Somi (What You Waiting For)
Exploring Jeon Somi's Hit Song 'What You Waiting For'
In an industry saturated with catchy tunes and dynamic performers, Jeon Somi's hit song 'What You Waiting For' emerges as a standout track, captivating audiences worldwide and marking a significant chapter in her solo career. This song not only showcases Jeon Somi's versatility and charm as an artist but also underscores her growing influence in the global music scene. Reflecting her unique artistry, 'What You Waiting For' has become a defining moment for Jeon Somi, demonstrating her ability to lead with powerful vocals and engaging visuals that resonate with a wide audience.
This article delves into the multifaceted aspects of 'What You Waiting For,' from its background and release to its significant commercial performance and the critical reception that followed. Highlighting the song's composition and style, the accompanying music video, and its cultural impact, each section provides detailed insights into the elements that contributed to the song's success. Further exploration will reveal behind-the-scenes anecdotes, Jeon Somi's personal involvement in the production process, and how the song has contributed to her career trajectory. Notably, the song's achievements, including music show wins, serve as a testament to its popularity and Jeon Somi's growing prestige in the music industry.
"What You Waiting For"
Artist
Jeon Somi
Released
July 22, 2020
Format(s)
Download, streaming
Recorded
2020
Genre
R&B, dance pop
Length
2:55
Label(s)
The Black Label
Distributor(s)
YG PLUS
Writer(s)
Teddy, Jeon Somi, Danny Chung
Composer(s)
Teddy, R.Tee, 24, Jeon Somi
Arranger(s)
R.Tee, 24
Background and Release
Early Announcements
The anticipation for Jeon Somi's surprise comeback was set in motion with the release of a promotional poster by The Black Label on July 14, 2020, which revealed the release date of her new single. The excitement was further amplified the next day with a second promotional poster that officially unveiled the song's title, "What You Waiting For".
Promotional Period
Continuing the momentum, a credits poster was revealed on July 16, 2020, highlighting Somi's involvement in the song's writing and production, showcasing her artistic growth. Subsequently, a third promotional poster was released on July 18, 2020, building up to the song's release. The strategic release of these posters played a crucial role in generating buzz and setting the stage for the song's debut.
Initial Reception
"What You Waiting For" was officially released on July 22, 2020, alongside its music video, available for digital download and streaming. This release marked a significant step in Somi's career, especially following her signing with Interscope Records, which was announced as part of a partnership with THEBLACKLABEL. This move was aimed at amplifying her presence on the global music stage, further evidenced by her previous solo debut with the single "BIRTHDAY".
Song Composition and Style
"Jeon Somi's 'What You Waiting For' is a multi-genre blend that showcases her versatility as an artist. The track is primarily categorized as upbeat R&B and dance-pop, enriched with synth-pop and electronica influences, creating a dynamic auditory experience. The production, led by Teddy, R.Tee, and 24, incorporates a diverse range of sounds including trop-house, EDM-pop, and elements reminiscent of 2010s house beats, which were fully recorded at The Black Label in Seoul.
The song's lyrical content is engaging and narratively rich, reflecting a bold and direct communication style. Somi narrates a story about a girl awaiting a confession from her crush, directly posing the question, "What you waiting for?" This line is pivotal in the song, encapsulating the theme of anticipation and boldness.
The composition of 'What You Waiting For' is built around an 'emotional' chord progression that contrasts sharply with the bright synth sounds, making it distinct from Somi's previous musical endeavors . The track opens with a subtle synth-pop production that transitions into a powerful, racing power-pop chorus, highlighting Somi's vocal strength as she addresses an apprehensive lover.
In an interview, Somi shared that the inspiration for the song was spontaneous, humorously attributing it to 'the late night tacos and chicken wings' shared with her producers, underscoring the song's carefree and impulsive genesis."
Music Video Overview
Visual Concept
The music video for "What You Waiting For" is a visually rich narrative that unfolds almost entirely within Jeon Somi's imagination. It features a vibrant array of sets and sequences, with multiple versions of Somi interacting in various elaborate scenarios. These visual elements symbolize her internal process of dealing with heartbreak, where each version of Somi represents different facets of her persona and emotional state. Notably, the Green Dress Somi, who observes the unfolding events from a control room filled with screens, symbolizes her attempt to reconcile different emotional responses.
