What do “Why Don't You Know,” ''Love U,” and “Snapping” have in common besides all of them being certified bops by soloist Chungha? Each one of these smashing singles were released in the summertime! The summer season truly can’t be complete without its queen, and she’s finally back with her second full album Bare&Rare Pt.1, featuring title track “Sparkling.” 

The long-awaited release comes a year and five months after her previous studio album QUERENCIA with pop-trap title “Bicycle” among a whopping 20 other songs in the tracklist. Although it has been a while since we’ve gotten a full album from the soloist, she has been lending her beautiful voice to a handful of OSTs for different shows, including “Someday” for K-Drama One the Woman and “It’s only mine” for Lee Hyori’s variety show Seoul Check-in. Chungha also released the single “Killing Me” at the end of 2021. Her sophomore studio album Bare&Rare Pt.1 is surely a treat for fans who have been waiting to see the singer experiment with new visuals and musical concepts. 

Before the album dropped, Chungha unveiled a series of moody black-and-white teasers. These teasers had fans speculating that the body of work might lean toward a darker route on top of the album name already hinting to show an unfiltered side of the singer. To many fans’ surprise and excitement, snippets of the title track “Sparkling” revealed an upbeat song with bright visuals, promising another summer anthem to come. 

Chungha was heavily involved in the production of this project as she is featured in the lyric credits for all eight tracks. At the album release press conference, the singer shared that after her first studio album QUERENCIA, she felt a sense of emptiness because she couldn’t relate to the lyrics she had been singing. With this new project, she wanted to change some musical aspects in order to tell her own story, baring her true self to the world not only as an artist but as a person.

Opening track “XXXX” starts the album out strong with a heavy bass beat and lyrics expressing Chungha’s willpower and tenacity against haters and non-believers:

“Tear me down / Don't hesitate, hit me harder

Dare me down / I'll show you everything, 'cause I'ma fighter.”

The bold track sets high expectations for what might be in store for the rest of the album. The title track makes a 180-degree turn from the edgy opener with its addictive and fun ‘80s-inspired beat. “Sparkling” is a fast-paced retro synth song that includes quirky whistling sounds and soda pop effects, fitting for a song that is as refreshing as a hard cider! In the dazzling music video, Chungha is transported to an underwater palace where she dances among the colorful corals in shimmering mermaid-like outfits. “Sparkling” is a love letter to Byulharangs with lyrics expressing how the love from her fans make her shine brightly: “You make me sparkle / I'll be your sparkle.”

“Louder,” “Love Me Out Loud,” and “California Dreams” are other tracks on the album with the same fun summery vibes as the title track. These upbeat songs, paired with Chungha’s clear, airy vocals, make for the perfect beach road trip playlist! Notably, Chungha performed the track “California Dream'' at the Seoul Waterbomb Festival ahead of the official release of her album. During her appearance on Aiki’s Thumbs Up, the soloist shared that she couldn’t perform “Sparkling” at the festival since the announcement of her comeback wasn’t even out.

“California Dream” is a song where Chungha has sole lyric-writing credits, and she thought it was the perfect song to reconnect with the audience after three years. “Crazy Like You” is a collaboration within the album featuring 88rising labelmate BIBI. The uncensored track with powerful guitar riffs and stunning vocals from the two singers is a standout track. Both Chungha and BIBI are set to perform at 88rising’s Head in the Clouds festival in August, where a live version of this collaboration can hopefully happen.

Chungha slows the album down with the ballad “Good Night My Princess,” which is a tender song about her childhood and a gift dedicated to her mother. Ending off after a rollercoaster (pun intended) of emotions, the last track “Nuh-Uh” circles back to the mood of the opener with its hard-hitting chorus and playful experimental beat. The lyrics encapsulate the meaning of Chungha’s album name perfectly, emphasizing that her authentic self can’t be imitated: “I'm work of art, I'll take your heart, get it racing.

Making you stop, making you stare, 'cause you know I'm rare.”

Check out the “Sparkling” music video below and listen to Chungha’s second studio album Bare&Rare Pt.1 through Spotify and Apple Music!

Edited by Erin Rupprecht