Album Review: Whiplash, by Aespa (5th mini album)

The 4th Gen IT Girl Group did it again! AESPA had their 5th Mini Album “Whiplash” comeback earlier this week. Here’s an overview:

     Whiplash (3:03): This song, in my opinion, is the ultimate club song. It’s such a fun song about confidence with lyrics like “One look, give ‘em whiplash,” and truly this is such a good dance song. I will say though, it felt a little lackluster to me, but that might be because I’m not all too big on EDM or techno type of music. After Drama, Supernova, and Armageddon, I was expecting something similar so Whiplash was definitely new to me but maybe it just needs to grow on me. I will say though a lot of Aespa’s songs and their concept is about how they don’t conform to the norm and how they are who they are, so I’m here for it!

     Kill It (3:20): This is by far my favorite from this album! I love the vibes and vocals of this song, it felt very on-brand for SM (aespa’s entertainment agency). It also reminded me of NCT 127, a boy group from SM. Personally, this song would’ve been a better title track but nonetheless, Kill It is also about confidence and essentially being amazing at being yourself with various lyrics like “The more you try to block me/ The more advantageous it will be for me, I’m better,” and “I’m so good at it, uh/ I’ll shake you up.” The pre-chorus makes me ascend! It’s so enchanting.

     Flights, Not Feelings (3:02): This song was very interesting when I first listened to it. At first, I actually didn’t like it at all, but after a couple listens, I was starting to vibe with it. This might be my second favorite! The way the chorus in a way ran after the beat felt like an addition to the song rather than a takeaway. Their vocals and tones are so soothing. It is a bit hard to discern what this song is about but I will try my best! The title suggests the idea of “catch flights, not feelings,” which means discontinuing developing relationships and going on various trips to distract from that lack of personal relationships. This song has lyrics like “Oh, I tried to warn you/ Now I’ll do as I please/ Let it flow, oh,” which makes me think this is another type of situation like Kill It, with the idea that nothing you do to make me feel bad will work, and I love that! 

     Pink Hoodie (2:26): Another song with a similar vibe to NCT 127 but I love it! It’s such a fun song, the beat during the chorus feels sploinky, if that makes sense.

Another song with the same idea of confidence with lyrics like “Grab all the attention/ I’m wearing my new clothes/ I’ma give you my, my, my, my passion,” and “The more you see, the more you fall for it, fabulous.” The bridge really cements this idea of confidence and how I like who I am. Lyrics like “See me now/ I’ll change endlessly/ Crumbling borderline/ Breaking free from the stereotype/ Headlines pouring in/ I even like the chaos/ I like myself better like this.” 

Flowers (3:11): This is very different compared to the other songs in terms of meaning, a sort of love song. I adore this song so much because of how it feels; to me, it feels like the sun shining through clouds, a slight breeze, and the autumn leaves falling. With lyrics like “I don’t wanna wait/ I throw myself into your scent that no one else knows,” and “You’re my dahlia, tulips and daisies/ A slowly spreading fragrance/ Violet sunset, it seems like it doesn’t exist in this world,” it is clear this is indeed a love song. Something about this song feels very sad though, I can’t place my finger on it. 

     Just Another Girl (3:04): Another love song but with a twist! Just Another Girl seems to be a breakup song with lyrics like “I been obsessed with you/ All these clumsy feelings, I’ll stop them,” “Falling apart, you and I, you and I,” and “You have no more chances, one shot/ I was too good for you.” Personally, this song doesn’t exactly fit in this album with the other songs but on its own, it’s a good piece. With a pop-rock type of vibe and lyrics like “Looking at you, caught red-handed, shh/ Secretly smirking, you love it/ Did you think I’d just be sad? No excuses, shh,” this song gives mid-late 2000’s vibes and I really enjoy it!