Keeping up with K-Pop: TWICE risks it all with their 12th mini album, “READY TO BE”

K-Pop sensation TWICE released their 12th mini-album on March 10, titled “READY TO BE.” This album continues to move TWICE into a more western audience and matures TWICE in its style. 

The title track, “SET ME FREE” is something their fans, ONCE, would never have seen coming. The song is deep, dark, and powerful. The pre-chorus is captivating, and the initial build into the chorus brightens the song. 

With a city-pop style, the song is driven by deep synths as the core of the instrumentals, and light drumming adds dimension. The beats strike with orchestral instruments at the right moments, to add more character.

However, the vocals are really the center of this song. Since the instrumentals are minimal, it really draws attention to the different members singing in a lower range, which gives the song power.

It is a very mature sound for TWICE, something that I know will play well with western audiences. With the album containing the song in both Korean and English, I would not be surprised if this song gets a good amount of radio play. 

What sets this song apart from all other TWICE songs, is that the message of the song is different. Most times TWICE sings about love, and while this song does discuss aspects of love, this song represents how they can empower themselves and are ready to be set free from the idea that they need love to be successful.

The song is powerful, the song is iconic, and this song will be a major breakthrough for TWICE.

The music video is one of their best. The sets are well thought out, the costuming is amazing, the theming is stunning, and it is a perfect representation of TWICE.

What I especially appreciated in this music video is how the choreography was highlighted, as the choreography for this song is breathtaking. It is sharp, it is fresh, and it embodies strength. 

Overall, from the title track alone, it shows that TWICE is not going to fade into the background anytime soon. Eight years later, they are continuing to improve and make a name for themselves, and with their incoming world tour, they may soon become a household name. 

The rest of the mini-album is more of a rock and roll, western feel. A complete 180 from their last mini-album, “BETWEEN 1&2.”

“GOT THE THRILLS” makes me want to get on a horse, and ride into the sunset. It is a modern-day western film classic, with the classic guitar strum leading the song. It is exciting, and it does give the thrills. 

“BLAME IT ON ME” really digs deep into country roots. With deep guitar and bass, and the strongest vocal display that TWICE has ever displayed, it makes this song my favorite off of the mini-album. I feel like I could pop it, lock it, and polka dot it to this song. 

Then, “CRAZY STUPID LOVE” reminds me of earlier 2000s rock, almost inspirational in the lyrics, lighter in the instrumentals, and really helps blend all the songs of the album together, into a sentimental finish. 

I advise everyone to keep their eye on TWICE. “READY TO BE”  has set them free into the western music industry, and I cannot wait to see them thrive and become as popular in America as they are in South Korea.