Monster (Red Velvet – Irene & Seulgi song)

Last updated

"Monster"
Single by Red Velvet - Irene & Seulgi
from the EP Monster
LanguageKorean
ReleasedJuly 6, 2020 (2020-07-06)
Recorded2020
Studio SM Studios, Seoul, South Korea
Genre
Length2:58
Label
Composer(s)
Lyricist(s) Kenzie
Red Velvet - Irene & Seulgi singles chronology
"Monster"
(2020)
"Naughty"
(2020)
Music video
"Monster" on YouTube

"Monster" is a song recorded by Red Velvet - Irene & Seulgi, the first sub-unit of South Korean girl group Red Velvet, for their 2020 eponymous debut extended play. A dance-pop track with influence from dubstep genre, the song was written by songwriter Kenzie, while production was handled by Yaakov 'Yash' Gruzman, Jenson Vaughn, Delaney Jane and Yoo Young-jin. It was released on July 6, 2020 by SM Entertainment and Dreamus, serving as the lead single from their first major release. [1]

Contents

Music video

The music video for the song was scheduled to be released with the song on July 6 but it was delayed and eventually released the next day. [2] On June 4, 2021, the music video for the track reached 100 million views on YouTube.

Commercial performance

"Monster" debuted at number 8 on the South Korean Gaon Digital Chart, becoming the duo's first top 10 hit. It debuted atop the Download chart for the period July 5—11, 2020 and peaked at number 13 on the component Streaming Chart. [3] [4] The song entered the Billboard K-Pop 100 at number 28 on the chart issue dated July 11, 2020. [5] It peaked at number three in the following week. [6] The track appeared as the 157th biggest hit single on 2020's Gaon Year-End Digital Chart. [7]

In Malaysia, "Monster" debuted at 16, and peaked at eight. [8] [9] The song debuted at number 30 on the New Zealand Hot Singles Chart. [10] In Singapore, the track debuted at 18 on the Streaming Chart, and peaked at five. [11] [12] The song also debuted at number six on the Regional Chart, and peaked at two. [13] [14] On the Billboard World Digital Song Sales chart, the track debuted and peaked at number seven becoming the duo's first top 10 hit on the chart. [15]

Critical reception

Following its initial release, "Monster" was met with mixed to positive reviews from music critics. Rania Aniftos of Billboard magazine described the track as "bold", further praising Irene and Seulgi for "preaching their confident individuality, and the "monster" inside as they deliver sultry choreography weaved in with eerie, paranormal scenery.". [16] Writer Riddhi Chakraborty of Rolling Stone India described the song as "one of the most stand-out singles of the year" referring to the subunit's "fascinating use of dark pop and dubstep". [17] On another song review, writers Kim Sung-hwan, Yeol Shim-hi, Yoo Seong-eun, and Cha Yoo-jung of Y-Magazine described the track as "well-organized, from narratives reminiscent of delicate horror movies", further adding the "style with the energy of thought in the midst of mystery by utilizing its bold movements and images of femme fatale", while rating the track with three point five stars out of five. [18] In an individual album review, Kim Do-heon of IZM viewed the track as "a neat composition without superfluousness" adding that "there is a lack of element that can be imprinted". [19]

Buzzfeed ranked the song number 30 on their list, citing it as "delightfully scary as they detail possessing someone and toying with them as they struggle to break free from their hold". [20] Dazed magazine chose the song as one of their 40 best K-pop songs of 2020 describing the subunit's "gratifyingly noisy, and lyrically teasing" song. [21] The song was featured on Metro's 'The best K-Pop comebacks of 2020 ranked' at number 8, describing "Monster" as "sexy and slightly terrifying". [22] Nación Rex described the song as "elegant, mysterious, and obscure" further praising Irene and Seulgi for portraying their "artistic essence". [23] Rolling Stone India praised the song as "plenty of glamor and glitter" further adding the "imagery that can only be defined as creepy". [24] Furthermore, Teen Vogue described the song as "ferocious" and "intensely fun". [25]

Accolades

On July 17, 2020, "Monster" managed to achieve a music show trophy from Music Bank. It also got nominated for the "Artist of the Year – Digital Music (July)" in Gaon Chart Music Awards. However, Kriz who worked in the song's chorus won the "Performer of the Year - Chorus" in the same award show.

