In a year since their last release, i-dle have made a bold statement with their new album We made. In the past few months, i-dle has been teasing fans with what to expect from their 9th mini-album, We made, from releasing songs to the more recent concept teasers. The self-producing group has showcased its versatility over the years and has taken some risks with this EP.

Back in January, fans were given the first taste of what to expect from the album with the release of the track “Mono” featuring artist skaiwater. The mostly English track was a bold move from i-dle, once again being a new genre that is different from their past releases. The beat feels like the perfect fit for a dance track, using a strong beat with the soft vocals of the members and the raw rap from skaiwater. As always, i-dle ensure to be inclusive in their songs, including the lyrics, “Whether East or West, Whether straight or gay,” making sure they can represent all their fans.

While the song was a risk lyrically, the video made an even bolder statement, using just monotone colours to emphasize the song’s meaning. The use of the backing dancers and additional cast creates a sense of unity, and the minimalistic set changes from the narrative to dance scenes might seem simple, but adds to the message behind the track. It feels like a focus on artistry, creating a strong narrative as the song suddenly comes into colour at its climax.

“Gimme Dat Love” is the title track for the album and once again shifts genre to something very different for i-dle, exuding Tyla and Amapiano vibes throughout. The members’ voices fit perfectly with the style of song, letting them shine whether it is the soft singing from Minnie, Miyeon, and Shuhua or the strong rap from Soyeon and Yuqi.  The song itself has so much potential, yet it is the empty and repetitive chorus of “Love” that holds it back, along with its short length. It feels like something is missing, and as a group known for their production, it comes off as slightly underwhelming compared to their past releases.

Although the song might seem empty musically, the video is the complete opposite. It is full of rich colours and a beautiful narrative of love, once again ensuring representation is at the core with people of different genres, races, and sexualities. It is the perfect video and song for summer, but more depth to the song’s chorus would make it even better.

The official pre-release of the album was revealed several weeks before the album, and it was the track “Crow.” From the opening bars, it had a strong beat that exuded power and strength, perfectly matched by Soyeon’s unique vocals in an equally tough and impactful rap before her vocals in the chorus. In true i-dle style, the track’s ruggedness continues as Yuqi comes in with her rap, then Shuhua joins, which was a breath of fresh air as the idol sometimes fades into the background. As the song progresses, it shifts in style, becoming softer with Minnie’s beautiful vocals, then introducing a surprising verse from Miyeon. It works against her “Princess” image, but feels like the correct choice for the song. Ending with the chanting and strong beat again feels like the perfect end.

For the video, the tones used once again emphasized the song’s meaning. This time, the colours were varied, but felt duller, with more natural scenes to give it authenticity, but the white outfits on the backing dancers contrasted with the black worn by the members. The members are portrayed as strong and powerful with their body language, and it shows why i-dle are such role models.

Fans were treated to two other new songs that once again cemented i-dle’s diversity as artists and idols.

“Morning” starts with a strong beat and a spoken intro before moving into Yuqi’s low, sultry voice. As each member comes in, the continuous bass in the background gives the song a modern, jazzy feel, and as the chorus hits and reaches a melodically crescendo, it feels sultry and sexy. The interesting aspect of the song is the change to the more “rap” based verses with spoken aspects that contrast with the pre-chorus and choruses. In theory, they shouldn’t go together, but the way it is put together musically through the production creates a sense of natural flow.

Ending on “Love is Pain” is the most beautiful and emotional way to finish the album, once again straying from the other songs in terms of genre. From the acoustic guitar and piano instrumental to the backing vocals, the song feels like a warm hug for fans. While all the members have strong voices, something about Miyeon’s vocals, particularly, feels so safe and perfect for this song, shining a light on her full vocal range. Yuqi’s deeper voice also surprisingly matches well, and considering she composed the track, it exudes the idol’s love for music and emotions.

While some of the songs fall victim to the “empty chorus” trend that is popular in K-Pop, i-dle has released an album with a song for everyone. Whether you want something empowering, fit for summer, or a classic ballad, We made is the perfect embodiment of the group.

i-dle is on Instagram. You can listen to “We made” here.