It’s Time To Have A Red Velvet Summer

Photo: SM Entertainment

It has been two years since the last release from the quirky queens themselves, Red Velvet. The announcement that all five members would return for this release generated significant anticipation among fans. Their last release, “Cosmic,” is a bright, eerie track with a joyful pop instrumental and strong R&B vocals, so fans wondered what this comeback could sound like. From the concept photos alone, fans could see Red Velvet was going for a mystical, summery, playful theme. The moment the name of the album was released, fans knew this was going to be a Red Velvet summer.

@redvelvet_smtown Mood Clip #2 High Tide Red Velvet Summer Mini Album 【Velvet Summer】 ➫ 2026.08.03 6PM (KST) 💿Pre-order RedVelvet.lnk.to/VelvetSummer #RedVelvet #레드벨벳 #VelvetSummer #RedVelvet_VelvetSummer ♬ 오리지널 사운드 - Red Velvet

Red Velvet Summer Mini Album [Velvet Summer]

  1. “Surfin’ Boy” 

  2. “Hot Girls Cold Vibe” 

  3. “Orchestra” 

  4. “Hula Hoop” 

  5. “Hawaii”

The title track of the mini-album is “Surfin’ Boy.” Really sticking to those summer vibes, “Surfin’ Boy,” written by member Joy, is a lighthearted track with a cheerful bossa nova, reggae instrumental, and bright vocals. The song starts in a mellow tone. The members' vocals are calm and in a lower register, creating a progressive buildup to the chorus. Singing mainly in a falsetto, the chorus is upbeat, danceable, and addictive. The bossa nova genre is prominent on the track, and listeners can hear a blend of samba rhythm and jazz harmony. The lyrics “I need that surfin’ boy. Go with the flow now-” are fun, and listeners can’t help but sing as the song progresses. True to Red Velvet's signature style, the members deliver a grand final chorus that wraps this summer song together: the instrumental is at its full potential, and the girls are belting strong falsettos, creating memorable ad-libs, and harmonizing beautifully. This track is perfect for the summertime. Whether played at the beach, on a road trip with the windows down, or at a summer gathering, the track sustains its breezy, sun-drenched energy throughout. 

The music video sticks to the mystical theme that was portrayed by the concept photos. The video opens with a man emerging from the water clutching a surfboard, before the figure transforms into a mystical being. The members then appear dressed in white, cheeks glistening with highlight, projecting a siren-like presence. As the video progresses, the members take on the role of sirens, luring the men toward them. It is comical and adds a signature Red Velvet eeriness to the video. The color blue overflow is stunning and will make viewers feel as though they are under the sea. The visuals complement the track's bright, breezy tone throughout. 

Red Velvet Summer Mini Album [Velvet Summer] is a strong summer release. Each track brings its own upbeat, groove-driven character to the release. Red Velvet's return is a welcome one, and anticipation is already building for what the group has planned next, and we fans can’t wait to see what the girls have in store for the future. So, check out Red Velvet Summer Mini Album [Velvet Summer] to see why this is a Velvet Summer.