Welcome back to Fan Chant , a weekly column for K-pop fans, stans, and newbies alike. This week, KISS OF LIFE are here to break down each song on their new Y2K-coded EP . As always, if you enjoy what you’re reading, feel free to subscribe to my companion newsletter to get Fan Chant delivered right to your inbox each week!
When KISS OF LIFE appeared on the scene with a series of solo songs leading up to their debut track, “Shhh,” it was immediately apparent that this group of four would be bringing something fresh to the K-pop scene. In just over a year, Julie, NATTY, Belle, and Haneul have established themselves as a formidable team, invoking Y2K aesthetics that never feel forced, embracing R&B energy easily, and delivering some notably strong vocal performances.
While these four young women had different training backgrounds prior to coming together under a smaller Seoul-based label called S2 Entertainment, there’s a sort of freedom to the way KISS OF LIFE operate. They’re quite involved with the creative process and often display their love of the music through dance performances on TikTok. With their new EP, Lose Yourself , the fun is extra contagious.
From the dreamy “R.E.M.” to the irresistibly smooth “Chemistry,” Lose Yourself is a stellar showcase for the girls. The members are prepping for their first tour through the US (look for tickets here ), and these six new tracks offer plenty of room for live performances to take flight. Haneul calls out the potential for closing track, “Back to Me,” saying, “Wouldn’t it be great as the final track for a concert?”
Watch the music video for “Get Loud” below, and read on for insights into each song on Lose Yourself from the members.
“Get Loud”:
Julie : It was so much fun recording this song, and because the meaning behind the song resonates with us, we were able to vibe with the song. Personally, I think having two different rap verses in the song was exciting. I tried to really get into the lyrics and just express the way I was feeling.
“R.E.M.”:
Belle : I wanted to express the idea of rapid eye movement (R.E.M.), which represents the dream-like state. The message I was trying to convey is that the time we spent together felt just like a dream — still very vivid in my mind — but it disappeared in an instant.
“Chemistry”:
NATTY : This song is in my favorite genre, R&B, and it has an attractive, groovy melody and beat. It’s also a song that highlights the members’ unique vocal tones, which is why it’s one of my favorite tracks on the album.
“Igloo”:
Julie : We are quite known for having a lot of R&B tracks in our albums but personally, as a rapper, I was beyond excited to finally have a hip-hop-based song! It was so exciting to see our members rap and I had so much fun showcasing different rap styles as well. The dance is also so cool and I can’t wait for everyone to see it. “Igloo” is my favorite track on the album so I hope everyone enjoys it as well!
“Too Many Alex”:
Belle : I had a hard time memorizing the guys’ names in the lyrics because there were too many of them. I kept on saying “Michael! Jordan!” When I was supposed to say “Michael! Robert!”
“Back to Me”:
Haneul : I usually enjoy listening to easy and soft music, so most of the tracks on my playlist have a vibe similar to this song. This particular song feels perfect for everyone to jump around and have fun together. Wouldn’t it be great as the final track for a concert?
“No One But Us”:
KISS OF LIFE: This song is an EDM-pop track that conveys the feeling of rewinding memories with someone and longing for a person you’ve grown apart from. Ending the album with this track felt important because it carries a strong sense of nostalgia, and with its catchy, sing-along elements, it’s the perfect choice for the closing spot.
Release Radar: Jin of BTS
Jin of BTS, photo courtesy of BIGHIT MUSIC
It’s official; Jin’s solo album is on the way. Here’s what we know so far about tracklist, release date, and collaborators.
Song Rec of the Week:
SEVENTEEN are gearing up for their next US tour and just returned with their 12th mini-album. This music video is so silly and the song is a bop, as would be expected from these guys.
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