by When you play TWICE’s new song ‘SCIENTIST,’ it immediately catches your ears. Starting with Mina, the members have a stronger voice than ever before. These voices, sometimes even arrogant, depict the sober image of the song concept ‘scientist.’ But in the lyrics’ message, do not count and act. This irony brings the character to life in three dimensions from the beginning. With such a backing, Nayeon and Jihyo’s sweet and clear chorus shines even more.
It’s been six years since I debuted. At one time, some criticisms Twice contained an old-fashioned view of femininity, such as “A woman should not give her heart easily,” or that the lyrics and charming choreography such as “Mammamma with lipstick” were too childish. Considering this, ‘SCIENTIST’ is a beautiful evolution. Since one day, Twice has used the stage much broader, actively utilizing the pleasure of group dance, and the song melody has also strengthened with confidence. At the end is ‘SCIENTIST.’
The contents of the early songs such as ‘Like OOH-AHH’ and ‘CHEER UP’ can be summarized as ‘Courage to get the qualification to have an attractive me.’ This is a theme that often appears in the songs of female artists. On the other hand, ‘SCIENTIST’ still seduces and encourages listeners, but the lyrics say, “Let’s love as if one screw is missing.” Rather than waiting for love or someone who is qualified, it is a figure that takes the initiative as a being who shares a relationship. The members’ colorful tones become more evident than ever before, and their operation also actively contributes to the dynamic flow of the song. For 3 minutes and 20 seconds, it captures the hearts of viewers without stopping.
What comes to mind is the existence of a ‘pop song.’ One of the virtues of a well-crafted pop song is that only the creators seriously think about it, and the listener needs to enjoy it with their body and mind without any complexity. Like a swan busy only under the surface.
The trend of themes covered by the K-pop market has changed several times over the past six years. There have been times when a complex setting or narrative such as a ‘worldview’ was considered essential for the box office. Metaverse is a hot keyword these days. However, there is no sign of being left or right for TWICE. A love story, a classic and typical message of girl group music, is captured in a new and attractive image. The liveliness expressed in the commotion in the music video and the humorous and optimistic love rather than fierce or epic is classics.
It is simply because TWICE is the reason why good pop songs are possible. It was once said that the ‘national anthem’ would also top the charts when TWICE sang it, but it’s not just about popularity. Few artists can show a delightful and happy love song as well as Twice. However, it is not something that anyone can do to keep evolving while singing like that. It is ‘TWICE’s one-way life.’ Even in the lyrics, someone who knows only love is expressed as ‘a screw missing’ or ‘idiot,’ but singing a love song seems to be how Twice preserves pop songs’ classical values.
