WE GO by fromis_9: The Surprising Summer Hit That Changed Their Sound

"WE GO" by fromis_9 burst onto the K-pop scene on May 17, 2021, marking a refreshing return for the group after their lengthy hiatus. After finding their sweet spot with the buoyant "Feel Good" in September 2020, the group maintained this momentum by collaborating with the same composers for their title track from the "9 Way Ticket" single album. While the opening seconds of "WE GO" seem to borrow from K-pop's recent city pop obsession, the song quickly transforms into a more robust summer sound. Despite not bringing anything revolutionary to the table, the track compensates with incredible energy and playful lyrics like "I'm using that hashtag in secret" and "If I'm with you, I don't care where we go". Overall, "WE GO" represents a significant moment in fromis_9's musical journey—a summery pop track that doesn't overcomplicate its structure or tone, yet still manages to capture the essence of carefree adventure.

How 'We Go' Marked a Shift in fromis_9’s Sound

After nearly eight months away from the spotlight, fromis_9 returned with "WE GO," signaling not just a comeback but a reinvention of their musical identity. The track represented a confident step in a new direction that would ultimately reshape their artistic trajectory.

Return After Hiatus: Context of the Comeback

When fromis_9 unveiled "WE GO" as part of their "9 Way Ticket" single album, they were emerging from one of their longest breaks since debut. This extended absence created both anticipation and pressure. The group had previously established themselves with cute concepts and bubblegum pop sounds, yet the K-pop landscape had evolved considerably during their time away. Their return strategy needed to acknowledge their roots while showing growth—a balance "WE GO" struck masterfully by embracing a more mature sound without abandoning their signature energy.

Comparison to 'Feel Good' and 'Love Bomb'

"WE GO" builds upon the foundation laid by "Feel Good" rather than attempting to recreate the innocent charm of their breakthrough hit "Love Bomb." Whereas "Love Bomb" leaned heavily into saccharine hooks and youthful exuberance, "WE GO" carries forward the more sophisticated production elements introduced in "Feel Good." However, it diverges by incorporating stronger dance elements and a more cohesive summer concept. The vocal arrangements showcase greater complexity than previous releases, with members taking on parts that highlight their individual strengths instead of blending into a uniform sound.

Why This Sound Feels Different Yet Familiar

The genius of "WE GO" lies in its ability to sound fresh yet undeniably fromis_9. The track retains the group's characteristic brightness but packages it in a more contemporary production. The song's structure follows familiar K-pop conventions with its verse-chorus format, yet the execution feels distinctly modern with its city pop influences and digital aesthetic references. Furthermore, the lyrics about travel and escape reflect a universal desire after pandemic restrictions, making the song both timely and timeless. This delicate balance between innovation and continuity allowed fromis_9 to retain their core fanbase while attracting new listeners.

Musical Composition: Hooks, Synths, and Summer Vibes

The musical foundation of "We Go" reveals a sophisticated approach to summer pop that elevates it beyond typical seasonal offerings. The track's intricate composition combines nostalgic influences with contemporary production techniques to create something both familiar yet fresh.

Opening Groove and City Pop Influence

"We Go" begins with an intriguing nod to city pop—a genre that has recently captivated the K-pop scene with its retro Japanese urban sound from the 1970s and 1980s. Initially, the song teases this influence in its opening seconds before quickly morphing into a more robust summer sound. This percolating groove is often filtered to create a hazy appeal, yet the rhythm remains straightforward and addicting, maintaining constant momentum throughout. The instrumental showcases a refreshing fullness, especially when joined by satisfying layers of synth during the chorus.

Chorus Breakdown: 'We Go' Hook Analysis

The first half of the chorus stands as a genuine knockout moment in the song, primarily due to the thoughtful layering of the members' vocals that creates an enticing texture. Additionally, the titular hook that follows bears a striking resemblance to another summer anthem: Katy Perry's "California Gurls". Yet even this somewhat tropey burst maintains the track's positive vibe without feeling derivative. The "nananana" section hits that sweet spot of being super catchy without becoming annoying.

Final Chorus Switch-Up and Vocal Layering

As "We Go" approaches its conclusion, the track reaches a climactic swell into its finale, making it nearly impossible not to be utterly charmed. This momentum never falters—notably, the bridge manages to simultaneously step back to build anticipation while somehow losing no momentum at all. The song ultimately culminates in classic fromis_9 vocal harmonies that have become a signature element of their discography.

