Guess Who | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|
EP by | ||||
Released | April 30, 2021 | |||
Studio | JYPE Studios | |||
Genre | ||||
Length | 18:58 | |||
Language |
| |||
Label | ||||
Producer |
| |||
Itzy chronology | ||||
| ||||
Singles from Guess Who | ||||
|
Guess Who (stylized as GUE?? WHO) is the fourth extended play by South Korean girl group Itzy. It was released by JYP Entertainment on April 30, 2021. The EP was released for pre-order on March 22, [2] and contains six tracks, including the lead single "In the Morning". The physical album comes in three versions: Day, Night, and Day&Night. The EP is primarily a rap-styled K-pop record that combines EDM, hip hop, dance, dance-pop, trap, Latin trap and bossa nova elements.
Guess Who was subject to generally mixed reviews from music critics, who complimented the record's cohesiveness; however, some found the material controlling the vitality of the group. The EP was commercially successful, marking Itzy's first and highest entry on the US Billboard 200, peaking at number 148, and peaking at number 2 on the Gaon Album Chart. In May 2021, Guess Who was certified Platinum by the Korea Music Content Association.
The lead single, "In the Morning", peaked at number 10 on the Gaon Digital Chart, becoming the group's fifth top-ten single, as well as the group's third single to enter the top five of the Billboard World Digital Song Sales chart. To promote the EP, the group performed on several South Korean music show programs, such as M Countdown and Inkigayo .
On March 22, Itzy released the first poster for their upcoming EP, Guess Who. [3] This was posted alongside pre-order information and a preview of the EP content. [2] JYP Entertainment said in a statement that the upcoming release would feature a sound that "come as a surprise for their fans". [2] The label added that the group "would come up with offbeat dance moves and styling to showcase something different this time". [2] On April 12, 2021, the group unveiled the track listing to the EP on the group's official SNS accounts and website, revealing "In the Morning" as the lead single. [4] The next day, the night version of a group teaser was revealed. [5] The next group teaser was released on April 14. [6] Starting from April 15, a series of teasers were posted everyday for the group's official social media. [7] [8] On April 25, Itzy released the highlight medley for their EP. [9] The first music video teaser for "In the Morning" was released on April 26. [10] On the next day, the second music video teaser for the song was published. [11] On April 28, the third music video teaser for the lead single was published. [12]
The standard edition of Guess Who is slightly under nineteen minutes long. The album features six songs which incorporate elements from country strings to lo-fi rhythms, and showcase the band's vocal skills. [13] [8] "In the Morning" was co-written and co-produced by JYP Entertainment founder Park Jin-young, who had previously worked on two of the group's hit singles, "Icy" and "Not Shy". [8] Other producers featured on the record include hitmakers Earattack, who worked with Got7, and frequent Kang Daniel collaborator JQ. [8] During a press event for the EP, the members shared that the title of Guess Who refers to how they show different emotions and personas in the songs while exploring their musicality. [13]
Personally, I think we'll be able to show our fans a deeper and more mature side of us through this album. This album is not just bright with happy songs, it's like our own takes and immersions complete the music and performance. Compared to the previous ones, I think our expressions and [the] stories we're telling may be the main point of this album
— Chaeryeong on the album's meaning. [14]
