K-pop superstar (G)I-DLE blazes with “HEAT” – their highly anticipated, first English EP
Resident queencards and k-pop superstar (G)I-DLE returns to the charts with “HEAT” – their highly anticipated, first English EP. The title is accompanied by the lead single “I Want That.” The EP also includes the previously released track “I DO.” Collaborators on the EP include Ryan Tedder, Meghan Trainor, and Jon Bellion among others.
Renowned in an industry filled with distinguished talents due to their boundless charisma and song-making prowess, (G)I-DLE has made massive waves since bursting into the scene in 2018. The quintet is best known for their smash hits such as “TOMBOY” and “Nxde.” Earlier this year, they also released the EP “I feel” which included the viral “Queencard.” “HEAT” serves as (G)I-DLE’s first step into further cementing themselves as global icons.
“HEAT” is the result of a collaboration between 88rising, the highly popular Asian-focused music and media company, and Cube Entertainment. The partnership began with the release of “I DO” back in July.
88rising Executive Vice-President John Yang shared, “When we met the (G)-IDLE members, they were just so full of excitement and positivity, their energy is contagious, it’s something I haven’t experienced before and naturally, we just got really excited about what we could do together.”
Woohyung Ahn, the CEO of Cube Entertainment also shared, “HEAT is about feeling confident and bringing the spirit of an endless summer with you wherever you go. We hope the release of HEAT will allow us to bring the message and mission of (G)I-DLE to the whole world.”
In this edition of the Listening Party, we take a look at “HEAT,” closely examining each track on (G)I-DLE’s latest.
I DO
Opening the EP is “I DO,” a track that speaks about the regret one feels after taking a once-loved one for granted. Seeing their beloved has moved on with another, memories and what ifs flood the mind—and yet, aches and pangs in the heart persist because it’s too late. Stop thinking about your ex though…just in case you were.
I don’t even know how to think / ‘Cause now she got your heart so I feel / Stupid, foolish / ‘Fraid I’m losing everything / I thought I couldn’t / My whole world is falling apart
Slow and heartfelt, “I DO” surprisingly plays out a lot like Little Mix’s “Love Me Like You,” both in rhythm and message. That being said, the 2015 hit is much brighter in tone.
Don’t you go falling in love / Trust me she’s not the one / She won’t ever / Love you like I do / Hold you like I do, know you like I do
“I DO” was written by Blaise Railey, Drew Love, Imad Royal, and Rogét Chahayed. Royal and Chahayed are also credited as the track’s producers.
I Want That
Without even getting into deciphering what “I Want That” is all about (it’s not that deep), the EP’s lead single simply brings in the HEAT—a banger worthy of all the plays it can get. Interestingly, the track does remind me of a lot of the K/DA songs of which (G)I-DLE is a part.
I want the oh, my, oh, my, O-M-G / I want that right now, no B-R-B / I want that all matte big black S-U-V / I want that, I want that / I want the oh, my, oh, my, O-M-G / I want that right now, that you and me / I want that, oui, merci, no, c’est la vie / I want that, I want that
“I Want That” was written by Lindgren, Madison Love, Melanie Fontana, and Ryan Tedder. The track was also produced by Lindgren.
Eyes Roll
“Eyes Roll” picks up from where “I Want That” left off—it exudes both energy and swag cranked up to the max. While each member delivers an amazing performance here, the producers for the track deserve their flowers—whoever thought of that bass—chef’s kiss. As for what “Eyes Roll” is about—if you know, you know.
Make ya eyes roll back to your brain / So good, light you up, no propane / Go ahead, say my name / Glide on it, baby, that hydroplane / La-la-la, in your own melody / Use what you got, put that work on me / All night, no, we ain’t gon’ sleep / She rock that boat, and she love that speed go, go
“Eyes Roll” was written by J Lauryn, Meghan Trainor, Ryan Tedder, Vannick Rastogi, Youngbin Park, and Zacharie Raymond. The track was produced by Banx & Ranx and Chasu.
Flip It
“Flip It” is the only pure hip-hop track on the EP and it doesn’t disappoint. This Cardi B and Blackpink-esque title is sure to get you moving on the dance floor like never before.
I do what I wanna / I stay up like chandelier / Designers on my body know / They watchin’ what I wear / My crew so hot, and you are not / I love it when they stare / We pop out lookin’ ho-ho-hot / You know (G)I-DLE’s here
“Flip It” was written by Alexis “8AE” Boyd, Blaise Railey, Evan Gartner, Gabriella Grombacher, J Lauryn, and Lucas Macaluso. The track was produced by Gartner and Lou Caluso.
Tall Trees
Closing the EP is “Tall Trees,” a ballad about finding love and opening ones heart to it regardless of any lingering hesitation.
My expectations stay on low / But you’re the sun, you make them grow / If there’s an axe behind your back / Just let me know
(G)I-DLE likens themselves to tall trees that fall hard when cut down, referring to the pain they’ve been hiding from and are afraid of.
Branches explodin’ / My leaves are golden stars / Birds love to breeze by / Dogs come to see my bark
“Tall Trees” was written and produced by Jonathan Bellion, Johnny Simpson, and Scott Dittrich.