APINK’s SELF mini-album is the next on the reviewing block. SELF serves as the second generation’s 10th mini-album since their debut back in 2011 and this dropped in April of this year as the group’s first official five member release. SELF features the title track D N D (one of my favourite tracks of the year thus far) and four additional side tracks, all of which contributes to a very solid mini-album. For more of my thoughts of the mini-album, keep on reading below.
1. D N D (Title Track) – Click here to read the full review of D N D. (9/10)
2. Withcha – The production of Withcha feels very clean. From the leading vocals to the harmonies to the R&B pop instrumentation to the little details in the background, everything sounded distinct but also cohesive at the same time in Withcha. I liked how playful the hooks and melodies were, with the repetition helping the song become one of the more recognisable side tracks on this mini-album. Adding to the playfulness is the faint whistling and retro tinge the instrumentation has. But even in the midst of all of that, Withcha remarkably maintains a mature persona that allows the song to fit neatly with APINK’s current sound. (9/10)
3. Me, Myself & I – I start swaying along to the melodies as soon as this beautiful track begins. The instrumentation features a mixture of strings, along with beats and synths that makes it a pleasant and chirpy number. The vocals are amazing and are truly a highlight for me in this track. And the combination of everything that makes Me, Myself & I creates a riveting and stunning listen in the midpoint of the mini-album. (10/10)
4. Candy – Candy is a more typical pop track for me. It was a very pleasant and likeable track, with some sweet vocalisation from the members. I also enjoyed the falsettos that the members add to the song, and the rapping is a nice surprise. But on the melodies and hooks front of Candy, I can’t help but describe those aspects of Candy to be rather plain and ordinary. But still a decent track. (7.5/10)
5. I Want You To Be Happy (나만 알면 돼) – I Want You To Be Happy was actually a single released last year to celebrate the group’s 11th anniversary. I Want You To Be Happy takes the form of a ballad and it is a touching one for their fans. The music video that was released last year also features shots of now-former member Naeun (who left the group early April), and so the song can also be taken as homage to the former member. The melodies were heavenly and heart-warming, while the vocals were very touching and comforting. The strings and drums came together to create a delicate and beautifully orchestrated piece. (8/10)
Overall Album Rating – 8.7/10
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