Hyolyn Keeps Cool in iCE
It’s certainly been a hot summer. Thankfully Hyolyn is here to cool us down with iCE, her third mini-album featuring her latest title track, “NO THANKS.” With hopes to introduce a wide spectrum of her artistic color and musicality with more songs written and composed by herself, she is exhibiting her own interpretation of the summer.
iCE comes two years after the album and title track of the same name Say My Name was released. Since she began her solo career, she continues to hold onto her summer queen title since her days in SISTAR. While competing on Mnet’s female idol competition series Queendom 2, Hyolyn showcased her multitude of talents built from over a decade of experience in the music industry. Despite not snagging the winning title, she doesn’t need an award to dignify her tenacious skills and exceptional vocal register in her final performance.
Tracklist:
Over you
NO THANKS (title track)
BODY TALK
Ah yeah
Layin’ Low (feat. Jooyoung)
Waka Boom (feat. Lee Youngji)
“NO THANKS”
A hip-hop-esque introduction to pique your curiosity, “NO THANKS” is trendy with its fusion of hip-hop, R&B, and dance. With composers like Seo Jieum, BEOMxNANG, and The Proof adding to her single, the song details Hyolyn pushing away admirers with her icy personality that melts you down if she likes what she sees. She has a soft side to her, but if she wants nothing to do with you, she’ll let you know. This is evident in the line, “You have no idea who I am, how dare you take a shot at me?” The chorus and post-chorus will have you feeling yourself with their addictive sound. Even though Hyolyn longs for love, she is still an independent woman who can do as she pleases.
In the music video, an ice-cold Hyolyn arrives via truck, ready to show a good time this summer at the pool, bar, or with a dance crew on the street. If you’re unaware of Hyolyn’s talents, you’ll see them all in this video as she showcases her rapper edge, goddess vocals, and energetic choreography. Let’s be honest, Hyolyn’s visuals will blow you away as you remain gawking at her glistening beauty throughout the video, especially during the dance break. If she hasn’t made you melt by now, it’d come as a shock to anyone. Overall, Hyolyn makes it a point to flaunt her confident aura and melt the hearts of her fans with each music video she drops.
B-sides
“Over you,” written by Seo Jieum, Hannah Robinson, Call Me Loop, and James Birt, starts off the album with its soft synth pop sound that had originally been considered the title track long before “NO THANKS” was chosen. With a light and flawless execution, Hyolyn sings about moving on from a break-up and regaining her self-confidence. Just as summer is known for being the season of love, it’s also known for the heartbreak needed to enjoy a hot girl summer. Regardless of leaving her ex-lover to find herself again, she still wishes them the best as she sings, “I want to go back to myself without you / I hope you find yourself too.”
A groovy arrangement that complements her silky vocals, "BODY TALK" creates a sensual 2000s R&B and pop ambiance. Written by Patrick Plandsoen, Bas de Jong, NESE, GALE, Lee Seuran, and Lizzy, the song expresses the longing for someone special you haven’t seen in a while. A lasting memory of the last goodbye, Hyolyn sings of yearning to be in their arms again as she raps the line, “Wanna kiss me? Before I leave any regrets so that tomorrow doesn't come.” It's a flawless track that allows Hyolyn to detail a romantic sentiment, making you wish she was talking about you.
Written by Melanie Joy Fontana and Michel “Lindgren” Schulz, “Ah yeah” uses mellow and retro synths to develop a carefree and head-bopping track. This is definitely a song you’d blast with the windows down on your way to the beach. With a laid back rap delivery, it’s impossible to not enjoy the song’s chill atmosphere.
Pre-released in January as a single, “Layin’ Low” is one of two familiar tracks featured on the mini-album. Hyolyn never shies away from pairing her sultry vocals with sexy choreography, and looking back at the music video for the track, the choreography looks so clean. The song describes the story of toxic but addicting love, going back to them every time just because it’s familiar.
Finishing off the album is her final performance track from Queendom 2 titled “Waka Boom,” featuring rapper Lee Youngji. Whether you watched the final stage performance, the music video, or just listened to the song alone, it’s evident how powerful and impressive the song is throughout—giving Hyolyn the chance to show that she is still a queen even without a crown. By finishing the album with “Waka Boom,” she leaves on a high note with a strong piece that remains unforgettable.
Hyolyn’s musicality touches on her freeing independence yet longing for someone special to make her warm. Writing and composing the entire six-track album alongside top composers, she created music that listeners can enjoy in the summer—relaxed while sipping an ice-cold drink. In comparison to other summer-themed albums, Hyolyn gives listeners a mature and sexy side of the hot season that we desperately needed. As a popular soloist with the most memorable vocals in the industry, Hyolyn will always bring out a side of music that makes her stand apart from the ordinary.
iCE is available for streaming on multiple streaming services like Spotify, Tidal, YouTube Music, and Apple Music. For more from Hyolyn, make sure to follow her on social media channels: Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok.
“NO THANKS” TITLE SCORE: 7/10
“NO THANKS” MV SCORE: 8.5/10
iCE ALBUM SCORE: 9/10
TOTAL SCORE: 8.2/10
Edited by Aleena Faisal