Chungha Reminds You to Let go of “STRESS” in Latest Release
Chungha has had an extensive career, from her beginning on Produce 101, her career run with I.O.I, her solo career debut and her journey that has brought her to MORE VISION. Since her move to the new agency we’ve been patiently waiting for more than a single release, and today we’ve got that with new mini-album Alivio and title track “STRESS.” In a press release sent to the media for her album, Chungha expresses the album is divided into two parts, first to reflect the tension of stress and second the peace in overcoming it. This is the first album she’s released with complete creative control over the project. Alivio means relief in Spanish, encompassing emotion behind the relief that comes as stress and anxiety fades. Artist thủy is credited for working on the track “Creepin’,” while Sunmi is featured on the second track “Salty.” About the collaboration, Chungha shares:
“[I] had the chance to work with some amazing people on this album. thủy and I worked together on “Hair Down” remix and while we were finishing that up, she actually sent me the song and lyrics for “Creepin’.” It just clicked, so we decided to include it. And Sunmi, she’s like a sister to me. We’ve been friends for so long, so working together on “Salty” felt super easy and natural. I’m just really thankful and honored to have worked with such talented women on this album.”
It’s the beginning of a new year, and with the calendar reset comes a new sense of responsibility and will to work on getting our lives back on track after the slow and potentially draining holiday season. Re-evaluation of daily life and habits can unearth a lot of pressure to make these changes we want as quickly as possible, but our queen Chungha makes her return to remind us not to let that stress take over our life in a way only the queen of slay can.
Chungha has a particular affinity for EDM heavy pop tracks, and that’s exactly what we get with “STRESS.” Upon first listen, the beat and vibe reminds me a lot of “I’m Ready.” The high energy EDM melody seems fit for a club atmosphere, though the message of “STRESS” is more upbeat and cheeky rather than intense. The message of the song is a welcome reminder, especially in the dead of winter when we’re still coping from lack of sunlight and have yet to potentially find relief from seasonal affective disorder (or maybe that’s just me). Either way, the upbeat nature of the song coupled with Chungha honey-sweet vocals is the breath of fresh air we need to make it to spring.
The music video has a fun and unserious vibe, a prominent message of “letting your hair down” and letting go of all of the stress in your body. The choreography makes you want to join in and thrash about along with Chungha to release all of that negative energy from your body, and the playful nature of the video lends to the desire to let out a sigh of relief and exercise all that stress out.
Come join Chungha in letting go of all that tension inside your body and find some joy again in your daily life.
Edited by Bryn Claybourne