[Album Review] We Are (8th Mini Album) – i-dle

Ahead of their upcoming comeback next month, it is time to review i-dle’s (formerly (G)I-DLE) 8th mini-album, We Are. This particular mini-album dropped back in May last year and was the first release since their rebrand as i-dle. It features a total of 6 tracks, including the pre-release single, Girlfriend, and the title track, Good Thing.

ICYMI: i-dle returned earlier this year with the single “Mono” (ft. skaiwater).

1. Good Thing (Title Track) – Click here for my full review of Good Thing. (7.5/10)

2. Girlfriend – Click here for my full review of Girlfriend. (9/10)

3. Love Tease – Love Tease is a favourite of mine from this mini-album. The retro/disco synth work was super fun and ear-catching, while the members’ delivery of the all-English song was quite sharp. Props to YUQI, one of the song’s co-composers. The ‘Love Tease’ repetition was super simple, yet also such a memorable aspect of the song. This ‘simplicity’ factor in Love Tease runs throughout the song, and I think it could have done so much more. But this doesn’t change the fact that what we got was quite addictive and a gem on the mini-album. (9/10)

4. Chain – Dark and sultry vibes come off the all-English, R&B-leaning Chain. This changes up the tone of the mini-album, which I really appreciated. I particularly enjoyed how mature the members sound and the sensual hints in the lyrics (co-written by MINNIE). Again, Chain is another song where more could have been explored to make it more interesting. (8.5/10)

5. Unstoppable – i-dle takes us deeper into R&B territory, with Unstoppable also leaning into mid-tempo pop territory. I enjoyed the warmth and cosiness this track offers. Written by MIYEON, this song really highlights her vocals. All the other members also sound amazing throughout the song, but MIYEON elevates Unstoppable in a way that feels impressive and noteworthy. Her ad-libs were also awesome. (8.5/10)

6. If You Want (그래도 돼요) – We Are ends with a beautiful and soothing ballad. If You Want has that sway that I like when it comes to ballads, and I also enjoyed the way it developed. The vocal work was really nice, and the song’s progression felt extremely gratifying. Written by SHUHUA (her first song!), If You Want was a lovely way to end the mini-album. (8/10)