[Album Review] I LOVE (5th Mini Album) – (G)I-DLE

Another weekend is upon us, and you know what that means! Album reviews! First up this weekend is (G)I-DLE’s 5th mini-album, I LOVE, which was released in October of last year. Leading the mini-album is the title track, Nxde, and five side tracks. Both I LOVE and Nxde follows the group’s immensely successful hit TOMBOY and I NEVER DIE comeback from earlier on in 2020.

1. Nxde (Title Track) – Click here to read the full review for Nxde. (6/10)

2. LOVE – Following the title track is LOVE. I really liked the instrumental mix to this song. For the most part, LOVE felt very pop-like in the verses. But there is a subtle guitar work in this verses that allows the song to neatly introduce a punkish-like electric guitar in the chorus. And this guitar really gave LOVE a refreshing and vibrant vibe that I really enjoyed. I also like how the instrumental, vocals and melody has a sweet component to it, despite the lyrics is about breaking free for an unhealthy relationship. If anything, I wished LOVE’s hook (and (G)I-DLE’s delivery of said hook) went in harder, just to give a bit of definition to the song. (8/10)

3. Change – The members’ deeper toned vocals stole the show for me in Change. I did like the direction of the instrumental, opting for a fast percussive beat over some slow-paced rock. But I wished there was more to the instrumental, as 3 minutes and 20 seconds of the same instrumentation was a bit of a yawn. Overall, a neat track with great potential. But more can be done. (8/10)

4. Reset – Reset is a pop ballad, and it is a very pleasant one. I really liked the acoustic guitar to the verses and bridge of the song, while the chorus features a more prolific band instrumentation. In addition to that, I really enjoyed the vocals in this song as well. It all felt very pure, there was an emotional tinge to it and nothing felt processed. Soyeon’s vocals, in particular, at the start of the song really set the tone of the track and she sounded amazing. She should definitely sing more! (9/10)

5. Sculpture (조각품) – I liked the old-timey vibes of the choruses of this track and how they followed it up with a dragged out “Sculpture~” at the end of the choruses. Quite a memorable centrepiece, and the latter technique gives off sensual vibe. As for the rest of the song, I liked the beat to the verses, which offsets the old-timey vibes by giving off a modern flair to the song. (8/10)

6. DARK (X-File) – Finishing of the mini-album is DARK (X-File), which I find to be quite an effective song. This track is really alluring and enchanting, especially when the members get breathy in the backing. It just gives off a very sensual energy, which is the song’s main theme. The paced instrumental and melody of the song also compliments this style. All of this stays with you even after the song and album finishes. (8.5/10)