Keeping up with K-Pop: All the reasons that “I AM” obsessed with IVE’s first album

Off of their 2022 Best New Artist award at the MAMA Awards, K-Pop girl group IVE came back with a vengeance on their latest album “I’ve IVE.”

Released on April 10, this album shows listeners the immense amount of growth this group has undergone in a short amount of time, with it being a more mature sound for IVE in comparison to their debut.

From powerful and mysterious, to fun and fresh, this album contains a wide variety of sounds that encapsulate IVE’s new signature powerful vibe.

The title track, “I AM,” really is the scene-stealer of the album. It attacks listeners right at its start, and the fierceness does not dull down, but only builds as the song progresses. 

The synth-driven, high-fashion runway instrumentals blend together nicely and help set the tone for the song.  

Empowering lyrics fill the song, with some of the best lyrics being in the chorus. 

“That’s my life is a beautiful galaxy. Be a writer, the genre is fantasy. A big, big stage will open for me tomorrow. So that is who I am.”

“I AM” has one of the most high-budget music videos I have seen from K-Pop in a minute. The transition from Wonyoung jumping off a plane, to the start of the first chorus, was electrifying to watch.  

And at the end, with the girls stomping down a runway, really sold the song for me. The music video is luxurious, and high-class, which works perfectly for IVE.

The vocals — I can not emphasize this enough — are some of the best I have seen from a rookie group like this. They are belting to the highest heaven, yet it all blends together nicely. 

“I’ve IVE” displays all of the members’ voices at their peak, not one song has a faltering moment. 

As stated earlier, this album has a wide variety of styles. “Lips” and “NOT YOUR GIRL” scream summer. They are upbeat, catchy, and just exciting to listen to. If K-Pop always does one thing right, it’s summer songs. 

Then there are some “wildcard” songs that come out of nowhere, yet fit in so well. Controversial, but the pre-release single for the album, “Kitsch,” is a favorite of mine. The anti-drop in the chorus is everything, the beat hits all the right spots, and it’s just fun to listen to. 

There are some songs on the album with a mysterious aura. “Blue Blood,” “섬찟 (Hypnosis),” and “Cherish” all have a distinct R&B sound with the vocals really carrying each song, but they all have haunting synths and drum-driven instrumentals that leave chills.

Each song makes you want to listen to it over and over again. They are captivating, enthralling, and iconic. IVE set the bar high with this album. 

All other groups need to watch out.

“I’ve IVE” has something for every listener. Whether you like fun, deep and mysterious, or high-energy runway songs, this album is exquisite, and something that every fan of music needs to listen to.