I Trust | ||||
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Released | April 6, 2020 | |||
Recorded | 2019–2020 | |||
Studio | Cube Studio | |||
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Length | 16:33 | |||
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Producer |
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(G)I-dle chronology | ||||
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Singles from I Trust | ||||
I Trust (stylized in sentence case) is the third Korean extended play (fourth overall) by South Korean girl group (G)I-dle. It was released digitally on April 6,2020 and physically on April 7,2020 by Cube Entertainment. I Trust features 5 tracks including the previously released single "Lion" and the lead single "Oh My God",which was produced and written by Soyeon alongside Big Sancho. [3] The physical version is available in two versions:"True" and "Lie". [4] I Trust is the followup to their second EP I Made ,released in 2019.
The EP debuted atop the Gaon Album Chart and became (G)I-dle's best selling work since debut,selling 112,075 copies in its first week. [5]
"The goal of the album was to epitomize all emotions that one person can feel, and I wanted to put together both good and gloomy feelings in one album."
— Soyeon talking about I Trust. [6]
On February 18, 2020, it was reported that (G)I-dle were set to comeback in mid-March ahead of their world tour I-Land: Who Am I. It was also reported that the group were filming a music video on the same day. [7] The release, however, was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. [8]
On March 19, 2020, Cube Entertainment announced that (G)I-dle would be making a comeback with an extended play in early April. They had already completed their album jacket photoshoot, filming of the music video and were in the final stages of comeback preparations. [9] Later the same month, Cube officially announced their comeback with the released artwork teaser image of the third mini-album I Trust through their official social network service. The teaser contains the album name and release date. [10] [11]
I Trust is (G)I-dle's third release in the 'I' series, following I Am and I Made . I Trust comes from setting the subject of belief as "myself". The theme of the album is 'I trust = I trust myself' and through this (G)I-dle showcases their own unique confidence. [12] Soyeon revealed she got inspired by watching isekai anime, KonoSuba: God's Blessing on this Wonderful World! Legend of Crimson for the whole album concept. [13] [14]
(G)I-dle released two album versions for I Trust containing different colour themes which conveys a "collision with reality—meeting halfway between their reality and what society expects from them". In a white-colour theme, Lie version represents how the group see themselves as innocence, pure and trust in oneself. The black-colour theme, True is to represent how the society views them "even though we try to stick to our original goals". [15]
I Trust is an album that contains the personalities of (G)I-dle starting with 'I' and 'Trust' derived from believing in one self. The opening track of the album, "Oh my god" is an urban hip-hop track with a bold rhythm that changes with every development of the song, expressing the theme 'I can be confident just by believing in myself' while experiencing feelings of rejection and confusion. [16] [17]
"Luv U" is a trap song which combines heavy 808 bass, hard drum beats, and tongue-clicking sounds recorded by member Soyeon which creates a playful yet serious, bright but dark atmosphere. [18] The lyrics express a strong energy of love and revolve around a situation when you have to believe in yourself. [19] Soulbeats called it "borderline industrial, with pops, clicks, riffs that read more like sounds than music, but composed so deftly that they form a clear melody and rhythm". [20] [ unreliable source? ]
"Maybe" is a dream-like dance-pop song that combines slow chord progression and minimalist electronic instrumentation, though the rubbery synths and staccato drums play against the scratched strings for a spectacular drop. [18] [20] It represents the confusion one faces when coming to believe in themselves. [19]
On March 26, 2020, Cube Entertainment released a time table for (G)I-dle's third extended play through their official homepage and SNS, which showed the group's promotion schedule beginning March 27 until the release of their album on April 7. [21] [22] The following day, the first official concept trailer for the album was released. The trailer contained the whispering of someone but it was difficult to interpret its meaning. [23] [24] On March 28, the first teaser photo was revealed, [25] and followed with second teaser photo and concept video on March 29. [26] [27] On April 1, Cube launched the (G)I-dle's chic violet exclusive emoji for using hashtags #여자아이들, #GIDLE, #아이들_오마이갓, #GIDLE_OMG and #I_trust. [28] These emojis were effective until April 30, 2020. [29] [30] Subsequently, the group released individual and group jacket album photos. The photos feature the members wearing dark dresses with snake-shaped props and accessories, creating a mysterious and fascinating atmosphere for the True version on April 1, and wearing white dresses with light feathers and flowers to add a pure and light atmosphere for the Lie version on April 2. [31] [32]
The group held an online live media showcase before the song's digital release with Jo Kwon as the MC. [17]
(G)I-dle continue their promotion activities with follow-up song "Luv U" starting April 28, on SBS MTV The Show to repay the love sent from their fans for I Trust. [33] The promotions of the song ended on May 3.