Inspired by the popular game Mafia, "In the Morning" is a "powerful" hip hop track with an "addictive" dance-trap composition, heightening the track's core concepts of ambiguity and suspense. [14] [13] [9] [15] The track's chorus sees the group explore various vocal styles backed by a "trippy" synth. [15] Lyrically, the song is about secretly stealing someone's heart. [15] The second song, "Sorry Not Sorry" is a "playful" and "laidback" track with a bouncy rock-inflected production that "highlights the title's devil-may-care attitude". [16] [14] [9] "Kidding Me", the third song, is an EDM song with a strong hip-hop beat and direct warning about demanding to be taken more seriously. [17] [14] [9] The song features trap drums and a "compelling" dance break. [16] The fourth song, "Wild Wild West" is a track with guitar loops and a sound reminiscent of western American music. [9] The song addresses a dangerous, unexpected attraction. [14] Sofiana Ramli from NME described it as "a fun epilogue to their rodeo-themed Not Shy". [16] The fifth track, "Shoot!" is a "boss-like" bossa nova and Latin trap song about slowly luring people into a lovestruck spell. [18] [19] [14] It employs a "futuristic" sound with a variety of musical instruments. [18] The closing track, "Tennis (0:0)" is a soft medium dance-pop and bubblegum pop track. [9] [14] [16] The song combines the five members' "sweet" voices with ordinary instruments such as an acoustic guitar and analog drum beats. [18] The track's title and lyrics refer to a game of tennis and how it ends with a score of 0:0, symbolizing that at the end it is "all about love and not winning fights". [18] In an interview with NME Ryujin revealed that she was inspired by Selena Gomez's "Bad Liar" while recording "Tennis". [20]
On March 2, 2021, JYP Entertainment uploaded a teaser poster with the EP's name, also announcing the release date. [8] Pre-orders for the album began on March 22. [2] On April 12, Itzy revealed the title of the album's lead single "In the Morning" and posted the album's track list. [8] Guess Who was released worldwide on April 30 through JYP in conjunction with the music video for "In the Morning". [9] In celebration of their comeback, the group held an online press conference an hour before the release to talk about the album. [21] On May 1, Itzy appeared on the South Korean TV show Knowing Bros . [22]
"In the Morning" was released as the lead single from Guess Who on April 30, 2021. [8] An accompanying music video for the song, was uploaded to JYP's YouTube channel simultaneously with the single's release. [13] In three days, the music video reached fifty million views. [23] Itzy promoted the song with televised live performances on various South Korean music programs including M Countdown , Show! Music Core , Music Bank and Inkigayo . [24]
Review scores | |
---|---|
Source | Rating |
IZM | [17] |
NME | [16] |
Pitchfork | 5.5/10 [1] |
Sofiana Ramli of NME awarded the extended play 4 out of 5 stars, describing it as "by far Itzy's most cohesive project in terms of sound". [16] The reviewer commended the hip hop musical direction on this record as the girl group "seem to have successfully found a brand of maximalist pop that works for them." [16] In a mixed review, Joshua Minsoo Kim of Pitchfork found that, although their debut "established the quintet as a massive new force in the industry", their latest release, Guess Who, was a disappointment, commenting that with the EP, Itzy "became more uncomfortable being themselves in the process". [1] IZM 's Dayeol Jeong felt the album "which must passively follow a set direction, controls the vitality of the five girls." [17]
On April 28, Guess Who surpassed 260,000 preorders, making it their best-selling album surpassing Not Shy with 200,000 copies. [25] According to Korea’s Hanteo Chart, the EP garnered sales of 200,130 copies in the first week of release from April 30 to May 6. [26] The EP debuted at number 1 on the Gaon Retail Album Chart with 58,291 copies sold in a week. [27] In South Korea, Guess Who debuted and peaked at number 2 for the week ending May 1, 2021. [28] The EP also entered at number 5 on the Gaon Album Chart for the month of April 2021 with less than a day of tracking and selling 232,570 copies. [29] All songs from Guess Who entered the Gaon Download Chart. Hugh McIntyre of Forbes described the EP as a bestseller in South Korea. [30] It was later certified as Platinum for over 250,000 shipments in Korea by the Korea Music Content Association.