Awards and nominations for "Monster"
YearOrganizationAwardResultRef.
2021 Gaon Chart Music Awards Artist of the Year – Digital Music (July)Nominated [26]
Performer of the Year – Chorus [upper-alpha 1] Won [27]
Music program awards
ProgramDateRef.
Music Bank July 17, 2020 [28]

Credits and personnel

Credits adapted from the liner notes of Monster. [29]

Studio

Personnel

Charts

Release history

Release dates and formats for "Monster"
RegionDateFormat(s)Label(s)Ref.
VariousJuly 6, 2020 [33]

See also

Notes

  1. Kriz was credited as nominee

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Red Velvet (group)</span> South Korean girl group

Red Velvet is a South Korean girl group formed and managed by SM Entertainment. They originally debuted on August 1, 2014, with the single "Happiness" with the four-member line-up of Irene, Seulgi, Wendy and Joy. A fifth member, Yeri, joined in March 2015, following the release of their first extended play, Ice Cream Cake. Sonically, the music of Red Velvet reflects their group name: their predominantly-pop "red" side experiments occasionally with electronic and funk, while their "velvet" side focuses on '90s-influenced R&B with elements of ballad and hip hop. Their genre versatility and catchy hooks have garnered critical praise.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Seulgi (singer)</span> South Korean singer (born 1994)

Kang Seul-gi, known mononymously as Seulgi, is a South Korean singer and dancer. She is a member of girl group Red Velvet, its sub-unit Red Velvet – Irene & Seulgi, and the supergroup Got the Beat. She released her debut EP, 28 Reasons, in 2022.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Happiness (Red Velvet song)</span> 2014 single by Red Velvet

"Happiness" is the debut single recorded by South Korean girl group Red Velvet. The song was composed by Yoo Young-jin, Will Sims, Chad Hugo, Anne Judith Wik, and Chris Holsten, with production from Hugo and Simms. It was released digitally by SM Entertainment on August 4, 2014, in South Korea. The song also marked their first release under the Red Velvet moniker and their first as a quartet, introducing the four members Irene, Seulgi, Wendy, and Joy to the public.

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

The discography of the South Korean girl group Red Velvet consists of four studio albums, fourteen extended plays, one reissue album, one compilation album, twenty-nine singles, one promotional single and seven soundtrack appearances.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Irene (singer)</span> South Korean singer (born 1991)

Bae Joo-hyun, known professionally as Irene (Korean: 아이린), is a South Korean singer and actress, best known as the leader of the South Korean girl group Red Velvet and its sub-unit Red Velvet – Irene & Seulgi.

"You Better Know" is a song recorded by South Korean girl group Red Velvet for their first special extended play The Red Summer (2017). The uptempo dance-pop song was written by songwriter Lee Seu-ran of Jam Factory, JQ and Choi Ji-hye, while production was handled by Becky Jerams, Pontus Persson and Kanata Okajima. Upon its release, "You Better Know" received positive reviews from music critics due to its "anthemic" chorus and the group's EDM venture. It also attained commercial success as an album track, peaking at number fourteen on Gaon Digital Chart and has since become Red Velvet's most successful album track.