Teasers and Release
The anticipation for the music video was built through a series of strategically released teasers. The first teaser dropped on July 17, followed by two more, each escalating the excitement for the release. The official music video was launched on July 22, 2020, and quickly garnered over six million views within the first 24 hours, reflecting its massive reception. By November of the same year, it had accumulated over 18 million views, underscoring its widespread appeal and the effective promotional strategy.
Styling and Costumes
The styling and costumes in the music video are integral to its storytelling, with Jeon Somi donning multiple outfits that reflect the diverse personas she embodies throughout the narrative. Each costume and set piece adds depth to the visual storytelling, from the yacht-sailing Somi, representing a desire to escape, to the more confident, idealized version of herself, showcasing resilience and self-assurance. The visual direction and styling were meticulously overseen by a dedicated team, ensuring that each element aligned with the thematic core of the video.
Commercial Performance
Chart Rankings
Jeon Somi's single "What You Waiting For" achieved notable positions across various charts. It peaked at number 53 on the South Korean Gaon chart, marking it as Somi's third highest entry. Internationally, the song was well-received, securing a top ten spot at number 8 in Malaysia and reaching number two in Singapore, her highest-charting song in that country. Additionally, it performed well on the Billboard World Digital Song Sales chart, peaking at number 8.
Streaming and Sales
The song's release was met with significant digital consumption, amassing over six million views within the first 24 hours of the music video's release. By November 2020, the video had accumulated more than 18 million views, indicating sustained interest and engagement from global audiences.
International Impact
"What You Waiting For" showcased Jeon Somi's growing international appeal. Her collaboration with producer Teddy and her management deal with Interscope were strategic moves to enhance her visibility on the global music scene. The song's success across various international charts and its strong streaming numbers reflect Somi's potential as a breakout international artist.
Critical Reception
Review Aggregates
Jeon Somi's single "What You Waiting For" garnered a mixed but generally positive reception from music critics. Notably, Nick Sylvester of Pitchfork praised the track, giving it a high rating of four and a half stars and describing it as "fucking great". Despite some mixed opinions, the song was highlighted as one of the year's best electro songs and even made it onto Pitchfork's list of the Top 50 Singles of 2004.
Notable Critiques
Critics have pointed out the song's diverse influences and catchy composition. RJ Smith of Blender noted its new wave elements, suggesting a potential revival of the genre, while Amy Linden of The Village Voice compared the vocals to Lene Lovich’s style. However, Jason Damas from PopMatters had a mixed response, noting the song's simplicity but ultimately recognizing its brilliance as "party bubblegum". Sal Cinquemani from Slant Magazine remarked on the song's impish charm, contributing to its success as a memorable debut.
Fan Responses
The track received varied reactions from the public, with some listeners finding it too simplistic yet catchy enough to grow on them over time. Comments ranged from comparisons to other artists' styles to critiques about its overly Westernized sound and lack of creative messaging. Despite these mixed reviews, the song's straightforward and enjoyable nature was acknowledged, with some fans appreciating its nostalgic feel reminiscent of 2010s club tracks.
Accolades and Achievements
Jeon Somi's debut single "What You Waiting For" has garnered significant recognition in the music industry, marked by notable achievements and inclusion in prestigious year-end lists.
Music Show Wins
Somi secured her first music show win with this track on Mnet's M Countdown on August 6, 2020. This victory not only highlighted her popularity but also her impact as a solo artist in the competitive K-pop scene.
Year-End Lists
The song's appeal and artistic merit earned it a spot on Hypebae's list of the Best K-Pop Songs and Music Videos of 2020 . This inclusion reflects the song's broad acceptance and acclaim within the music community, underscoring Somi's successful artistic expression and industry impact.
Behind the Scenes
Recording Process
The final version of "What You Waiting For" was fully recorded at The Black Label in Seoul, South Korea, in February 2020, five months before its release on July 22 of the same year. This recording session involved a dedicated team, including Youngju Bang and Yong-in Choi, who served as recording engineers.
Collaborative Efforts
Jeon Somi actively participated in the creation of "What You Waiting For," contributing as a vocalist, lyricist, and composer. She collaborated closely with Teddy Park, who not only contributed as a lyricist and composer but also took on roles as a music producer and creative director . The team was completed by R.Tee and 24, both of whom contributed to composing and arranging the track, and Danny Chung, who assisted with the lyrics.
These excerpts provide insights into the behind-the-scenes dynamics of Somi's recording process and collaborative efforts for her song "What You Waiting For". They describe Somi's mindset and emotions during the recording, as well as her decision to leave JYP and sign with The Black Label to take control of her own career.