"Lion" serves as the album's pre-release single. [34] It was released alongside a music video on October 25, 2019. It peaked at number 5 on the World Digital Song Sales chart, earning (G)I-dle their fifth top 10 hit, while reaching the top twenty in South Korea. [35] [36] (G)I-dle performed "Lion" for the first time in the Queendom final live broadcast on October 31, 2019. [37]
"Oh my god" was released as the album's lead single on April 6, 2020, with the accompanying music video. In South Korea, the song debuted and peaked at number 15 on the Gaon Digital Chart. Moreover, the song attained international success, peaking at number three on Billboard's World Digital Songs chart. "Oh My God" debuted in the charts of several countries, including Hungary, Thailand and Scotland. The song gave (G)I-dle four music show wins.
Review scores | |
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Source | Rating |
IZM | [38] |
Writing for IZM , Kim Do-heon described the EP as "it avoids the trap of self-reproduction or boredom through various variations". He continued and praised Soyeon's designing the song by grasping the individuality and the breath of her team members. [38]
Pop music critic Seo Jeong Min-gap included (G)I-dle's I Trust in the list of albums 'If You Don't Listen, You Will Regret It'. [39] Lee Jeong-beom of XSports News included "Luv U" on his list of the "10 K-pop Girl groups' B-Sides that left an impression and helped improve the quality of my life this year". In his article, he wrote that the song expressed a cute side to a strong character and saying "it takes risks to show a side that is not customary for a certain field of creation." He concluded, "The song received high marks for expressing a character that was strong outside but soft inside through a fun, energetic and charming way." [40]
Critic/Publication | List | Rank | Notes | Ref. |
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Dazed | The 40 Best K-pop Songs of 2020 | 18 | "Oh My God" | [41] |
MTV | Best Kpop B-sides of 2020 | 15 | "Luv U" | [42] |
Tonplein | Best Songs of 2020 | 15 | "Oh My God" | [43] |
Rolling Stone India | 20 Best K-pop Music Videos of 2020 | 4 | Music video | [44] |
According to Hanteo, the album sold 91,311 physical copies on the first day of availability, becoming their fastest and best-selling album to date, [45] demonstrating a growth rate of 495%, [46] and the second-highest (behind Iz*One's Bloom*Iz ) first day sales by a girl group on Hanteo. [47] In under three days of its release, the album recorded 100,000 physical copies sold, [48] and later, it topped the album charts in 15 retail stores. [49] I Trust debuted at number one on South Korea's Gaon Album Chart, becoming (G)-I-dle's first number one album in their home country. It is also their first album to have all tracks debut on the Gaon Download Chart. [50]
I Trust debuted at number 7 on the KKBOX Hong Kong Korean Album Weekly Chart. [51] Later, it peaked and charted at number 3 for week 16 and 18 of 2020. [52] [53]
It was reported that I Trust set the highest record for a South Korean girl group to topped iTunes Top Albums chart in 62 countries worldwide. [54] [55] [56] The album also ranked first in the United States on iTunes Pop Album Chart, K-Pop Album Chart, and K-Pop Song Chart. [57] The album scored their best one-week sales with 1,000 copies and a total of 2,000 album-equivalent units in the week ending April 9, debuting at number 4 on Billboard's World Albums Chart. [58]
On May 6, (G)I-dle debuted at Rolling Stone's Top 25 Breakthrough chart as the only K-Pop group to chart for the month of April at the top 20 spot with a unit growth of 3.3 million and over 5.5 million total on demand audio streams in the U.S. [59] [60]
On July 13, it reported that I Trust rank in the Top 20 albums for Gaon's Mid Year Album Sale Chart, with 151,108 album sales. (G)I-dle remains one of two 2018 rookie female groups and only female artists to come from a "non big three" company in the top 20. [61]
All lyrics are written by Soyeon; all music is composed and arranged by her and Big Sancho, except where noted
No. | Title | Music | Arrangement | Length |
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1. | "Oh My God" | 3:15 | ||
2. | "Luv U" (사랑해) | 3:33 | ||
3. | "Maybe" |
| Lee Woo-min 'Collapsedone' | 3:00 |
4. | "Lion" | 3:30 | ||
5. | "Oh My God" (English version) | 3:15 | ||
Total length: | 16:33 |
Additional personnel
Year | Organization | Category | Result | Ref. |
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2020 | NetEase Cloud Music Award | Popular Album of the Year | Won | [62] |
Best Creativity of the Year | Nominated |
Chart (2020) | Peak position |
---|---|
Japanese Albums (Oricon) [63] | 48 |