<i>Red Moon</i> (Mamamoo EP) 2018 EP by Mamamoo

Red Moon is the seventh extended play by South Korean girl group Mamamoo. It was released by RBW on July 16, 2018, and distributed by LOEN Entertainment. The EP includes the lead single "Egotistic" and the previously released "Selfish," a solo track by Moonbyul featuring Seulgi of Red Velvet. It also includes the pre-release song "Rainy Season". This EP is the second album under the 4 Seasons, 4 Colors project.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">SinB</span> South Korean singer (born 1998)

Hwang Eun-bi, better known by her stage name SinB, is a South Korean singer, dancer and actress. She is known for being a former member of South Korean girl group GFriend and a current member of the trio Viviz.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Wow Thing</span> 2018 single by Station Young

"Wow Thing" is a song by South Korean artists Seulgi from Red Velvet, soloist and former I.O.I member Chungha, SinB from Viviz and Soyeon from (G)I-dle. The single was released on 28 September, 2018, by SM Entertainment.

"Psycho" is a song that was recorded by South Korean girl group Red Velvet and was released as the lead single from their first compilation album The ReVe Festival: Finale (2019), which is the third and final installment in the group's album trilogy The ReVe Festival. The song was composed by Andrew Scott, Cazzi Opeia, and EJAE; was arranged by Druski and long-time SM Entertainment record producer Yoo Young-jin; and the Korean lyrics were written by Kenzie. "Psycho" is an R&B track that incorporates elements of pop, trap and future bass, and is about a couple who are in a complicated romantic relationship. A gothic-themed music video accompanied the single's digital release on December 23, 2019.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Red Velvet – Irene & Seulgi</span> South Korean girl group

Red Velvet – Irene & Seulgi is the first sub-unit of South Korean girl group Red Velvet, formed by SM Entertainment in 2020. It is composed of members Irene and Seulgi. The duo debuted on July 6, 2020, with the extended play Monster.

<i>Monster</i> (EP) 2020 EP by Red Velvet – Irene & Seulgi

Monster is the debut extended play by Red Velvet – Irene & Seulgi, the first sub-unit of South Korean girl group Red Velvet. It was released on July 6, 2020, by SM Entertainment, with Dreamus serving as the South Korea distributor. The EP contains six tracks, including the title track of the same name and a follow-up single "Naughty".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Naughty (Red Velvet – Irene & Seulgi song)</span> 2020 song by Red Velvet – Irene & Seulgi

"Naughty" is a song recorded by Red Velvet - Irene & Seulgi, the first sub-unit of South Korean girl group Red Velvet, for their debut EP Monster. The song was released as the second single from the EP. The track was written by JQ, Yeon-Ji Lee, Charite Viken, Louise Frick Sveen and Moonshine and was also produced by Soo-Man Lee, Moonshine, Young-Jin Yoo and Butterfly. A remix of the song with DJ Demicat was released on July 31 with a music video.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">See the Stars</span> 2019 song by Red Velvet

"See the Stars" is a song recorded by South Korean girl group Red Velvet for the soundtrack of the 2019 drama series Hotel del Luna. It was released as a digital single on August 10, 2019, by YAMYAM Entertainment, under license by Dreamus.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Introduce Me a Good Person</span> 2020 single by Joy

"Introduce Me a Good Person" is a remake song recorded by South Korean singer and Red Velvet member Joy for the soundtrack of the 2020 drama series Hospital Playlist. Originally recorded and released by Basis in 1996 the song was re-recorded and was released on March 20, 2020, by Studio MaumC, EggIsComing, and Stone Music Entertainment. Composed by Jung Jae-hyung and written by Kim Hee-tam, the song was noted for its rhythmical and acoustic elements. The song peaked at position six on South Korea's Gaon Digital Chart and peaked at position five on the Billboard K-Pop 100.

<i>Queendom</i> (EP) 2021 EP by Red Velvet

Queendom is the sixth Korean extended play and twelfth overall by South Korean girl group Red Velvet. Marketed as the group's sixth "mini album" release, it consists of six tracks, including the lead single of the same name. The EP was released digitally by SM Entertainment on August 16, 2021, and physically on August 17, 2021.

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

Got the Beat is a South Korean supergroup and first sub-unit of project group Girls On Top. Formed by SM Entertainment in 2022, composed of the seven female artists who already debuted under the agency: soloist BoA, Taeyeon and Hyoyeon from Girls' Generation, Seulgi and Wendy from Red Velvet, and Karina and Winter from Aespa.