Cultural Impact
Influence on Pop Culture
Jeon Somi's "What You Waiting For" has significantly influenced pop culture, reflecting societal values and attitudes prevalent at the time of its release. The song and its visuals have contributed to shaping societal views on themes such as self-expression and individuality. Pop culture often acts as a mirror to society, and in this case, Somi's work highlights the aspirations and challenges faced by young individuals today.
The track has also impacted language and communication, introducing phrases and styles that resonate with a global audience. This influence extends to fashion trends and lifestyle choices, demonstrating the powerful role of music in setting and driving consumer behavior.
Fandom Reactions
The reception from fans and the general public has been overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing admiration for the song's catchy composition and meaningful lyrics. The track has fostered a sense of community among fans, providing shared experiences that are celebrated in various online and offline platforms. This collective enthusiasm is a testament to the song's impact on identity formation, where fans see parts of their personal experiences reflected in the music.
JEON SOMI (전소미) - 'What You Waiting For' M/V
JEON SOMI - What You Waiting For (Romanized) Lyrics
[Verse 1]
Neo ttaeme geurae
Aekkujeun jeonhwagiman miwojijana
Jalhaejujina maldeonga
Nam jugin akkapjiman gatgin sileunji
Guji ihaeneun an halge
[Pre-Chorus]
Nal hyanghan misoga yasokae
Jakku geureoke chyeoda boji ma
Oneureun aesseo moreun cheok mothagesseo
Ijen soljiki malhaejwo
[Chorus]
Just tell me what you waiting for?
Baby I've been waiting for
You all this time, I'm faded
Maeil bam I'm drunk and wasted
Tell me what you waiting for?
Baby you already know
Just how I feel about you
But why you got me doubt you?
Tell me who you waiting for?
[Verse 2]
What you waiting for? (What?)
Naega aniramyeon (Ah)
Seulpeojijana, miss you right
Ape inneunde wae nuni doraga?
Saenggakaebwa, daedapaebwa eojjeol geoya nal?
See upcoming pop shows
Get tickets for your favorite artists
[Pre-Chorus]
Neo ttaeme jisen bami myeot gae?
Wae moreuncheokae? Tell me baby why?
Oneureun aesseo balgeun cheok mothagesseo
Ijen soljiki malhaejwo
[Chorus]
Just tell me what you waiting for?
Baby I've been waiting for
You all this time, I'm faded
Maeil bam I'm drunk and wasted
Tell me what you waiting for?
Baby you already know
Just how I feel about you
But why you got me doubt you?
Tell me who you waiting for?
[Post-Chorus]
Oh-oh-oh, oh, oh-oh-oh
Oh, oh-oh-oh, oh-oh
I'm waiting for love
Oh-oh-oh, oh, oh-oh-oh
Oh, oh-oh-oh, oh-oh
[Bridge]
Na hollo neomaneul wihae chumeul chujiman too far
Kkeuteul moreul mankeum wonhae how badly I need you
Ah, ah, ah, ah, ah (Ring the alarm!)
[Instrumental Break]
[Refrain]
Oh my, my, I'm falling over you
So tell me, what you gonna do?
You know I'm all you got to lose
Oh my, my, I'm falling over you
So you do what you gotta do
I know I'm all you got to lose
Conclusion
Throughout this exploration of Jeon Somi's "What You Waiting For," we have traversed the intricacies of its production, delved into its lyrical depth, and celebrated its remarkable cultural impact. The song stands as a testament to Somi's artistic evolution, showcasing her multifaceted talent and the collaborative spirit behind its creation. Its reception, both commercially and critically, underscores the track's universal appeal and Somi's impressive ascent in the global music landscape. The journey from its eagerly anticipated release to the subsequent acclaim it garnered highlights the song's vibrant contribution to pop culture and its reflection of contemporary societal values.
Reflecting on "What You Waiting For," it's clear that the song is more than just a musical composition; it's a milestone in Jeon Somi's career and a beacon for creative expression in the music industry. Its success encapsulates the synergy of captivating visuals, relatable themes, and innovative soundscapes, setting a benchmark for future works. As Somi continues to navigate her path in the music world, "What You Waiting For" will undoubtedly remain a pivotal chapter in her story, inspiring both fans and fellow artists. This exploration not only celebrates the song's achievements but also anticipates the exciting potential of Somi's future endeavors, affirming her place as a significant force in the evolving tapestry of global pop music.
Post a Comment