IVE (아이브), featuring members An Yujin, Gaeul, Rei, Jang Wonyoung, Liz, and Leeseo, has unveiled a highly anticipated highlight medley for their second full-length album, showcasing the high level of musical craftsmanship.
Starship Entertainment, the group’s agency, released the highlight medley video for IVE’s second full album, ‘REVIVE+,’ on the official IVE YouTube channel on the 16th. The audio was pre-released on Melon Music Wave at 8 PM KST on the same day, amplifying the excitement of fans worldwide.
The video features highlights from a total of 12 tracks, including the double title tracks “BLACKHOLE” and “BANG BANG,” as well as solo tracks from each member. The diverse range of genres, encompassing intense EDM, POP, and band sounds, hints at the density and scale expected from a full-length album. This promises a diverse sound palette for K-Pop fans.
The title track “BLACKHOLE” immediately captivated listeners with its dreamy and cinematic sound, along with Liz’s lyrics, “Anything you want will come true.” “BLACKHOLE” serves as the core of the album, redefining the concept of “us.” Seo Jieum, who has been involved in building IVE’s narcissism narrative since their debut single “ELEVEN,” participated in the songwriting. Hwang Yubin (XYXX) also contributed, crafting lyrics that embody the new narrative IVE will present through “BLACKHOLE.”
“BANG BANG,” which has already garnered significant love as a pre-release track, forms another axis of the album with its strong energy and direct sound, raising curiosity about the contrast and synergy the two tracks will create. It is expected to become a K-Pop summer anthem.
The subsequent tracks further demonstrate IVE’s broad spectrum. From “Hush” to “Stuck In Your Head,” “Fireworks,” and “HOT COFFEE,” IVE completes the album with diverse genres, promising to satisfy fans’ expectations. Music critics are already praising the album’s cohesiveness.
This album is particularly special as it includes solo tracks from all members. Jang Wonyoung’s “8” signals a new transformation with its tense EDM track, while Gaeul’s “Odd” captivates listeners with its dreamy, low-mid-range vocals. Leeseo is set to deliver both energy and atmosphere with “Super Icy,” and Liz presents “Unreal,” an alternative rock-textured track with clear and powerful vocals.
Rei’s “In Your Heart” is characterized by lyrics in three languages and a bright melody, while An Yujin concludes the track with “Force,” which features a strong bass and hip-hop base, showcasing her confident charm and marking the finale of the solo tracks. Notably, some of these songs were partially revealed at the second world tour “SHOW WHAT I AM” Seoul concert held in October, heightening expectations. Gaeul, Rei, Jang Wonyoung, Liz, and Leeseo also participated in writing the lyrics for their solo songs, further increasing curiosity about the full versions.
The second full album, “REVIVE+,” expands the story that has been centered around “me” to the perspective of “us.” It conveys the confidence that IVE, synonymous with “me,” can continue to move forward in many directions by expanding the narrative to a relationship with the public as “us.” With the pre-released “BANG BANG” achieving top rankings on domestic and international charts, signaling the start of a hit streak, global fans are eager to see what music and stories IVE will present through their full album. This is a highly anticipated K-Pop comeback of 2024.
Meanwhile, IVE will officially make their comeback with the second full album’s title track, “BLACKHOLE,” on June 23rd.