In the US, the album entered various charts. It debuted and peaked at number 148 on the US Billboard 200, becoming the sixth highest-peaking album by a Korean female artist on the chart and making Itzy the seventh South Korean female artist to break into the chart, after BoA, Girls' Generation, 2NE1, Blackpink, Twice and Loona. [31] It also entered at number 2 on the US World Albums Chart, earning the group third top ten entry. [32] It also entered at number 1 on the US Heetseekers Albums, becoming their highest-charting album on the chart and becoming their best-selling project in the country. [33] In the same week, Itzy also ranked at number 99 on the Billboard Artist 100 Chart. [34]
In the UK, the album debuted at number 34 on the UK Album Downloads Chart for the week ending May 9, 2021 becoming the group's first ever entry on the chart. [35]
No. | Title | Lyrics | Music | Arrangement | Length |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. | "In the Morning" (마.피.아. In the morning; Ma.pi.a. in the Morning) |
|
|
| 2:52 |
2. | "Sorry Not Sorry" |
|
|
| 3:09 |
3. | "Kidding Me" |
|
|
| 3:33 |
4. | "Wild Wild West" | earattack |
| earattack | 3:23 |
5. | "Shoot!" |
|
|
| 2:19 |
6. | "Tennis (0:0)" |
|
| Coach & Sendo | 3:39 |
Total length: | 18:58 |
Weekly charts
| Monthly charts
Year-end charts
|
Region | Certification | Certified units/sales |
---|---|---|
South Korea (KMCA) [50] | Platinum | 365,353 [51] |
Region | Date | Format | Label | Ref. |
---|---|---|---|---|
South Korea | April 30, 2021 | [2] | ||
Various |
Itzy is a South Korean girl group formed by JYP Entertainment and consisting of members Yeji, Lia, Ryujin, Chaeryeong, and Yuna. They debuted on February 12, 2019, with the release of their single album It'z Different. Their accolades include Rookie of the Year at the 34th Golden Disc Awards, New Artist of the Year at the 9th Gaon Chart Music Awards and 2019 Melon Music Awards, Best New Female Artist at the 2019 Mnet Asian Music Awards, and the New Artist Award at the 29th Seoul Music Awards; they are the first K-pop girl group to achieve such a "Rookie Grand Slam".
"Dalla Dalla" is the debut single by South Korean girl group Itzy. The song was released to digital outlets as the lead single from their debut single album, It'z Different, on February 12, 2019, through JYP Entertainment. Written and composed by the music production group Galactika, the song is a "fusion" track that includes elements of EDM, hip hop, electropop, and house. Lyrically, "Dalla Dalla" revolves around themes of individuality, empowerment and self-confidence.
South Korean girl group Itzy have released three studio albums, one compilation album, nine extended plays, one single album, fourteen singles, eight promotional singles and one soundtrack.
It'z Icy is the first Korean extended play by the South Korean girl group Itzy released on July 29, 2019, by JYP Entertainment. "Icy" was released as the lead single from the EP. The physical release is available in two versions: IT'z and ICY.
"Icy" is a song by South Korean girl group Itzy from their debut EP, titled It'z Icy. It was released by JYP Entertainment as the lead single on July 29, 2019. An English-language version of "Icy" was included on Itzy's first English EP Not Shy , while a Japanese-language version was included on their first compilation album It'z Itzy with lyrics written by D&H.
It'z Me is the second Korean extended play by the South Korean girl group Itzy released on March 9, 2020, by JYP Entertainment. It features 7 tracks, including "Wannabe", the lead single from the EP. The physical release is available in three versions: IT'z, ME and WANNABE. It is their first Korean material since the release of It'z Icy in July 2019. It'z Me features a collaboration with Dutch DJ and electronic music producer Oliver Heldens. It was produced by Galactika, Oak Felder, Oliver Heldens, earattack, Shim Eunji, Collapsedone, Jin by Jin, SOPHIE and KASS. Musically, it is a K-pop record that contains influences of dance, hip hop and rock.
"Wannabe" is a song that was recorded by South Korean girl group Itzy and released on their second extended play (EP) titled It'z Me. JYP Entertainment released the song as the EP's lead single on March 9, 2020. It was written and produced by Galactika, who also produced the band's debut track "Dalla Dalla". The song combines house and hip-hop/pop production, and bubblegum-pop melodies.
