BABYMONSTER Makes a Comeback with “FOREVER,” Showcasing a New Musical Style and Drawing Comparisons to JYP Artists?
BABYMONSTER has just made a comeback with the MV FOREVER
At 0:00 on July 1st (KST), BABYMONSTER officially made a comeback with the single FOREVER. This return, three months after their debut mini-album, attracted considerable attention from K-pop fans. FOREVER represents a new musical style that YG is experimenting with for the “younger sister group of BLACKPINK.” The MV quickly garnered over 1.1 million views within the first hour of release, showcasing the formidable appeal of YG’s seven new female rookies.
In this comeback, BABYMONSTER emphasizes the “baby” – innocent and gentle – aspect of the group. The lyrics promote confidence as the girls stride towards success. The track, co-produced by Choi37 and LP, brings a fresh breeze to the energetic, hip-hop tracks BABYMONSTER previously released. FOREVER stands out with its disco and synthwave elements, reminiscent of the 1980s, creating a festive musical atmosphere.
Although toned down significantly, the arrangement still features distinctive percussion that YG fans are familiar with from BLACKPINK hits like DDU-DU DDU-DU, How You Like That… It’s evident that YG is still very intent on having BABYMONSTER inherit the global female group legacy.
The most notable aspect is the “JYP music vibe” that is too evident in BABYMONSTER’s new song. The verses are divided by an impressive rap line, showcasing YG’s strength, but the musical style is very JYP. Listening to the song, many K-pop fans are reminded of TWICE, ITZY,… even though FOREVER was produced by YG’s team. This coincidence is quite amusing to K-pop fans.
Not only in the melody, but the entire MV for FOREVER also gives off a JYP feel. Shedding the “monster” personality built through songs like Sheesh, Batter Up,… FOREVER celebrates femininity. Directed by Seunghee Son – a famous name behind successful MVs like I AM (IVE), Nxde, Super Lady ((G)I-DLE), INVU (Taeyeon),… FOREVER presents a different, elegant, and chic aspect, unlike the tender femininity in BABYMONSTER’s Stuck In The Middle.
The FOREVER MV is set in a luxurious backdrop. The visual aspect is highly rated as each member is meticulously styled, showcasing their prominent personalities. The seven “little monsters” flaunt their youthful, radiant beauty in their twenties with impressive charisma.
Once again, YG continues to “pay tribute” to BLACKPINK’s iconic MVs through a few reminiscent scenes. Overall, FOREVER has improved on the concept flaws that fans complained about in BABYMONSTER’s previous two title MVs. The impressive MV somewhat “saves” BABYMONSTER from the label of YG’s “most outdated” girl group.
After making an impression with undeniable talent, BABYMONSTER is currently receiving favorable attention from the public. Netizens are excited about the group’s comeback. They just need a good song to elevate their status in the rookie arena. Releasing a cheerful track fitting for the festive season, BABYMONSTER is expected to make a mark on digital music charts.
However, many still feel that FOREVER is not impressive enough. The disco tune is quite familiar, lacking in breakthroughs, and even reminiscent of rival JYP. BABYMONSTER needs more to convince the increasingly discerning public.
