’s not willing to continue giving her lover any more attention. She seems very upset and hurt when she says, “I thought you’d be different, used to call you ‘my boy’ and now you call me ‘mad girl,’” and has had enough. Having such frustrations with a lover or ex-lover can be difficult, but Sunmi gives you the confidence to remember who you are.
“Narcissism” is an EDM-inspired track with synths that describe losing yourself and not recognizing the reflection in the mirror. With the definition of narcissism being an “excessive interest in or admiration of oneself and one’s physical appearance,” it connects with Sunmi’s lyrics. In the line, “I don’t even know who I am, I shrunk myself into the mold that you built,” she’s in the process of losing herself and getting lost in a mold that’s not her. In the second verse, she talks about the similarities of her features and senses among her reflection, going on to say, “This is someone else, not me.” It’s a track that’s certain to make you think about the lyrics and the psychology beyond narcissism.
“Borderline” is a track that Sunmi released with a special video over a year ago and was even performed at her last in-person concert, making this the official release of the song. Composed by herself alongside her songwriting partner FRANTS, she penned an English track that breaks down her experience with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). This track is raw and emotionally honest about something so personal to Sunmi, giving exposure and awareness to her disorder. According to Genius, “Borderline is described as an atmospheric, retro mid-tempo track. The song’s delivery builds to a moment of catharsis reflecting the lyrics and mood.” There’s no doubt of the importance this has on fans and listeners who endure the same diagnosis. It’s a song that’s healing and can make you feel seen and understood.
Sunmi’s mini-album takes us through the emotions and hardships while opening up about her personal struggles. To create art that can help yourself and others feel seen in the world is both beautiful and respectable. By blending a retro sound into her tracks, it’s clear that she brings such versatility in every era she creates, especially for 1/6.
You can listen to Sunmi’s new mini-album 1/6 on Spotify and YouTube Music, and can watch her be a mentor on the reality competition show Girls Planet 999!