Talk & Talk Review: Why fromis_9's 2021 Release Surprised Music Critics

"Talk & Talk" marked a significant turning point for South Korean girl group fromis_9 when it was released on September 1, 2021, through Pledis Entertainment. This special single album wasn't just another K-pop release—it represented the group's first project after transferring from Off The Record Entertainment just weeks earlier.

Despite being created by a team of producers who had never worked on a fromis_9 title track before, including Andreas Carlsson, Ryan S. Jhun, and Anna Timgren, the song successfully captured the group's refreshing sound. The fromis_9 talk & talk lyrics cleverly compare the excitement of late-night phone conversations to games like Shiritori, where players complete each other's sentences.

Surprisingly, the song's structure defied initial expectations. What seemed destined to rely heavily on a "doo doo doo" hook evolved into something quite different, with the actual chorus taking listeners in an unexpected direction. The talk & talk album features bright synths throughout, while incorporating distinctive 8-bit influences in the chorus that set it apart from standard pop productions.

This strategic musical shift paid off dramatically for the group. On September 7, 2021, fromis_9 achieved their first-ever music show win with "Talk & Talk" on The Show—a milestone moment that solidified their place in the competitive K-pop landscape and left music critics taking notice.

The Story Behind Talk & Talk: fromis_9’s Label Shift and Comeback

The release of "Talk & Talk" came at a pivotal moment in fromis_9's career trajectory, representing not just a new musical direction but also a significant organizational shift for the nine-member group.

Transfer to Pledis Entertainment

August 2021 marked a transformative period for fromis_9 as they officially moved under Pledis Entertainment's management. This transfer from Off The Record Entertainment signaled a fresh chapter for the group, occurring just weeks before their comeback. The label shift brought new resources and creative direction to the group, with Pledis already housing established acts like SEVENTEEN and NU'EST. Furthermore, since both labels operated under the larger HYBE Corporation umbrella, this move streamlined their management structure rather than representing a complete company change.

Teaser Timeline and Release Strategy

The promotional campaign for "Talk & Talk" followed a meticulously planned schedule. Initial concept photos appeared in mid-August, showcasing the members in bright, retro-inspired outfits that perfectly complemented the single's upbeat aesthetic. Subsequently, the company released individual member teasers, building anticipation day by day. The music video teaser dropped just 48 hours before the full release, offering fans a glimpse of the catchy chorus and colorful visuals. Additionally, the strategic release timing at the beginning of September positioned the single to capture attention during the competitive fall K-pop season.

First Comeback After 'We Go'

"Talk & Talk" arrived approximately three months after the group's previous single "We Go," maintaining momentum while giving the group sufficient time to prepare their new concept. This comeback represented their first release under Pledis Entertainment's direction, making it especially significant for both the group and their fanbase (named "Flover"). The musical progression between releases was noteworthy—while "We Go" featured summery city pop influences, "Talk & Talk" leaned more heavily into synth-pop territory with distinctive 8-bit elements. Moreover, this release demonstrated a continuation of fromis_9's signature bright energy yet showcased a more refined production approach that signaled their artistic evolution under new management.

Musical Composition and Style of Talk & Talk

"Talk & Talk" stands out in fromis_9's discography as a dance-pop track with a distinctive musical identity. The song cleverly balances modern production techniques with nostalgic elements, creating a sound that captivated both fans and critics alike.

Retro Synths and 8-Bit Elements

The instrumental foundation of "Talk & Talk" features a noticeable peppy tone achieved through bright synths throughout the composition. What truly distinguishes this track, however, is its creative integration of 8-bit influences that give the song a burst of likable energy. These electronic elements are subtly present in the verses but become more concentrated during the chorus, providing a refreshing quality that prevents the track from feeling generic. The percussion and synth components work together to establish a fun disco-inspired atmosphere that supports the youthful image of fromis_9. Indeed, this retro-influenced approach creates a harmonious balance with the modern dance-pop structure.

Chorus Structure and Melodic Flow

Upon first listen, many expected "Talk & Talk" to rely heavily on its "doo doo doo" hook, yet the actual chorus takes an unexpected direction. It delivers a laid-back energy paired with an ascending melody that maintains a brisk and compelling pace. The song demonstrates thoughtful structural variety, particularly in the second verse where melody gives way to rap while the instrumental continues consistently. Notably, Baek Ji-heon's "ping-pong infinite repeat" rap part became quite addictive among listeners. Although some critics noted the chorus instrumentation feels somewhat sparse compared to the verses, the contrast between these sections creates an interesting dynamic that keeps listeners engaged throughout the track.

