It'z Me

Last updated

"ITZY finished filming the music video for their comeback ahead of their showcase tour in the United States. The exact timing of their comeback is undecided."

— JYP Entertainment shared to Xportsnews. [4]

On January 28, 2020, it was reported that Itzy had finished filming their music video for a new song and are in the final stages of comeback preparations. [5] It was also revealed that Itzy will return with new music in spring. On February 13, News1 reported that ITZY are in the final stages of preparation to make a comeback on March 9. In the response to the article, JYP Entertainment commented: “It is true that they are preparing to make a comeback with March 9 in mind. The date will be announced once it is confirmed.” [6] It'z Me is Itzy's third 'It'z' series following It'z Different and It'z Icy . The EP was released on March 9, 2020, through several music portals including iTunes.

Music and composition

At seven tracks, It'z Me is the longest EP in Itzy's catalogue. The album's overall sound becomes harder and it features also more electronic productions. [7] Musically, It'z Me is a K-pop record that contains influences of dance, hip hop and rock and continues to show the girl group exploring new areas in the K-pop scene and carving out their own musical identity.

The lead single from the album, "Wannabe", employs a churning combo of house and hip-hop/pop production for the girls to mix in a bubblegum-pop melodies and proclaim create a confident beat for the girls to get down to. [2] It was written and produced by Galactika, who also helmed their debut track "Dalla Dalla". Itzy's collaboration with Heldens, “Ting Ting Ting” is a "rowdy-yet-fierce EDM cut" that sends forth swarming determination and courage. "That's a No No" has the loudest beat which complements the powerful raps and vocals of the members. "Nobody Like You" is a rock song, is about someone who establishes an admiration for someone. "You Make Me" clamors curiosity for someone whom she developed feelings with and made her speechless. "I Don't Wanna Dance" is a song with EDM elements. The song possesses party vibe with a distinguishable repetitive lyrics. "24Hrs" is a "quirky-pop stomper" that indicates the girls’ full existence for “24 Hrs”. The song also claims their freedom and self-determination to what comes their way. [3]

Oliver Heldens co-produced "Ting Ting Ting". Airbeat One 2015 Oliver Heldens by Denis Apel-1666.jpg
Oliver Heldens co-produced "Ting Ting Ting".

Promotion

On February 18, the first group teaser was released. [8] The next day the second group teaser was revealed. [9] Itzy then unveiled the third group teaser photo on February 20. [10] On February 23, Yeji's teaser posters were revealed. [11] On the following day, individual teaser photos of Lia were dropped. [12] Ryujin's teaser posters were revealed on February 25. [13] Chaeryeong’'s teaser posters were revealed the next day. [14] Yuna's teaser posters were finally revealed on February 27. [15] On the first day of March, the official tracklist of the album was revealed. [16] The music video teasers were released on March 4 and March 5. [17] [18]

Singles

"Wannabe" was released on March 9, 2020, as the lead single from the album. [2] On the same day, the music video of the song was released on YouTube. [19] The music video was directed by the Naive Creative Production. Within 24 hours, the music video accumulated over 11 million views and has, as of April 2020, accumulated more than 100 million views on the platform making their fastest music video to reach that. Commercially, the single reached the charts in eight countries, peaking at number six in South Korea. The song also debuted at number 4 on the US World Digital Song Sales chart. It also became the group's first top-five entry since "Dalla Dalla" and their third top-ten entry overall, respectively. [20] In New Zealand the song peaked at number 22 on the Hot Singles chart. [21] In Japan "Wannabe" debuted and peaked at number 23, making it their highest peak on that chart. [22] "Wannabe" also marks the group's debut on the Canadian Hot 100 at number 92, becoming only the seventh K-pop female act to appear on the chart (after CL, Red Velvet and Twice). The song topped the charts in Malaysia and Singapore, becoming their first number-one song on both charts. [23] [24]

Live performances

Itzy promoted the album and its songs on several live performances. On March 12, 2020, the group made the debut performance of 'Wannabe" on M Countdown . [25] On March 13, they performed the song on Music Bank. [26] Itzy performed the song again on Show! Music Core on March 14. [27] On March 15, Itzy performed the song on Inkigayo . [28] On March 20, the song was again performed on Music Bank. [29] On April 4, Itzy performed the song on Show! Music Core. [30] On April 6, they performed "Wannabe" once again on Inkigayo. [31]

Critical reception

It'z Me
Itz me - wannabe ver.png
Digital cover
EP by
ReleasedMarch 9, 2020 (2020-03-09)
Recorded2019–2020
StudioJYPE Studios
Genre
Length21:27
Language
  • Korean
  • English
Label
Itzy chronology
It'z Icy
(2019)
It'z Me
(2020)
Not Shy
(2020)
Singles from It'z Me
  1. "Wannabe"
    Released: March 9, 2020
Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
IZM Star full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svgStar empty.svgStar empty.svg [32]
Billboard favorable [33]

Writing for IZM Kim Do-heon was mixed in his review, praising "The five members of Yeji, Lia, Ryujin, Chaeryeong, and Yuna in Wannabe's refrain, I don't wanna be somebody / Just wanna be me Exclaim. Contrary to intention, however, there are traces of numerous' Wannabe 'like the song title at this point where the members' voices are gathered together. JYP's unique and vibrant image is gathered in a combination of two-one-one melody and refrain of metal guitar riff, five-member composition and vocal operation overlapping Blackpink and Red Velvet, and inherited from Miss A and Twice." [32]

Writing for Billboard , Jeff Benjamin said that "Itzy continue their string of empowering and confident singles with the most striking difference in It'z Me coming from the group's overall sound becoming harder and featuring more electronic productions."