Polish Albums (ZPAV) [64] | 30 |
Portuguese Albums (AFP) [65] | 16 |
South Korean Albums (Gaon) [66] | 1 |
Spanish Albums (Promusicae) [67] | 34 |
US Top Current Album Sales (Billboard) [68] | 81 |
US World Albums (Billboard) [69] | 4 |
Chart (2020) | Peak position |
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South Korea (Gaon Album Chart) [70] | 3 |
Region | Certification | Certified units/sales |
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South Korea | — | 151,108 [61] |
United States | — | 2,000 [58] |
Region | Date | Format | Distributor | Ref. |
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South Korea | April 6, 2020 | Digital download, streaming | [71] | |
United States |
| [1] | ||
Various |
| [72] | ||
South Korea | April 7, 2020 | CD | ||
Japan |
| [73] |
I Burn is the fourth Korean extended play by South Korean girl group (G)I-dle. It was released on January 11, 2021, by Cube Entertainment and Republic Records. The EP consists of three physical versions: Winter, Flower and Fire, and contains six tracks, including the lead single "Hwaa". The album contains various emotions felt in the process of regaining happiness after separation. I Burn is the fourth of the 'I' series, which started from the debut album, I Am (2018). Commercially, the EP surpassed 200,000 copies, making it the group's first project to do so. I Burn is the group's final release as a sextet, before Soojin's hiatus and subsequent departure from the group in August 2021.
Jeon So-yeon, known mononymously as Soyeon, is a South Korean rapper and record producer under Cube Entertainment. She first gained attention for competing in the television shows Produce 101 and Unpretty Rapstar before debuting as a solo artist on November 5, 2017. On May 2, 2018, she debuted as the leader and rapper of the girl group (G)I-dle, for whom she has written and produced most title songs. She is also part of SM Station X girl group project Station Young and has portrayed League of Legends character Akali in the virtual musical groups K/DA and True Damage.
(G)I-dle is a South Korean girl group formed by Cube Entertainment in 2018. The group consists of five members: Miyeon, Minnie, Soyeon, Yuqi, and Shuhua. The group was originally a sextet, until Soojin left the group on August 14, 2021. They are praised for their musicality, versatility, and for breaking stereotypes as a "self-producing" idol group, known for writing and producing much of their material. Since their debut, they have been acknowledged as one of the most successful South Korean girl groups outside of the "big four" record labels.
I Am is the debut extended play by South Korean girl group (G)I-dle. The album was released digitally on May 2, 2018, and physically on May 3, 2018, by Cube Entertainment. The album contains six tracks including the lead single, "Latata", which was composed by Big Sancho and member Soyeon, and is a blend of several different genres.
"Latata" is the debut single recorded by South Korean girl group (G)I-dle as the lead single from their debut Korean extended play (EP) I Am. It was released on May 2, 2018, by Cube Entertainment and distributed by Kakao M. It was written by member Soyeon, who also produced the song alongside Big Sancho. A music video for the song was also released on the same day. Promotions for the song resulted in (G)I-dle's first music show win on SBS MTV's The Show on May 22, 2018. The song also resulted in a second win on Mnet's M Countdown.
"Hann (Alone)" (Korean: 한(一); stylized as "HANN (Alone)") is a song recorded by South Korean girl group (G)I-dle. It was released on August 14, 2018, by Cube Entertainment as a digital single. A music video for the song was also released on August 14.
I Made is the second extended play by South Korean girl group (G)I-dle. The album was released digitally and physically on February 26, 2019. The album contains five tracks including the lead single, "Senorita", which was composed by member Soyeon and producer Big Sancho.
"Senorita" is a song recorded by South Korean girl group (G)I-dle. It was released on February 26, 2019, as the title track from the group's second EP I Made (2019).
"Uh-Oh" is a song recorded by South Korean girl group (G)I-dle. It was released on June 26, 2019, by Cube Entertainment as their second digital single.
"Lion" is a song recorded by (G)I-dle, a South Korean girl group who participated in the reality girl group survival show, Queendom. It was released digitally on October 25, 2019, as part of the show's extended play Queendom Final Comeback. Its lyrics were written by Jeon So-yeon, who also composed, produced and arranged the song with Big Sancho. (G)I-dle went on to finish third in show.
