K-pop girl group TWICE released its 13th mini-album “With YOU-th” on Feb. 23. Out of the six EP tracks, the album opener song “I GOT YOU” was also pre-released separately three weeks earlier.
After its 2015 debut under JYP Entertainment, TWICE’s rise to fame was driven by the popularity of its bright bubblegum dance-pop music, a genre it has faithfully returned to in “With YOU-th.” Though the mini-album maintains the energetic pop sound that initially propelled it to fame, it also prompts reflection on whether TWICE should push the boundaries of its musical style to adapt to a changing industry.
In “With YOU-th,” TWICE continues to resonate with its teenage demographic by exploring accessible themes of young love and recklessness. Many of TWICE’s previous hits successfully utilize a similar youthful, innocent perspective, offsetting the EP’s freshness and originality. However, the EP’s advantage lies in its distinct, cohesive execution — a limited tracklist effectively maximizes its concept while evading repetitiveness.
“A little reckless around the edges / Call it young, dumb love and it’s just enough,” member Mina sings in the album opener, “I GOT YOU.” The heartfelt song is a bright, synth-driven English language testimonial to the group’s closeness and loyalty. TWICE continues to make waves internationally, expanding its Western fanbase with efforts to include such English songs in its discography to become more accessible and versatile with its numerous cultural influences.
Described by member Momo as the group’s “sparkling moment of youth and passion” in a comment to Apple Music, “ONE SPARK,” the album’s title track, plays with a fast, electrifying track and bass, a testament to impassioned emotion and desire. The song’s production, unique in its shifting instrumentals, draws listeners in and TWICE’s signature charm keeps them there.
The EP transitions effortlessly into four succeeding tracks — B-sides including songwriting contributions from three members. “With YOU-th” smoothly culminates in the last track, “YOU GET ME,” cleverly alluding to the album opener in a nostalgic, hopeful conclusion.
“With YOU-th,” propelled by a flawless production and captivating melodies, is a complete listening experience — while upbeat and optimistic, the tracks explore emotions through a thoughtful coming-of-age perspective.
Fully utilizing each member’s versatility, the lead-up for “With YOU-th,” though well-crafted, has been somewhat dissonant with the EP’s single-minded pursuit of an innocent theme. Promotional photos used mature themes, including sultry formalwear and dinner party photoshoots. Inconsistency between the photos and the bubblegum-pop genre that characterized its teenage debut has weakened TWICE’s new album concept, leaving listeners wondering if the group’s pursuit of both worlds has become a crucial flaw.
Though “With YOU-th”’s style aligns well with most of TWICE’s initial hits like “Cheer Up” and “FANCY,” the K-pop industry has shifted significantly since TWICE’s debut. K-pop’s explosion in Western popularity especially has ignited fierce competition and growth within the industry, providing an obstacle to TWICE’s well-proven formula to success.
Mounting the challenge, TWICE’s most recent album releases, “ZONE” and “READY TO BE,” illustrated a rare deviation from TWICE’s tried-and-true pop sound, introducing mature themes and genre experimentation. Although “With YOU-th”’s undeniable charisma re-establishes the group’s commitment to its signature niche in buttery pop and cheerful beats, it remains to be seen if the album can emulate its predecessors and further elevate TWICE’s place as one of the most revered K-pop group sensations to date.
Overall: 3.5/5
