Review: LEE CHAEYEON SHOWDOWN
Lee Chaeyeon returns with summer EP, SHOWDOWN.
The performance queen, Lee Chaeyeon, makes a stunning comeback with her third EP, SHOWDOWN, featuring the title track "Don't." This marks her first release in 10 months since the single album The Move Street last September. Since embarking on her solo journey in 2022, Lee Chaeyeon has captivated audiences with her exceptional dance, vocals, and charisma.
Her third EP showcases the artist's evolution, revealing a more mature side of Lee Chaeyeon and capturing her growth in both style and substance.
SHOWDOWN Tracklist
“Don’t”
“Summer Heat”
“Supernatural”
“Standing On My Own”
“Dreaming”
Title Track: Don’t
Chaeyeon’s artistic growth is vividly captured in the title track “Don’t.” Lee Chaeyeon co-wrote and produced the title track with producer Seo Youngbae and collaborated with choreographer Rosaline to craft its dynamic choreography. “Don’t” is a 2-step dance song that creatively incorporates ringtone and phone vibration sounds blending familiarity and novelty. These auditory elements complement the lyrics, which explore the duality of breakups expressing a simultaneous desire to tell the significant other “Don’t call me” and “Please call me.”
The music video for “Don’t” perfectly showcases Lee Chaeyeon's dance prowess, set against the architectural backdrop of Los Angeles. Featuring Lee Chaeyeon and her dancers in Y2K-inspired outfits, the video's setting, wardrobe, and color grading create a cohesive and immersive experience of the track.
The B-Sides
The second track on SHOWDOWN, “Summer Heat,” features marching drums and oriental sounds that create an infectious rhythm, making it impossible not to dance. The third track, “Supernatural,” plays with the whimsical idea of gaining the supernatural ability to see through someone’s heart. It offers a fresh and playful beat reminiscent of her previous hit, “KNOCK.”
“Standing On My Own,” the fourth track, blends soft vocals with an acoustic guitar melody. In this song, Lee Chaeyeon reflects on trusting herself in an unpredictable world and yearning for real love. She also choreographed the dance featured in the highlight medley released before the EP. “Dreaming,” the concluding track, is an emotional ballad dedicated to Lee Chaeyeon’s fans, showcasing not only her beautiful vocals but also her profound affection for her fans.
Conclusion
This EP demonstrates Lee Chaeyeon's growth as an artist, affirming her status as an all-rounder as many fans claim. Her active participation in the creative process of SHOWDOWN makes this release authentically hers, leaving us excited to witness her continuous growth on her artistic journey.
Edited by Bryn Claybourne