K-pop girl group TWICE welcomes the summer heat with the release of Taste of Love last June 11 under JYP Entertainment and Republic Records. The summer-themed 10th mini-album/extended play (EP) consists of seven new tracks which include the lead single “Alcohol-Free” and the English version of “Cry for Me,” as a physical edition exclusive.

After the release single of their Japanese track “Kura Kura” last April 20, Twice released their “Alcohol-Free” music video last June 9 and garnered over 100 million views as of writing.

Following their promotions and album selling, they had made history as the first K-pop group to have their mini-album reach number one in the Billboard’s “Top Album Sales,” “Top Current Album Sales,” and “World Albums” charts. 

TWICE became the first K-pop girl group to have their mini-album enter the Billboard 200 chart, with Taste of Love debuting at number six. According to a weekly report from June 11 to 17, the mini-album sold 46,000 album equivalent units—combining traditional album sales and streaming equivalent album (SEA) units. 

The traditional mini-album is released in three versions: “TASTE,” “FALLEN,” and “IN LOVE,” which come with different unique concepts per packaging. 

Chilling under the sun

TWICE members Nayeon, Jihyo, Sana, and Dahyun actively wrote lyrics for the album, with British girl group Little Mix’s Jade Thirlwall co-writing the second track "First Time" with Jihyo. 

Furthermore, during the group’s comeback premiere livestream on YouTube, Chaeyoung explained that each member contributed to the songs except for “Alcohol-Free,” which was produced and written by JYP Entertainment CEO J.Y. Park. The track also marks the celebration of Jeongyeon’s comeback with TWICE, after a few months of hiatus. 

As mentioned by Jeongyeon, the group has explored “different sides” in their music and this shows “how much they [had] grown” throughout the years since their debut in 2015. In contrast to their sophomore studio album “Eyes Wide Open” which conceptualizes the 80s retro vibe, Taste of Love features bubbly and upbeat tunes which are perfect for the summer season.

Casting a summer spell

The mini-album lead single “Alcohol-Free” plays like a summer anthem that dances to its catchy Bossa Nova music style. The translation of its lyrics, “Suddenly, love feels so easy so I fall deeper and deeper for you” expresses an encounter with someone whom the person meets at first sight as their feelings develop. 

The use of alcohol in the context of the song depicts a love spell. Aside from its message of falling for someone, vocals from Jihyo, Nayeon, Tzuyu, and Sana along with the rap lines from Dahyun and Chaeyoung are the track’s noteworthy highlights.

Each song in the album gives a romantic feeling of how a person would encounter someone, being at that stage of falling in love or knowing the right time to express them—TWICE ventured on different approaches in delivering the song from a light to deep themes and mysterious upbeats. 

Supplementary Recommendations

• “First Time” - Along with its upbeat tune, the song reminisces the thrill of meeting someone once again and stands out with its harmonies and falsetto from the members.
• “Scandal” - This track expresses seeing a person eye-to-eye that meets a spark of feeling and eventually leading to one’s affection for one another.
• “SOS” - Showcasing how one yearns for someone as they fall deeper into them even though there are risks that come along the way, the track is an anthem for the feelings that prevail once someone starts to fall in love.
• “Conversation” - Being able to know someone better is by being able to spend time with them. The line “Love is all about timing” connects with knowing the right time to follow your heart before making a decision.

This latest album comeback shows that TWICE continues to venture into different genres that shy away from their remarkable bright and cute images from their previous comebacks. Furthermore, each member was given the time to shine, especially for the youngest member, Tzuyu. 

With each member continuing to actively participate in songwriting and exploring more concepts beyond their comfort zones, this shows they’re leaning towards bolder concepts while leaving an impression that will be remembered by their fans.