Now that we’ve had a week to listen to WDA and a live performance, here are some of my thoughts. If you havent check out their performance at MNET! (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0b9EEaSTuZ4) It’s how we would view the song 90% of the time anyway
It is clearly in the same vein as the post-Whiplash stuff, I would call it “Dirty Work adjacent.” They have transitioned styles from Cyberpunk femme fatales to a more grounded “bad bitches” with swag 👀
Here is what I liked and disliked about it.
Likes:
Giselle’s rap: Giselle takes a prominent role in the song with the intro and rap later that defines the DNA of WDA.
Aesthetic: aespa core. Wacky and eerie a 180 from Dirty Work and Rich Man in terms of video aesthetics
Choreography: the moves are fast paced and high octane. Very high energy song
Dislikes:
Missing signature bass sound:
Most aespa hits have a signature bass sound from Next Level to Supernova and even Dirty Work has an identifiable bass which I think is a core pillar to their hit songs. Well technically there is but it is not as catchy. Especially if we compare WDA to Supernova their first pre-release on a full album.
Song elements: Did not include singing highlights and fast English hooks sounded awkward in the MV but the performance didn’t have the same feel. Very MachineGunKelly-esque.
Special note: G-Dragon’s rap to somehow list their major song titles was dope.
TLDR: While we will always use history to compare the future, I think they are going to continue experimenting with their sound and I see WDA as a tribute of their past catalogue. I prefer WDA over Rich Man
I must admit, from just the MV I wasn’t sold on the song but it has its bright spots.
Do you think if Lemonade is in this direction or this is just an outlier due to G-Dragon’s collaboration?
I think it’s fine that it not has the biggest impact of the most expensive MV or whatever, I guess it’s up to Lemonade to fill those shoes.
For the song, I really like it, especially GD’s part, gives the song the edge it needs. Wish he had another verse somewhat earlier in the beginning though.
As for the performance, because the tempo is low and the sound is like this, it’s kind of hard to sell to the non-fans I think. aespa is doing great, but it has no real impactful choreo parts like their previous songs.
But I think it’s fine really, it’s a great warm up song for the album to come.
It works as a good lead up to the album, but on it’s own it’s a bit forgettable.
I prefer Shakin’
I really like it.
Did you get to hear it in advance? It has been 3 days since the release, not a week.
To me this is one of the best songs they’ve released. The choreography is also one of my favorites.
gonna get downvoted but im skipping this because fuck g-dragon
The things I’d like to point out most it is HELLA progressive so people will complain it’s different than previous works. Two sides of the same coin
The video you linked and the official MV are a whole different experience. I listen to official releases 90% of the time you might be different of course. So first hearing it on speaker I thought it was wacky but then listening to it on repeat it’s really catchy and powerful I’m so happy for them.
Mys on yt broke down the lyrics and it seems to be really sweet, clever and empowering. Everywhere I look G-Dragon is described as king so it’s nice he seems to be hyping the girls (but has he helped Ningning with cockroaches???).
After watching the performance I prefer the version without his rap. The production seems more seamless without his part.
They could of done better with the glow change as his background vocals and part were pretty good.
I really enjoyed it and multiple part of the song have been stuck in my head for days.