South Korean girl group IVE released their first mini album I’VE MINE on October 13. Featuring two pre-release singles, a title track, and three completely new B-sides, I’VE MINE brings the group’s artistic identity into new territory.

Baddie

This comeback’s title track, “Baddie,” is unexplored territory for IVE. Whereas IVE’s title tracks to date play into their chaebol crush concept with retro disco instrumentals, “Baddie” swerves completely into 21st century girl crush territory. Fans of the previously released “Kitsch” will enjoy the similarly bratty attitude and bouncy rap verses that IVE brought to “Baddie.” The song’s melodic verses unexpectedly transition into an anti-drop chanted chorus where IVE assert their status: “I’m a baddie, ba-ba-baddie, baddie/Pretty little risky baddie.”

An electronic-infused instrumental drop accompanies a dance break before bringing the song to a close just over the 2:30 mark, making this one of the sextet’s shorter releases. With darker, more dramatic makeup than usual in the music video, the members of IVE — Yujin, Gaeul, Rei, Wonyoung, Liz, and Leeseo — take on a rebellious, don’t-mess-with-us image. 

Late Night Conversations

I’VE MINE was preceded by two pre-release singles, “Either Way” and “Off The Record.” Both tracks are intimate, subdued pop B-sides that expand IVE’s discography in a new direction.

“Either Way” is charged with melancholic vocals and a mellow synth instrumental. The song’s music video features beautiful artistry, with the girls of IVE in intricately painted makeup and produced with a retro film aesthetic. “The countless versions of me made from misunderstandings” and “Let’s smile for them” are just some of the track’s surprisingly raw and vulnerable lyrics. “Either Way” invites the listener into an honest conversation with the group about the realities of success.

The second of the two pre-releases, “Off The Record” is another laid-back B-side with an understated instrumental. With a groovy bass line and layered vocals throughout, the song describes an ongoing, secretive dialogue that involves shedding inhibitions and admitting to your innermost desires. IVE released an unexpectedly whimsical music video for the song, with a mix of on-site production and post-production elements — think CGI visual effects overlaid on individual sets — that culminate in the sextet joyfully hanging out together. 

Sweetest Melodies

I’VE MINE gifts fans with three completely new songs from IVE. “Holy Moly,” the fourth track on the mini album, is funky and upbeat. The song gradually picks up, becoming more intense with various instrumental elements being introduced as the track progresses. Ryan Jhun, Peter Rycroft, Lauren Aquilina, and Seo Ji-eum, all of whom worked on IVE’s debut song “ELEVEN,” took part in bringing “Holy Moly” to life. It’s no surprise that “Holy Moly” sounds like the long-lost sister counterpart to “ELEVEN.”

IVE’s own Jang Wonyoung is credited as the sole songwriter on “OTT.” This R&B-adjacent track is the only song on the EP that explicitly recalls the retro sound so often associated with IVE. Its bubblegum sweet lyrics about unexpectedly falling love, like “What should I do?/Tell me, you like it too, right?” epitomize first-time puppy love. “Payback” is similarly upbeat. On the mini album’s last track, the members of IVE showcase their falsettos and utilize their higher vocal registers to create dreamy melodies. A sudden guitar incorporated into the instrumental breathes new life to this song, giving it a more sonically interesting profile to round out IVE’s inaugural mini album. 

What’s Next for IVE?

Since their explosive December 2021 debut, IVE have been dominating the K-pop scene. With a series of chart-topping releases, global partnerships, and their first tour, the group continues to prove that there are no limits to their prowess. The release of I’VE MINE marks the release of the group’s first mini album since their debut, and sets IVE up to end their busy, successful year on a high note.

Interested in more recent girl group releases? Read about the debut of tripleS’ LOVElution here!

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