"MZ wannabe icon" IVE (IVE: An Yujin·Gaeul·Ray·Jang Wonyoung·Liz·Lee Seo) heightened comeback buzz with a highlight medley from their full-length album 2 that contains highly polished music.
Starship Entertainment posted the Highlight medley video of the full-length album 2 'REVIVE+ (Revive Plus)' on IVE's official YouTube channel on the 16th. The medley's tracks were first released as audio through Melon MusicWave at 8 p.m. the same day, raising fans' expectations.
The video included highlights of 12 tracks in total, including the full-length album's double title tracks 'BLACKHOLE' and 'BANG BANG' as well as solo tracks by all members. The music follows through various genres from intense EDM and pop to band sound, signaling the density and scale befitting a full-length album.
In particular, the title track "Blackhole" immediately captured fans' ears with its dreamy, cinematic sound and Liz's lyric "if you want it, anything will come true." "Blackhole" is the album's center and a song that redefines the existence of "we," and lyricist Seo Ji-eum, who helped build IVE's narcissistic narrative from their debut single 'ELEVEN,' participated. Lyricist Hwang Yubin (XYXX) also contributed, putting into words the new narrative IVE will present through "Blackhole."
Meanwhile, "BANG BANG," which has been receiving much love through its pre-release, forms another axis of the album with its strong energy and direct sound, raising curiosity about the contrast and synergy the two songs will create.
The following album tracks also prove IVE's wide spectrum. IVE completes the album with various genres from "Hush" to "Stuck In Your Head," "Fireworks," and "HOT COFFEE," and is expected to satisfy fans' expectations.
The album is made more special by including solo songs from all members. Jang Wonyoung's "8" is an EDM track that creates tension and marks a new transformation, Gaeul's "Odd" captivates listeners with dreamy mid- to low-range vocals, Lee Seo will deliver both energy and atmosphere with "Super Icy," and Liz presents the alternative rock–textured track "Unreal" that showcases clear, powerful vocals.
Ray's "In Your Heart," characterized by lyrics in three languages and a bright melody, and An Yujin's "Force," which features strong bass and hip-hop–based confident charm, round out the album's finale and demonstrate each member's growth. Notably, some of these songs were partially revealed at the Seoul concert of their second world tour "SHOW WHAT I AM" held in October, generating anticipation, and Gaeul, Ray, Jang Wonyoung, Liz, and Lee Seo announced they also participated in writing lyrics for their solo songs, increasing curiosity about the full tracks.
The full-length album 2 'REVIVE+' is an album that expands the story that has centered on 'me' into the perspective of 'we.' It conveys confidence that by taking the narrative of "IVE = me" to the public and widening it into a relationship of "we," they can keep moving forward in more directions. After IVE shot up domestic and international charts with the pre-released "BANG BANG," fans around the world are eager to see what music and stories they will present through the full-length album.
Meanwhile, IVE will make an official comeback on the 23rd with the full-length album 2 title track 'BLACKHOLE.'
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