Production Team and Their Signature Style

The production maintains a simple pop sound that isn't overcomplicated in either structure or tone. Essentially, what makes the instrumental work is its consistency—never once does "We Go" lose momentum, which proves key to its success. Although some critics suggest the instrumentation could have been bolder to enhance memorability, the track compensates for any familiarity with incredible energy that carries listeners through to the very end.

Visual Storytelling in the 'We Go' MV

Pushing the boundaries of conventional K-pop visuals, the "We Go" music video offers a refreshingly meta approach to storytelling that perfectly captures the pandemic-era desire for escapism through technology.

fromis_9 We Go MV Concept and Editing

The music video, released on May 17th, 2021, takes a creative twist on the summer getaway concept. Produced by fantazylab, what makes this MV stand out is its self-aware nature—from the very first frame, viewers see that none of the gorgeous travel shots are real. Instead, the entire premise revolves around fromis_9 members editing themselves into dream vacation spots via Photoshop during a group video call. This concept resonated deeply with audiences experiencing travel restrictions, as it expressed the universal desire to escape while staying home.

Use of Zoom, Instagram, and Facetime Aesthetics

The editing team deserves immense credit for seamlessly integrating digital communication platforms into the narrative. Throughout the MV, viewers see the members using photo editing software, participating in a conference call with animated icons, and sharing their finished creations on Instagram. Clever details abound—progress bars in the video players move in sync with the actual MV progression, and a sudden Facetime ring interrupts the bridge (prompting many viewers to report it made them "jump"). Moreover, the transitions between scenes often mimic switching between computer windows, with minimizing effects and cursor movements adding authenticity.

Symbolism of Travel and Escapism

Beneath the playful surface lies thoughtful symbolism. As the MV progresses from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM, the lighting in members' rooms changes accordingly—some appear in daylight, others in golden hour, and some in dimmed evening settings. This subtly suggests global time zone differences while emphasizing connection across distances. Furthermore, the magazine covers framing members (like Nakyung and Saerom's "Paradise" magazine) reinforce that imagination has no limits. The video ultimately celebrates who they're with rather than where they go—a poignant message for pandemic times.

fromis_9 We Go Concept Photos: Aesthetic Breakdown

Complementing the MV, the concept photos for "We Go" feature the members preparing for departure, each with a passport. These images signal both literal and metaphorical journeys—not just vacation dreams but also fromis_9's evolution as artists. The photos blend retro travel aesthetics with modern digital elements, creating a visual language that perfectly matches the song's refreshing summer energy.

Reception and Impact on fromis_9’s Trajectory

The release of "We Go" marked a pivotal moment for fromis_9, permanently altering their standing in the competitive K-pop landscape. The single not only showcased their musical evolution but consequently established them as serious contenders in an industry known for its rapid turnover of trends.

Fan Reactions and Online Buzz

Upon its release on May 17, 2021, "fromis_9 We Go" immediately generated substantial buzz across social media platforms. Flovers (fromis_9's fandom) created multiple trending hashtags celebrating the group's refreshed sound and concept. The YouTube premiere garnered impressive real-time viewership, with fans particularly praising the relatable "fake vacation" concept that resonated during pandemic travel restrictions. Additionally, the choreography challenge associated with the chorus gained traction on TikTok, expanding the group's reach beyond their established fanbase.

Critical Reviews and Ratings

Music critics generally responded favorably to fromis_9's sonic shift. Several publications highlighted the track's infectious energy and summer appeal, with one prominent K-pop reviewer noting that "We Go represents the perfect balance between commercial appeal and artistic growth." The song earned solid ratings across music platforms, often receiving praise for its production quality and vocal arrangements. Nevertheless, some critics pointed out that while excellent, the track didn't completely break new ground—yet most agreed this consistency worked in the group's favor, maintaining their identity while pushing boundaries.

How 'We Go' Repositioned fromis_9 in K-pop

"We Go" fundamentally shifted fromis_9's industry positioning, elevating them from promising rookies to established performers with a distinct identity. Following this release, the group began receiving invitations to major music festivals and variety shows that had previously been beyond their reach. Furthermore, this sonic direction laid groundwork for subsequent releases, establishing a template that balanced their youthful energy with more sophisticated production values. In essence, "We Go" served as the turning point where fromis_9 found their unique voice in the saturated K-pop market, setting the stage for their continued ascension in the industry.