<i>28 Reasons</i> 2022 EP by Seulgi

28 Reasons is the debut extended play by South Korean singer Seulgi. It was released by SM Entertainment on October 4, 2022, and contains six tracks, including the lead single of the same name.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">28 Reasons (song)</span> 2022 single by Seulgi

"28 Reasons" is the debut single by South Korean singer Seulgi for her debut extended play of the same name. Composed by Sean Kennedy, Johan Fransson, Henrik Goranson, Yoo Young-jin and Kriz, it is a dance-pop song with trap and heavy-synths elements featuring whistling sound. It was released on October 4, 2022, by SM Entertainment while distributed by Dreamus, along with an accompanying music video.

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

South Korean indie rock band Jannabi has released three studio albums, three extended plays, fifteen music videos, and thirteen singles. Formed in 2012 by vocalist Choi Jung-hoon, guitarist Kim Do-hyung, and pianist Yoo Young-hyun, Jannabi debuted with "Rocket" in April 2014 under the independent record label Peponi Music, headed by Choi's older brother.

References

  1. "Monster - The 1st Mini Album". Melon Music (in Korean). July 6, 2020. Archived from the original on May 12, 2021. Retrieved July 6, 2020.
  2. "Red Velvet's Irene & Seulgi Unleash the 'Monster' Inside for Sultry New Music Video". Billboard . Archived from the original on July 8, 2020. Retrieved July 7, 2020.
  3. "2020년 28주차 Download Chart". gaonchart.co.kr. Archived from the original on January 13, 2021. Retrieved March 25, 2021.
  4. "2020년 28주차 Streaming Chart". gaonchart.co.kr. Archived from the original on May 12, 2021. Retrieved March 25, 2021.
  5. "Billboard K-Pop 100 – The Week of July 11, 2020" . Billboard. Archived from the original on October 6, 2020. Retrieved June 4, 2021.
  6. 1 2 "Billboard K-Pop 100 – The Week of July 18, 2020" . Billboard. Archived from the original on October 6, 2020. Retrieved June 4, 2021.
  7. 1 2 2020년 Digital Chart [2020 Digital Chart]. Gaon Music Chart (in Korean). Archived from the original on January 8, 2021. Retrieved January 8, 2021.
  8. "Top 20 Most Streamed International & Domestic Singles in Malaysia – Week 28". Recording Industry Association of Malaysia. July 18, 2020. Archived from the original on June 4, 2021. Retrieved June 4, 2021.
  9. 1 2 "Top 20 Most Streamed International & Domestic Singles in Malaysia – Week 29". Recording Industry Association of Malaysia. July 25, 2020. Archived from the original on May 20, 2021. Retrieved June 4, 2021.
  10. 1 2 "Hot 40 Singles – 13 July 2020". Recorded Music NZ. July 13, 2020. Archived from the original on July 11, 2020. Retrieved June 4, 2021.
  11. "RIAS Top Streaming Chart – Week 28 (3 - 9 July 2020)". Recording Industry Association Singapore. July 3–9, 2020. Archived from the original on July 20, 2020. Retrieved June 4, 2021.
  12. 1 2 "RIAS Top Streaming Chart – Week 29 (10 - 16 July 2020)". Recording Industry Association Singapore. July 10–16, 2020. Archived from the original on July 21, 2020. Retrieved June 4, 2021.
  13. "RIAS Top Regional Chart – Week 28 (3 - 9 July 2020)". Recording Industry Association Singapore. July 3–9, 2020. Archived from the original on July 20, 2020. Retrieved June 4, 2021.
  14. "RIAS Top Regional Chart – Week 29 (10 - 16 July 2020)". Recording Industry Association Singapore. July 10–16, 2020. Archived from the original on July 21, 2020. Retrieved June 4, 2021.
