[Album Review] Like a Flower (1st Mini Album) – IRENE (Red Velvet)

IRENE is nominated for Best New Female Soloist, while Red Velvet – IRENE & SEULGI’s TILT is nominated for Best Dance Performance (Female Group), in the 2025 KPOPREVIEWED Awards. Support IRENE and TILT by casting your vote today by clicking the link here.

Confession time: I almost forgot to review IRENE’s debut mini-album, Like a Flower, in my pursuit to finish reviewing the 2024 albums I still haven’t reviewed (status update: there are only two more left after this one). But luckily, I remembered in time, and here we are. Like a Flower (the mini-album) was released at the end of November 2024 and features a title track of the same name. Another 7 songs are featured on the mini-album, including two special tracks (though I am not sure why they were considered ‘special’).

While some tracks did stick out to me even after a year, I didn’t remember Like a Flower as a strong mini-album with other great tracks, so much so that it’s a recommended one from me. More recently, IRENE regrouped fellow Red Velvet member SEULGI to reform the subunit Red Velvet – IRENE & SEULGI and released TILT.

1. Like a Flower (Title Track) – Click here for my full review of Like a Flower. (7.5/10)

2. Summer Rain – As a pop ballad, Summer Rain has me captivated with her nasally vocals and dreamy synth work. It was honestly hard for me to forget this side track even after a year since its release. Her ad-libs and the instrumental, as a whole, were just amazing. The melodies bring out that swaying motion that I have associated with good ballads. I also liked the addition of summer rain sounds at the start and end of the song, which gave the song a special touch. (10/10)

3. Calling Me Back – Calling Me Back sees IRENE venture into R&B territory with her vocals, and a powerful instrumental with futuristic influences, dreamy synths and heavy bass. This is a strong combination that leaves quite an impression. I really liked how IRENE pushed herself vocally in Calling Me Back, particularly in the choruses, which made the song very engaging. It was another song that was hard to skip. (10/10)

4. Strawberry Silhouette– Some people have said that Strawberry Silhouette could have been an alternative title track. And honestly, I agree with them. Strawberry Silhouette is a mid-tempo R&B dance track with a hefty instrumental, and IRENE delivers mature, sensual vibes with her breathy vocals. I actually quite liked it when the song focused on the instrumental heaviness and would have liked a longer rap sequence. Altogether, Strawberry Silhouette is quite impressive and memorable, whereas Like a Flower was not. (10/10)

5. Start Line – Start Line is a pop band track that combines a fulfilling band sound with synth bass to produce a very bright number. The same can be said about IRENE’s vocals. I did enjoy the energy of the chorus. It was fantastic, especially after the string of ballads and R&B numbers. If you also cannot tell from Start Line’s tone, the lyrics were also quite uplifting, and I recommend you check them out. (9/10)

6. Winter Wish – Winter Wish is a Christmas track, disguised as a pop dance track. Aside from the lyrics, Winter Wish also features the classic Christmas bells to bring about the festive sound. Aside from that, it was a simple and straightforward dance track, with IRENE’s vocals leaving a smile on your face. At least, that is what she did through the song to me. (8/10)

7. Ka-Ching (Special Track) – Ka-Ching is another dance pop track. I liked how it started off like an old-timey track and developed into a fun dance track whilst still maintaining that slight retro vibe. The whole track comes off as rather cute, and that energy is quite infectious. (8/10)

8. I Feel Pretty (Special Track) – Described as an acoustic pop song, IRENE closes the album with I Feel Pretty. Her vocals were effortless and lovely in this track. Those strings in the background were gorgeous and worked well with the lyrics, which were about falling in love with yourself. (8/10)