Production Team and Arrangement

The production credits for "Talk & Talk" bring together an impressive lineup of industry professionals who had not previously worked on fromis_9 title tracks. The song was composed by Andreas Carlsson, Denzil Remedios, Ryan S. Jhun, Anna Timgren, Stephen Stahl and Courtney Jenaé Stahl, with lyrics written by Danke. Consequently, this collaboration introduced fresh elements to fromis_9's sound while still maintaining their signature bright energy. The arrangement balances standard pop production with those distinctive 8-bit flourishes, particularly in the chorus sections. Furthermore, the bridge section deserves recognition for maintaining energy rather than breaking down completely—a structural choice that contributes to the song's consistent momentum.

Lyrical Themes and Emotional Tone

Beyond its catchy melodies, "Talk & Talk" captivates listeners through its heartfelt lyrics that explore the simple yet profound joy of late-night conversations. The song's emotional landscape resonates with anyone who has ever stayed up talking to someone special.

fromis_9 Talk & Talk Lyrics Breakdown

At its core, "Talk & Talk" cleverly compares the excitement of wanting to talk on the phone all night to playful games like Shiritori (where players complete each other's sentences) and "say anything" parties. Key lyrics like "Ping pong, endlessly repeat" and "Ruleless, word chain game" highlight this playful communication. Throughout the verses, the members express the flutter of hearing someone's voice through a phone, with lines such as "My heart flutters for no reason" and "Repeat what you said, it's still fun". Essentially, the lyrics capture that universal feeling of not wanting conversations with someone special to end, shown in the poignant line "Instead of saying bye, as I don't want to, I burst into laughter for no reason".

Themes of Connection and Late-Night Conversations

The song delves deep into the emotional intimacy of late-night talks. According to the lyrics, as "the green battery turns red" on their phones, the emotional connection grows stronger—reaching "100% percent". This symbolism effectively represents how genuine connections deepen as conversations continue into the night. Correspondingly, the song captures the bittersweet feeling of wanting to prolong these moments with lines like "Just a little more, just a little more". For many listeners, these lyrics evoke the purity of school days and the freshness of first love.

Symbolism in the 'Talk & Talk' Album

The imagery throughout "Talk & Talk" builds a cohesive emotional narrative. The lyrics symbolically use technological elements like phone batteries turning from green to red to represent time passing. Furthermore, the repeated mention of "filling up" conversations suggests emotional fulfillment through shared words. The night setting itself becomes symbolic—representing a private, intimate space where genuine connection happens away from daytime distractions. In essence, the album captures that unique emotional space where two people can truly connect, demonstrated in the line "For all the remaining, many nights, it'll be filled with our own emotions".

Critical Reception and Chart Performance

The release of "Talk & Talk" garnered mixed critical reception yet achieved historic milestones for fromis_9, marking a significant turning point in their career journey.

Music Critics' Ratings and Reviews

Professional evaluations of the single revealed divided opinions. Allkpop rated the track 7.42 out of 10, noting that "despite the song's upbeat and youthful feel, the single boasts a surprisingly laid-back chorus that contrasts well with the overall peppiness". Meanwhile, KpopReviewed awarded it a slightly higher 7.8/10, though remarking it "could have been more vibrant and bolder with its sound". SeoulBeats took a more critical stance, stating that compared to the group's previous hits like "We Go" and "Love Bomb," this release "falls short by just a bit". Ultimately, most critics acknowledged that while the song might not be groundbreaking, it maintained a professional quality befitting fromis_9's established sound.

Fan Reactions and Online Commentary

Online discourse revealed equally varied opinions among listeners. TheBiasList commenters expressed that the track "won't set the K-pop world on fire, but it's another satisfying example of fromis_9 doing what they do best". Numerous fans pointed out that following the success of "We Go," expectations were exceptionally high. Some listeners initially found the chorus transition jarring, with one noting, "when the chorus started I had to check if I accidentally clicked on another music video". Interestingly, the song gradually won over many initial skeptics, similar to how their previous release "ASAP" had grown on listeners over time.

Chart Rankings and Music Show Wins

On music charts, "Talk & Talk" peaked at 97th on South Korea's Gaon Chart and reached 9th position on Gaon Albums Chart. Even more significantly, the single achieved a historic breakthrough when fromis_9 won their first-ever music show trophy on September 7, 2021, on "The Show". This milestone came 1,323 days after their 2018 debut, bringing tears to the members' eyes during their emotional acceptance speech. Leader Lee Sae-rom expressed gratitude to their fandom "Flovers" and their new label Pledis Entertainment. This victory represented not just a chart achievement but a career-defining moment for the group.