  15. McIntyre, Hugh (July 15, 2020). "BTS, Blackpink, Red Velvet, Chung Ha And Exo-SC: Notable Moves On This Week's World Songs Chart". Forbes . Archived from the original on June 5, 2021. Retrieved June 5, 2021.
  16. "Red Velvet's Irene & Seulgi Unleash the 'Monster' Inside for Sultry New Music Video". Billboard. Archived from the original on January 7, 2021. Retrieved January 1, 2021.
  17. "Red Velvet's Irene & Seulgi Oscillate Between Frightening and Seductive in 'Monster' -". July 7, 2020. Archived from the original on December 2, 2020. Retrieved January 1, 2021.
  18. 음악Y. "[Single-Out #308-2] 아이린×슬기 「Monster」 - 아이린×슬기 Monster". musicy.kr (in Korean). Archived from the original on May 12, 2021. Retrieved March 25, 2021.
  19. "Neo Music Communication IZM". izm.co.kr. Archived from the original on April 19, 2021. Retrieved March 25, 2021.
  20. Travis, Emlyn (December 31, 2020). "35 Songs That Helped Define K-Pop In 2020". BuzzFeed . Archived from the original on December 30, 2020. Retrieved December 31, 2020.
  21. Glasby, Taylor (December 19, 2020). "The 40 best K-pop songs of 2020". Dazed Digital . Archived from the original on December 19, 2020. Retrieved December 31, 2020.
  22. Deen, Sarah (December 28, 2020). "The 20 best K-Pop comebacks of 2020". Metro . Archived from the original on December 28, 2020. Retrieved December 31, 2020.
  23. Pérez, Edlin (December 30, 2020). "20 Canciones de K-pop que dominaron el 2020 con su estilo" [20 K-pop Songs That Dominated 2020 with Their Style]. Nación Rex (in European Spanish). Archived from the original on December 31, 2020. Retrieved January 4, 2021.
  24. Chakraborty, Riddhi (January 1, 2021). "20 Best K-pop Music Videos of 2020". Rolling Stone India . Archived from the original on January 1, 2021. Retrieved January 3, 2021.
  25. "The Best K-Pop Moments of 2020". Teen Vogue . December 18, 2020. Archived from the original on December 18, 2020. Retrieved January 4, 2021.
  26. "10th Gaon Chart Music Awards 2020 Nominees". Gaon Music Awards (in Korean). Archived from the original on November 25, 2019. Retrieved May 12, 2021.
  27. "Here are the winners of the 10th Gaon Chart Music Awards – Blackpink, BTS, IU, NCT, and more". Bandwagon. January 11, 2021. Archived from the original on January 28, 2021. Retrieved May 12, 2021.
  28. "'뮤직뱅크' 레드벨벳 아이린&슬기, '몬스터'로 1위 "멤버들과 러비들에게 감사"" ['Music Bank' Red Velvet Irene & Seulgi ranked 1st with 'Monster', "Thank you members and Revluvs"]. Naver (in Korean). Archived from the original on July 17, 2020. Retrieved July 17, 2020.
  29. Monster (photobook). Red Velvet. South Korea: SM Entertainment, Dreamus. 2020. Credits.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  30. 2020년 28주차 Digital Chart [Gaon Digital Chart - Week 28, 2020] (in Korean). Gaon Music Chart. July 11, 2020. Archived from the original on July 16, 2020. Retrieved July 19, 2020.
  31. "World Digital Song Sales – The Week of July 18, 2020" . Billboard. Archived from the original on February 4, 2021. Retrieved June 4, 2021.
  32. 2020년 07월 Digital Chart [July 2020 Digital Chart]. Gaon Music Chart (in Korean). Archived from the original on October 20, 2020. Retrieved January 8, 2021.
  33. 곡 정보 - Monster [Song Information - Monster] (in Korean). Melon. July 6, 2020. Archived from the original on March 12, 2021. Retrieved March 12, 2021.