K-Album Review: Drama by Aespa

Writer: Devyani Segan (Delhi, India)

Editor: Divya Sonawane (Pune, Maharashtra, India)

“Oh my gosh! Don’t you know I’m a savage?” Aespa made their much-awaited comeback with Drama on November 10, 2023. The girl group debuted in 2020 under SM Entertainment with the song Black Mamba. The song was a record-breaker, becoming the most-viewed debut music video in history within 24 hours.

Aespa consists of four members: Karina, Giselle, Winter, and Ningning. Yu Ji-min, known as Karina, is the group’s leader and main dancer. Kim Min-jeong, popularly known as Winter, and Ning Yi Zhuo, known as Ningning, serve as the main vocalists, while Aeri Uchinaga, known as Giselle, is the main rapper of the group.

Aespa is admired for their unique metaverse and hyperpop concepts in the K-pop industry. The group has received numerous awards, including the Seoul Music Award for Best New Artist and Rookie of the Year. They were also the first K-pop girl group to perform at the Coachella Music Festival within just two years of their debut. Drama is the group’s fourth mini album, featuring melodious and memorable tracks.

Darma

The three-minute and forty-eight-second-long song Drama is the title track of Aespa’s mini-album Drama. The chorus of the song is both compelling and appealing. The group’s vocalists, Winter and Ningning, truly shine throughout—especially during the second bridge. The music video is a banger, featuring dark, cyberpunk-inspired visuals, and the disclaimer at the beginning aligns perfectly with the song’s overall concept. The editing and transitions are top-notch, and the attention to minute details—such as the inclusion of sword-fighting scenes—showcases the members’ strength and dedication to their fans. The visuals and styling of the members complement the theme flawlessly.

This marks the first time the group has incorporated a chanting chorus, which further enhances the composition and melody. Giselle’s well-structured rap segments add a powerful and addictive energy to the track. Drama topped the charts on Apple Music and Melon, holding the number one position for consecutive weeks.

Trick or Trick

The concept behind the album reflects the members’ successful breakthrough from their past traumatic experiences, symbolizing their readiness to evolve, grow stronger, and become better. With the song Trick or Trick, the girls present an innovative and revolutionary sound. The song’s energy is infectious, and its visuals are captivating. Trick or Trick is yet another stellar addition to this wonderful album. It showcases female empowerment through meaningful lyrics and captivating vocals. Blending heavy bass with cheerful undertones, the track carries both a Halloween aesthetic and a mature vibe.

Don’t Blink

A flawless song with absolutely surreal vocals, Don’t Blink allows the members to showcase their individual talents. The track begins with soothing guitar melodies and ends with a catchy outro, leaving listeners mesmerized.

Hot Air Balloon

This song blends trap and metallic beats, serving as a ray of hope for girls who are struggling with mental and emotional challenges. The chorus is wonderfully relaxing; it feels as if the painful journey has finally come to an end. The opening part of the song feels like stepping into an alternate, game-inspired world.

Yolo

This track represents the girls’ liberation; they are finally free and happy to live life on their own terms. The emotional burden is lifted, and healing has begun. The highlight of the track is the group’s layered harmonies. Unlike the other four songs on the album, Yolo is bright and joyful, instantly uplifting the listener’s mood.

 You

This song perfectly syncs with the cold weather. Though the ballad is simple and doesn’t feature standout moments, the group’s heartfelt performance and remarkable skill make it calm and comforting. You feel like a gift to fans who have supported the group throughout their journey. Through this track, the girls express their gratitude and love. The minimal yet powerful production brings a beautiful and awaited conclusion to the story. The melody and instrumentation complement each other perfectly.  

Bright Things

Bright Things marks the official end of the group’s exhausting voyage. With this song, they look forward to brighter days and better things ahead. The track brings the album close to perfection; the one that began with heavy, intense tunes ends on a soft and soothing note. It’s a memorable piece with gentle melodies, and it also marks their English debut, as this track is written entirely in English.

Aespa continues to evolve and experiment while staying original and true to their unique style. The album Drama features six tracks, each exploring a different concept. The group also performed two of these songs at SM Entertainment’s annual concert SYNK, where fans—known as “MYs”—requested that the company release them on streaming platforms.

Overall, Aespa’s performance in this album is phenomenal. They have outdone themselves in choreography, vocals, and concept. The tracks in Drama are a perfect blend of sweet and spicy, suited for every mood and occasion. Drama is now available on all major streaming platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube Music.

Let us know in the comments: What is your favorite track on Aespa’s Drama album?