aespa’s “LEMONADE” Hits a Little Sweet, a Little Sour
Photo: aespa official X
When life gives you lemons, make lemonade. Or, in aespa’s case, make a new album. The quartet’s second full album promises to deliver an experience previously unheard of. Released on May 29, LEMONADE’s 11-track length brings a collection of songs that will evoke varying opinions. Does it leave a sour taste, or does it leave sweet, sweet satisfaction?
TRACKLIST:
“WDA (Whole Different Animal) (feat. G-DRAGON)”
“LEMONADE”
“SHAKIN’”
“Can’t Help Myself”
“Camouflage”
“Bite”
“Switchblade (feat. Ty Dolla $ign)”
“Roll”
“My Plan”
“‘Til We Die”
“LEMONADE (feat. Becky G)”
The Pre-Release: “WDA (Whole Different Animal) (feat. G-DRAGON)”
Just from its title alone, “WDA (Whole Different Animal)” sets up many expectations. The feature from BIGBANG’s G-DRAGON finally manifested after aespa appeared on the rapper’s Good Day variety show and after Karina appeared in his “TOO BAD” music video last year. While aespa has secured some large collaborations in the past, getting G-DRAGON to participate is a particularly significant milestone. Fans of aespa’s “Dirty Work” will find similar enjoyment in “WDA (Whole Different Animal)”; the hip-hop base, the emphasis on talk-singing, and the foreboding yet relaxed instrumental gives off a familiar vibe.
Unfortunately, I am not the largest fan of “WDA (Whole Different Animal)” for a simple reason. For a song about an intimidating woman with “the beast unleashed,” its energy does not support the “wild” theme. It mirrors the reason as to why “Rich Man” never fully hooked me—the instrumental’s lack of intensity feels mismatched with its message. The mellow instrumental would work great to build up towards a more commanding chorus, but a shift never happens. Even G-DRAGON’s verse fails to break the stagnant energy of the track. I love the idea behind “WDA (Whole Different Animal),” but it hides its full potential.
The Title Track: “LEMONADE”
aespa takes “Supernova” and “Whiplash” and blends them up to make “LEMONADE.” With a house-based instrumental, talk-singing chorus, and a melodic bridge, “LEMONADE” takes elements of those two songs and tailors them for the summer. Thematically similar to NCT DREAM’s “Smoothie,” “LEMONADE” wants listeners to turn life’s fears into opportunities. It centers around the proverb “when life gives you lemons, make lemonade,” which encourages people to adopt an optimistic viewpoint amid unfavorable situations.
The catchiness and danceability of “LEMONADE” provides a step in the right direction after “Rich Man.” However, I find the concept lacking, which admittedly comes from misplaced expectations. Even as a long-time K-Pop fan, I fell into the trap of assuming the song’s concept from a video teaser. Based on aespa’s “Complæxity” trailer released ahead of the comeback, it seemed like the then upcoming title track would mash aspects of rookie aespa (the futuristic, AI-themed concept) with recent aespa. Instead, the multiverse concept comes through aespa swapping between 1960s-inspired outfits and sleek military attire.
The B-Sides: Fun and Flavorful
The LEMONADE album will be on repeat, that’s for sure. Standouts include “Can’t Help Myself,” a rock song that brings the edge “Rich Man” needs; “Switchblade (feat. Ty Dollar $ign),” a heavy EDM song that, in my opinion, features the best integrated collaboration on the album with Ty Dollar $ign’s verse followed by a hook sung in unison; and “My Plan,” an R&B song highlighted by the mystical celeste notes in its instrumental. Track 8, “Roll,” will certainly turn out divisive with its “Row, Row, Row Your Boat” interpolation. Though K-Pop songs that feature nursery rhymes will always draw mixed opinions, they bring a bit of whimsy to every EP or album they appear in.
Overall, LEMONADE comes out much like the taste of its namesake. Some of its songs may cause a sour opinion, but it also includes songs that hit a satisfying sweet spot. LEMONADE’s B-sides are some of the best aespa have made. It may not represent the return to KWANGYA, but at least LEMONADE has the whole summer to sink into listeners’ minds.