Commercial performance

"Wannabe" debuted at number 6 on the Gaon Digital Chart, giving the group their third top ten song. [34] The song debuted at number 4 on the US World Digital Song Sales chart. It also became the group's first top-five entry since "Dalla Dalla" and their third top-ten entry overall, respectively. [20] In New Zealand the song peaked at number 22 on the Hot Singles chart. [21] In Japan "Wannabe" debuted and peaked at number 23, making it their highest peak on that chart. [22] "Wannabe" also marks the group's debut on the Canadian Hot 100 at number 92, becoming only the fifth K-pop female act to appear on the chart. The song topped the charts in Malaysia and Singapore, becoming their first number-one song on both charts. [23] [24]

On March 21, It'z Me debuted and peaked at number 5 on the US Billboard World Albums chart, but did not make an impact on the Billboard Heatseekers Albums. [35] According to Hanteo, the album went on to sell over 34,000 physical copies on the first day of availability, selling twice as many copies as It'z Icy.[ citation needed ] The extended play also debuted atop the Gaon Weekly Album Chart, becoming their first number one album in the country. [36] It has also debuted and peaked at number 27 in Poland, marking it their first ever appearance on a European chart.

Track listing

It'z Me track listing
No.TitleLyricsMusicArrangementLength
1."Wannabe"GalactikaGalactikaTeam Galactika3:12
2."Ting Ting Ting" (with Oliver Heldens)
  • Oak Felder
  • Oliver Heldens [37]
3:39
3."That's a No No"
  • Shim Eunji
  • KASS
  • Shim Eunji
  • KASS [38]
3:00
4."Nobody Like You"
  • Lee Woo-min ‘Collapsedone’
  • Josh Record
  • Andrew Bullimore
Lee Woo-min ‘Collapsedone’ [39] 3:17
5."You Make Me"
  • Lee Seu-ran
  • earattack
  • Miranda Glory Inzunza
  • earattack
  • Miranda Glory Inzunza
  • Matthew Ferree
  • earattack
  • 공도 [40]
3:03
6."I Don't Wanna Dance"
  • JQ (제이큐)
  • makeumine works (정세희)
Jin by Jin [41] 3:09
7."24Hrs" Penomeco SOPHIE [42] 2:07
Total length:21:27

Charts

Weekly sales chart performance for It'z Me
Chart (2020)Peak
position
Japanese Albums (Oricon) [43] 13
Japan Hot Albums ( Billboard Japan ) [44] 37
Polish Albums (ZPAV) [45] 27
South Korean Albums (Gaon) [36] 1
US World Albums (Billboard) [35] 5
Monthly sales chart performance for It'z Me
Chart (2020)Peak
position
South Korea (Gaon Album Chart) [46] 4

Certifications and sales figures

Sales certifiations and figures for It'z Me
RegionCertification Certified units/sales
Japan10,386 [47]
South Korea198,251 [48]
United States2,000 [7]

Release history

Release formats for It'z Me
RegionDateFormatLabelRef.
South KoreaMarch 9, 2020
VariousDigital download, streaming [49]

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Itzy</span> South Korean girl group

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".

<i>Itz Different</i> 2019 single album by Itzy

It'z Different is the debut single album by South Korean girl group Itzy. It was released on February 12, 2019, by JYP Entertainment with the lead single "Dalla Dalla".

"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.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Itzy discography</span>

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.

<i>Itz Icy</i> 2019 extended play by Itzy

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.

"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.

<i>María</i> (EP) 2020 EP by Hwasa

María is the debut extended play by South Korean singer and Mamamoo member Hwasa. It was released on June 29, 2020, through RBW. The EP was supported by two singles: the lead single "Twit", which reached number one in South Korea, and the title track "María". For María, Hwasa recorded 5 new tracks including two collaborations: "Kidding" with rapper Zico and "I'm bad too" featuring DPR live. The album was co-written and produced by Hwasa alongside Park Woo-sang. She stated that the album "is like a diary that contains the emotions she felt as a 24-year-old".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Not Shy (song)</span> 2020 single by Itzy

"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.

<i>Not Shy</i> 2020 EP by Itzy

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.

<i>Guess Who</i> (EP) 2021 EP by Itzy

Guess 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, 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.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">In the Morning (Itzy song)</span> 2021 single by Itzy

"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.

<i>Crazy in Love</i> (Itzy album) 2021 studio album by Itzy

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.

"O.O" is a song recorded by South Korean girl group Nmixx for their debut single album Ad Mare. It was released as the lead single by JYP Entertainment on February 22, 2022.

"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.

"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.

"Cake" is a song recorded by South Korean girl group Itzy for their seventh extended play Kill My Doubt. It was released as the EP's lead single by JYP Entertainment and Republic Records on July 31, 2023.

<i>Ringo</i> (Itzy album) 2023 studio album by Itzy

Ringo is the first Japanese-language and second overall studio album by South Korean girl group Itzy. It was released by Warner Music Japan on October 18, 2023. Led by the lead single of the same name, the album contains 11 tracks, including the singles "Voltage" and "Blah Blah Blah"; and the Japanese versions of "Sneakers", "Cheshire", and "Trust Me (Midzy)".

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