AleXa Shows Off Her Unique Flair in Girls Gone Vogue
Korean-American soloist AleXa has returned with her first mini-album Girls Gone Vogue and title track “Back In Vogue.” Diving into various musical soundscapes and components, AleXa strives to be an artist that can take on the challenge and try new genre stylings. She’s capable and will make sure you get to hear everything she’s got.
AleXa has accomplished so much for her career in 2022! Starting the year with her English comeback single “Tattoo,” winning NBC’s American Song Contest with the original song “Wonderland” in May, and completing the AleXa First Meet & Live Tour in the U.S., it’s evident that she’s working hard to become a household name all over the globe.
Tracklist
“Star” (feat. Moonbyul of MAMAMOO)
“Back In Vogue”
“Endorphine”
“Black Out”
“Please Try Again”
“Back In Vogue” (Instrumental)
“Back In Vogue”
A pop single with jazz and old school hip-hop influences, “Back In Vogue” has a musical-like ambiance that will become more addictive with each play. It’s clear her latest musical avenue is a formula that works, especially since it’s reminiscent of her ASC song “Wonderland.” Composed by Jonatan Gusmark, Ludvig Evers, Moa ‘Cazzi Opeia’ Carlebecker, and Ellen Berg, AleXa evokes confidence that’s been obvious to all who have watched her from the beginning of her solo career. With lyrics like, “I'm still inside this shining dream / Inside this show where everything has been achieved,” and, “Got a hot bright future that’s ahead of me / And I got a lot of possibilities,” she’s aware of her mighty journey in K-Pop, creating new shoes to fill in the industry. With a new sound to add to her diverse discography, she shines in the spotlight with an effervescent aura that no one can take away from her.
Lost in a futuristic universe that places AleXa on her own stage, all eyes are on her as she transforms into a curious performer far from home. With broadway-inspired elements, an outer space background, and her A.I. side returning, it’s clear that AleXa is getting stuck between her A.I. and human side. Trying to find her way through a confusing world, she has alters watching herself perform and observe her every move. Who knows which one is the real AleXa? The video ends with an inception-like clip where she is watching herself in every universe she lands in. More is certain to come as AleXa tries to come to terms with reality.
B-Sides
In the soft ballad track “Star” featuring MAMAMOO’s Moonbyul, AleXa presents a softer side that we haven’t heard from her. The soundscape of “Star” is reminiscent of the spring season, basking in the sun next to a field of flowers. With a gentle falsetto that’s as comforting as a lullaby, AleXa has the capacity to make a song both warm and addictive. Moonbyul adds a rich depth to “Star,” as her rap complements the soft tones in this ballad. It comes as no surprise to see that both AleXa and Moonbyul complement each other well in this track — but I’ll admit, it leaves me wanting more.
A bubbly anthem sweet like candy, “Endorphine” has the power to turn your frown upside down. The upbeat pop number fits perfectly in an animated movie or series soundtrack. There’s something so nurturing about the track despite no translation released for the lyrics found at this time. If you’re looking for an easy serotonin boost to your day, look no further than streaming this B-side.
“Black Out” is one of the only tracks that truly goes back to AleXa’s girl crush aura and alternative sound. Yes, it’s great to see her test the waters in other genres that increases her versatility, but “Black Out” matches the energy of A.I. AleXa that we’ve missed. It’s a bit toned down than expected, but it truly has potential to have been the title track. It’s nostalgic, it’s experimental, it’s different — it’s what makes AleXa who she is today. “Black Out” is the gold found in this mini-album that reminds you where AleXa started.
“Please Try Again” appears to evoke somber and melancholic feelings toward a past relationship. An English B-side, AleXa is not ready to give up on a previous love as she expresses her relentless desire to try again. Such strong emotions can be difficult to admit out loud, but AleXa’s lyrics truly feel relatable to those of us that will do anything to save a romance that made us feel whole. Even if it doesn’t end well, this B-side offers listeners the opportunity to find solace in her lyrics and low vocals. It’s hauntingly beautiful and vastly underrated in this mini-album, so I definitely recommend everyone listen to “Please Try Again.”
The final track of Girls Gone Vogue is an instrumental version of AleXa’s title track “Back In Vogue.” It brings back the hype of the title track and allows you to explore the instrumental only.
In her first mini-album, AleXa challenges herself into any genre she can get her hands on. With five new tracks in this 20-minute album, it’s admirable to see a female soloist go outside the box. By making every track its own respective musical number, it creates an audible concert experience like never before; however, I feel that it’s not as memorable as her previous works. Despite that, I do believe that AleXa will always stray from the typical and surprise fans each time. I respect her ambition to try genres at least once to show that she can tackle anything that’s given to her musically. Even if the album lacks a bit and makes you want more, there’s no doubt that AleXa still impresses me. If one thing is certain, it’s that AleXa is growing more and more confident with each comeback — I wouldn’t be surprised if 2023 starts a new chapter for her career.
Girls Gone Vogue is available for streaming on Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music, and TIDAL. For more on AleXa, make sure to follow her on Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok.