aespa has released their fourth mini album titled Drama and I was interested to see what this ever-evolving group had in store.
Drama
I prefer this style for them for sure. Especially compared to Spicy. I don’t have any strong opinions one way or another, but it is definitely a solid track for the group.
Trick or Trick
I think SM missed an opportunity to make this a pre-release in October since it would fit in with Halloween so well. It would have been a strong pre-release as well to get us excited for the album. It is a strong song that has title track qualities as well. I actually like it a little more than Drama even.
Don’t Blink
The start of this song sounded like quite a tone shift. But it does blend well with the previous tracks and transitions to the later songs. The chorus is my favorite part and I love the vibe of the song as a whole.
Hot Air Balloon
If I thought Don’t Blink was a tone shift, I wasn’t ready for Hot Air Balloon. This song is too bubbly pop for my taste and for aespa in my opinion. Not a fan.
YOLO
I don’t know how I feel about this track. There are parts I like but parts I don’t. It’s a mixed bag of a song that I’d probably need more listens to make my mind up on.
You
It’s fine. It serves its purpose as the album closer to new tracks well. I’m glad it isn’t strictly a ballad. But I feel like we lost the vibe that this album was going for.
Better Things
I already shared my opinion on this song when it originally came out in August, and my thoughts have not changed. It is a pleasant song to listen to and they vocally sound great.
Overall Rating
Overall, the start of the album is amazing, and then it just took a right turn in a different tonal direction that just doesn’t fit. I wish the whole album committed to the darker vibes we started with. It would have been a really strong album and a new favorite for me. But the last few tracks made me lose all my initial enthusiasm.
Have you listened to Stray Kids’ new album? Tell me your favorite track below!
