Popularly known for their songs “Fancy,” “Feel Special,” and their recent release single of “More & More,” South Korean girl group Twice released their second full album, Eyes Wide Open, under JYP Entertainment label on Oct. 26. Featuring 13 songs, the group has introduced a bold and mature concept that abandons their charming trademark. 

Formed through a girl group survival show Sixteen, Nayeon, Jeongyeon, Momo, Sana, Jihyo, Mina, Dahyun, Chaeyoung, and Tzuyu debuted as “Twice” in 2015, with their hit single “Like OOH-AHH.” JYP Entertainment’s company founder and CEO Park Jinyoung revealed that the group aims to move people twice, “once through the ears and once through the eyes.” 

Since then, the group has released four studio albums, three compilation albums, four repackage albums, and ten “mini albums” that mainly established their cute, catchy, refreshing, and vibrant image.

A swift musical transition 

Compared to their previous music releases, Nayeon, Sana, Jihyo, Dahyun, and Chaeyoung actively participated in writing lyrics for this album. The group also collaborated with Korean singer and rapper Heize and English singer and songwriter Dua Lipa for the last track of their album—“Behind The Mask.”

In an interview with MTV News, Twice leader and main vocalist Jihyo revealed her thoughts on how their music changed and transformed since their debut. “I would say, for us, our goal would be to become a team that is not limited in one concept and can embody a variety of concepts. I want to be an artist who wants to conquer all the concepts we try,” Jihyo stated. 

“I think our overall themes of the songs have matured over time, and that has been a great challenge for us on the new concepts,” Dahyun, the group’s rapper, added.

Hooked by its diverse style, banger beats

While they sing about having crushes and being “Shy, Shy, Shy” in their previous albums, “Eyes Wide Open”’s retro-synth lead single “I Can’t Stop Me” reminisces the 80s vibe and talks about dealing with oneself when facing good and evil desires. With lyrics, “I’m warning myself, “you shouldn’t do this,” Every minute, every second, my heart goes ahead of me, out of control,” it echoes the message of following one’s heart and desires.

The group also opened up about the difficulty in finding their lost selves in “Do What We Like.” Written by vocalist Sana, the track contains a sentimental message. “I was drenched in fear when I couldn’t do what I wanted.” 

Meanwhile, the sixth track “Believer,” pushes people to keep on going despite experiencing downfall. With the uncertainty of the situation nowadays the group encourages people as they sing, “Show me that reckless dream and the smile that I loved. Cause I see the light, you can do it and I believe in you.” 

Supplementary recommendations

• Written by Jihyo, “Up No More” hopes to comfort people who had trouble sleeping. This track is more laid back and soothing to the ears; as the song contains addictive lyrics that makes your head bop and reminisces disco songs. It may not be a perfect go-to song for bedtime, but it will definitely make you sing and groove. 
• “Go Hard” brings out Twice’s powerful and confident image. Reflected in the lyrics “Watch me however you want, we welcome any amount of prejudice against us,” the group sure isn’t backing down from any judgment thrown at them.
• Similar to Twice’s “Touchdown” and High School Musical’s “We’re All in This Together,” the ninth track “Shot Clock” is a perfect tune for a school festival in reminiscing old school memories by this song’s powerful energy. 
• The album’s final track, “Behind The Mask,” talks about closing the distance between a person who you were close to before. While enjoying the group’s dreamy vocals, the song will surely make you miss the memories you have with someone who used to hold a special place in your heart.

Overall, the album showcased Twice’s raw emotions with the member’s participation in the production of their new album. Abandoning their old concept only exhibits their versatility as artists.

By featuring a bold, confident, courageous, sentimental, and fragile image, Twice proves that they are not the same nine-member “rookie girl group” dancing in cheerleader outfits anymore.

Rating: 3.5/5