ITZY Returns as Five With a GOLD EP
Almost a year since Lia went on hiatus, ITZY is finally back with a new five-member release: their ninth EP, GOLD. Lia, Yeji, Ryujin, Chaeryeong, and Yuna showcase this new EP with the dual title tracks “GOLD” and “Imaginary Friend.” Released on October 15, GOLD contains 11 songs, including four new B-sides and five re-recordings of songs initially released on ITZY’s BORN TO BE album. Lia temporarily paused promotions with ITZY for health-related reasons in September 2023 but returned to the group this July.
TRACKLIST:
“GOLD”
“Imaginary Friend”
“Bad Girls R Us”
“Supernatural”
“FIVE”
“VAY (Feat. Changbin of Stray Kids)”
“BORN TO BE (Final Ver.)”
“UNTOUCHABLE (Final Ver.)”
“Mr. Vampire (Final Ver.)”
“Dynamite (Final Ver.)”
“Escalator (Final Ver.)”
The First Title Track: “GOLD”
I wish I were more musically inclined to comment on what exactly happens in “GOLD.” What I can say is that “GOLD” uses a mix of rock and hip-hop. I love how the chorus resolves with “head to toe, we’re G-O-L-D gold,” but the repetitive hook, “It’s like gold,” overstays its welcome. The song never gives listeners’ ears a rest because it keeps switching between genres and tempos. Its composer lineup is certainly built to create an unconventional hip-hop track for a JYP Entertainment girl group: with the exception of Jen DeCilveo, Ryan Jhun, Dem Jointz, 8AE, Bailey Flores, and Stan Greene all coincidentally also worked on NMIXX’s rap track “SICKUHH (Feat. Kid Milli).” I don’t see “GOLD” staying as a staple for everyone’s 2024 girl group hits, but it provides some fun musing for those who enjoy a diverse listening experience.
The music video is equally as stimulating as the instrumental. It features explosions, cracks in the Earth, pickaxes, and, of course, gold. The treasure seekers were looking for gold in the wrong place, so ITZY leads them to riches. It’s got some snappy edits and grand dancing sequences that show an entertaining experience. The choreography looks very impressive, which becomes more evident in the song’s dance practice.
The Second Title Track: “Imaginary Friend”
ITZY continues with a rock sound in the EP’s second title track, “Imaginary Friend.” Composed by Ryan Jhun, British producer James Daniel Lewis, and Romanian singer-songwriter Sorana Pacurar, “Imaginary Friend” gives a confident sound. ITZY assures listeners that, much like the roles of imaginary friends, they will stay close and protect them.
“Imaginary Friend” gives a different and smoother listening experience than “GOLD.” However, it’s hard to evaluate it without an accompanying choreography or music video yet. While “GOLD” has content upon the EP’s release, those for “Imaginary Friend” will come weeks later. The music video for “Imaginary Friend” arrives on October 28 at 12 a.m. KST.
The B-Sides
GOLD kicks off its B-sides with “Bad Girls R Us,” another empowering song. They imbue the term “bad girl” with the strength to stand up for oneself. Using lyrics penned by Cho Yunkyoung (조윤경), ITZY tells girls they can claim their dreams as “the queen of the world.” The verses contain instrumentation like one heard on a catwalk, enforcing a confident stride.
The next tracks, “Supernatural” and “FIVE,” also give some gentle headbangers. “FIVE” has a signature ITZY chanting refrain with a calm trap instrumental, which is a combo that surprisingly pairs together nicely. ITZY collaborates with labelmate Changbin, a rapper and producer of Stray Kids, in “VAY.” Composed by Changbin, RESTART, and Chae Ganghae (채강해), this hip-hop track shows conviction to do things one’s own way. Changbin’s contributions, both from the producer’s chair and as a performer, add a nice twist to the song. The rest of GOLD includes “final versions” of previously recorded tracks from BORN TO BE, which make ITZY’s discography feel complete once again.
The Verdict: Not the Gold Standard, But Still Worth a Listen
GOLD had expectations to fill following Lia’s heavily-anticipated return. In a sense, the EP does many things right: re-recording the previous comeback’s songs (with a sweet gesture to label them “final versions”) and including “FIVE” as an anthem to celebrate the group’s united lineup. I foresee “GOLD” having an understandably mixed reaction, but the beauty of dual title tracks means that people can also experience “Imaginary Friend.” This EP may not set a gold standard for ITZY releases, but it still contains some treasures in its B-sides.
“GOLD” TITLE TRACK SCORE: 7.5/10
“Imaginary Friend” TITLE TRACK SCORE: 8/10
“GOLD” MUSIC VIDEO SCORE: 8.5/10
GOLD ALBUM SCORE: 7.5/10
Overall Score: 8/10
Edited by Rachael Lovette