"Oh My God" is a song recorded by South Korean girl group (G)I-dle as the lead single for their third extended play I Trust. It was released in both Korean and English through Cube Entertainment and Kakao M on April 6, 2020. It is an urban hip hop track with trap and pop influence. Its lyrics revolve around the themes of self-trust, and contrasts between light and dark, purity and sin. It was written by Soyeon and composed by her and long-time collaborator Big Sancho, while the lyrics for the English version were translated by Lauren Kaori.
"I'm the Trend" is a song recorded by South Korean girl group (G)I-dle dedicated for their fans, Neverland. It was released as a digital single on July 7, 2020 by Cube Entertainment. The single is composed by members Minnie and Yuqi, Yuto of Pentagon and FCM Houdini. The song was unveiled during their first online concert I-Land: Who Am I on July 5, 2020. An accompanying special clip for the song was uploaded onto (G)I-dle's YouTube channel simultaneously with the single's release.
Dumdi Dumdi is the first single album by South Korean girl group (G)I-dle. The single album was released digitally and physically on August 3, 2020, by Cube Entertainment in both a Korean and Chinese version. The physical version is available in two versions: "Day" and "Night". The single contains two tracks, including the lead single of the same name. The group participated in visual concept planning such as hair, makeup, and styling, and leader Soyeon participated in lyrics, composition, and arrangement. Commercially, the album recorded 94,587 copies of one-week sales, making (G)I-dle the second girl group to break the single album sales record.
"Dumdi Dumdi" is a song recorded by South Korean girl group (G)I-dle, released on August 3, 2020, by Cube Entertainment and Republic Records as the lead single of the group's single album of the same name. It was written by member Soyeon, who also produced the song alongside Pop Time who has produced many of Zico and Block B's songs.
"Hwaa" is a song recorded by South Korean girl group (G)I-DLE, released on January 11, 2021, by Cube Entertainment and Republic Records as the lead single of the group's fourth extended play, I Burn. The song is written by member Soyeon and co-produced by Pop Time. The inspiration for the song came to Soyeon when member Shuhua once said 'winter girl' in a conversation. She took the idea and created the concept of a woman trapped in winter. Musically, it is a moombahton, dark pop, dream pop and synth-pop track with oriental instrumentations, and contains double entendres about fire and flowers. The song was the last single released by (G)I-DLE as a sextet, before Soojin's departure from the group in August 2021.
Windy is the debut extended play by South Korean rapper and record producer Soyeon. It was released digitally on July 5, 2021, and physically on July 6, 2021, through Cube Entertainment and Republic Records. Windy consists of five tracks, including the lead single "Beam Beam". The album introduces Soyeon's alter ego Windy, who explores her current and dream 20's.
I Never Die is the first studio album by South Korean girl group (G)I-dle. It was released digitally on March 14, 2022 and physically the following day, by Cube Entertainment. It consists of three physical versions: RiSKY, CHiLL and SPOiLED, and contains eight tracks, including the lead single "Tomboy". The album marks the group's first release as a quintet following the departure of member Soojin in August 2021, and the fifth release in the 'I' series, following I Burn (2021). Members Soyeon, Minnie, and Yuqi served as the album's primary producers and songwriters.
"Tomboy" is a song recorded by South Korean girl group (G)I-dle for their first studio album I Never Die. It was released as the album's lead single by Cube Entertainment on March 14, 2022. The song marked the first release of (G)I-dle as a quintet following the departure of member Soojin in August 2021. It is an alt-rock and pop punk song that takes influence from rock music. It incorporates guitar riffs, drum beats, and lyrics that revolve around breaking the mold of being a perfect girlfriend.
"My Bag" is a song by South Korean girl group (G)I-dle for their first studio album, I Never Die released on March 14, 2022, as the eight-track on the album. Written by Soyeon and co-produced by Nathan, the song's musical style focuses on the rap by all members of (G)I-dle as Soyeon commented the song "[is] something that only (G)I-dle can do". A part of the song interpolates elements from their previous singles "Latata," "Hann," "Senorita," "Dumdi Dumdi," and "Hwaa".
"Nxde" is a song by South Korean girl group (G)I-dle. It was released through Cube Entertainment on October 17, 2022, as the lead single of the group's fifth extended play, I Love (2022). It was written, composed, and arranged by Soyeon with additional composition and arrangement credits by PopTime and Kako. Musically, it is an alternative pop song that utilizes jazzy instrumentations while its lyrics revolve around the notion of expressing one's true self.