[Album Review] Armageddon (1st Studio Album) – aespa

aespa is nominated for several categories in the 2024 KPOPREVIEWED Awards. This includes Best Female Group, Best Dance Performance (Female Group), Best Music Video (for Whiplash) and Best Electronic Song (for Supernova) and more. Support aespa by clicking here to vote today!

After successfully debuting in 2021 and having many hits, aespa released their first studio-length album, Armageddon. This album features 10 songs, including their massive pre-release hit Supernova, and the title track of the same name as the album. ICYMI – Supernova was recently crowned the Song of the Year at the MAMA Awards and the Melon Music Awards. I suspect they will get more of those at the upcoming awards ceremonies. Totally well-deserving!

But obviously, we are here to check out the full Armageddon album. Alongside Supernova, this album has a few great songs. They are concentrated towards the end of the album, while the first part got a lukewarm response from me. Find out which songs fell into which category down below.

1. Supernova (Title Track) – Click here for the full review for Supernova. (9/10)

2. Armageddon (Title Track) – Click here for the full review for Armageddon. (6/10)

3. Set The Tone – Set The Tone sees the group venture down the hip-hop route alongside their usual electronic style. The group embraces the hip-hop influence well in their delivery, giving them an edgier vibe than usual. Set The Tone also features a thumping beat, making the song more pronounced. I particularly like the outro of the track. This section really concentrates their own style and tone in the song. (8/10)

4. Mine – Mine feels like Set The Tone thanks to the similar influences in the two songs (i.e., the hip-hop influence with their electronic style, which translates to an edgy vibe). However, there are differences between the two that set them apart. Mine is a lot more paced and features a greater emphasis on vocals, as well as rap-speak. I like the wavy note that appears twice at the start of each chorus. But Mine also lacks anything memorable and was a skippable track in my eyes. (6/10)

5. Licorice – aespa ventures into rock-influence territory with Licorice. Electric guitars are a dominant feature of the instrumentation, alongside a trap backing. If you have been reading this blog for a while, I like songs with a rock influence. However, Licorice feels underwhelming. I was hoping the instrumental would pick up towards the end to break the overly consistent trajectory Licorice has in its current form. There is potential with the rock influence, but it was not realised. There were some good lines in Licorice, enough to make it catchy. But like the instrumental, the vocal work was underwhelming for similar reasons. (7/10)

6. BAHAMA – I am honestly surprised that aespa did not promote BAHAMA. Listening to this song, I see it being a hit this past summer. It is a nice summery pop change that is both chill and fitting for the current ‘beige’ trend. The song has catchy hooks and soothing melodies, delivered with dreamy vocals from the members. Both the bridge and rapping in the bridge were great highlights that pushed this song into upbeat territory. (9/10)

7. Long Chat (#♥) – Long Chat is loaded with an abundance of textures thanks to its use of abrasive synths. It might be overwhelming for some, but I thought it made for a fun dance song. I liked how likeable the pop melodies and vocals (thanks to the members) made Long Chat feel, particularly between the more texturally loaded moments. NINGNING’s high notes were really well done and a highlight for me. (10/10)

8. Prologue – The pop genre continues into Prologue. It a vocal-forward track, with the members sound very clear and nice throughout the length of the track. Prologue also features a warm and comforting melody, which goes nicely with the song’s message of being comfortable with oneself, no matter what others say or who they compare you to. (8/10)

9. Live My Life – aespa turns to pop-punk in Live My Life and I just love reliving the choruses each time I replay the song. The band instrumentation was straightforward but effectively impactful. The members’ vocal work and harmonies were consistently amazing throughout the track. I am blown away by how captivating they made the song sound. An easy 10/10 to me. (10/10)

10. Melody (목소리) – Like all KPOP albums, the final song is usually reserved for a softer number. For aespa’s Armageddon album, that song is Melody, a song dedicated to their fans. The piano, string elements and passionate electric guitar in the background give Melody its softer appeal. Further, Melody is another song with great vocals from the members. (8/10)