K-pop girl group CLC released its eighth mini album “No.1” on Wednesday, fronted by the single No as it revealed a chic, elegant concept full of glam looks.
The album title refers to the group’s ambition to rise to the top of the K-pop scene.
This was the group’s first outing since unveiling “Black Dress” in February 2018. During the group’s hiatus, the members have been busy in a number of individual activities, appearing on reality shows, drama series and with Elkie launching a solo career.
No, written by rapper Soyeon of rookie girl group (G)I-DLE, is a dance song with dynamic bass lines, with lyrics talking about rebelling against beauty standards. “Red lip No/ Earrings No/ High heels No/ Handbag No,” CLC members sing.
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However, the “self-positivity” theme of the song contradicts the entire album concept, as the members were clad in sexy red and black outfits, wearing high heels, red lipstick and earrings at the press showcase.
Regarding members’ sassy looks that contradict the song’s message, Yeeun said “Some verses saying no to beauty standards are meant to deliver a message that staying true to oneself is important.”
She cut short an answer to the question asking if the song was meant to support the “escape the corset” movement, which has gained momentum in South Korea.
Four other tracks include a vibrant electro-pop Show, R&B pop Breakdown, Like It, accompanied by powerful, addictive rap beats, and I Need U, an all-English song featuring tropical house rhythms.
As the group’s name derived from an expression “crystal clear” suggests, the seven-member girl group has always espoused clear concepts as they tried different takes on musical genres.
The girls moved away from an initial bubbly concept to pursue a girl crush image, which could be seen in their EDM-trap single Hobgoblin from the fifth mini-album “Crystyle” (2017). That single was the group’s first appearance on the Billboard World Digital Song Sales and World Albums charts.
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Making a statement with No, the members expressed their wish to show the diverse charms of individual members, as they displayed more charisma.
Seunghee said, “We would like to meet both domestic and international fans more often this year. That is why we recorded I Need U in English.”
CLC started as a five-member group with its first album “First Love” in March 2015, with Yeeun, Seungyeon, Yujin, Seunghee and Sorn. Eunbin and Elkie joined in May 2016.
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This article was originally written by Kwak Yeon-soo for The Korea Times .