"Not Shy" is a song recorded by South Korean girl group Itzy for their third extended play of the same name. It was released as the EP's lead single through JYP Entertainment and Republic on August 17, 2020. It is a song that blends R&B and trap-dance, driven by rapid beats and 'intense' saxophone sounds. With a mix of hip-hop, pop, and Caribbean influences, featuring lyrics by J.Y. Park. The song encourages confident expression of love without hesitation, reflecting a notable shift in the group's style with its upbeat tempo and empowering message.
Not Shy is the third extended play by South Korean girl group Itzy. It was released on August 17, 2020, by JYP Entertainment. It is available in three versions and contains six tracks, including the lead single of the same name. The EP marks a growth in music production and collaboration as they tap known hitmakers such as SM Entertainment songwriter Kenzie and producers LDN Noise. Musically, Not Shy is a K-pop record that contains influences of pop rock and hip hop.
"In the Morning" is a song recorded by South Korean girl group Itzy. It was released on April 30, 2021, through JYP Entertainment, as the lead single from the group's fourth extended play, Guess Who. An English version was released as a single on May 14, 2021. It was produced by JYP Entertainment's founder, J.Y. Park, alongside South Korean songwriters Danke and Kass and composer Lee Hae-sol.
Crazy in Love is the first studio album by South Korean girl group Itzy. It consists of sixteen tracks, including the lead single "Loco". It was released on September 24, 2021, by JYP Entertainment.
"Loco" is a song recorded by South Korean girl group Itzy for their first Korean studio album Crazy in Love. It was released as the lead single on September 24, 2021, by JYP Entertainment. An English version was also included in the album. The lyrics were written by Star Wars (Galactika), and the music was composed by Star Wars (Galactika), Atenna (Galactika), and Woo Bin (Galactika), and arranged by Team Galactika. The English version was written by Star Wars (Galactika) and Sophia Pae.
Choi Ji-su, known mononymously as Lia (Korean: 리아), is a South Korean singer. She is a member of the South Korean girl group Itzy.
Checkmate is the fifth extended play (EP) by South Korean girl group Itzy. It was released on July 15, 2022, through JYP Entertainment, and Republic Records. The EP consists of seven tracks, including the lead single "Sneakers".
"Sneakers" is a song recorded by South Korean girl group Itzy. It was released on July 15, 2022, by JYP Entertainment and Republic Records, as the lead single for their fifth extended play Checkmate. Both Korean and English versions of the song were included in the extended play. The electro-pop track was written and produced by Didrik Thott, Jessica Pierpoint, Sebastian Thott, Friday, and Ogi (Galactika). An accompanying music video was released alongside the single on YouTube featuring a royal concept.
"Boys Like You" is a song recorded by the South Korean girl group Itzy. It was released by JYP Entertainment and Republic Records on October 21, 2022. The song is the group's first English single and serves as a pre-release for the group's sixth EP Cheshire. "Boys Like You" is a pop song with punk elements composed by Didrik Thott, Sebastian Thott, Hayley Aitken and written by Didrik Thott, Hayley Aitken, Sara Davis, Ellie Suh (153/Joombas) and Juhee Lee (MUMW).
Cheshire is the sixth extended play by South Korean girl group Itzy. It was released by JYP Entertainment and Republic Records on November 30, 2022, and contains four tracks, including the pre-release English-language single "Boys Like You", and the lead single of the same name.
"Cheshire" is a song recorded by South Korean girl group Itzy for their sixth extended play of the same name. It was released as the EP's lead single by JYP Entertainment and Republic Records on November 30, 2022.
Kill My Doubt is the seventh extended play (EP) by South Korean girl group Itzy, released on July 31, 2023, through JYP Entertainment, Republic Records, and Dreamus, eight months following the release of Cheshire (2022).
"Untouchable" is a song recorded by the South Korean girl group Itzy for their second studio album Born to Be (2024). It was released as the album's lead single through JYP Entertainment on January 8, 2024. Written by Bang Hye-hyun and Lee Seu-ran, the track carries elements of dance-pop and EDM. Lyrically, "Untouchable" conveys a message of resilience in facing the hardships of reality.