After a quiet period following Jang Gyu-ri's departure, fromis_9 has made a triumphant return with their first full-length studio album, "Unlock My World". Released on June 5, 2023, this 10-track collection marks a significant milestone for the octet. The album showcases fromis_9's musical palette, ushering in a new era for the group. Led by the title track "#menow," the album explores themes of self-love and identity. This comeback demonstrates fromis_9's growth, offering a more mature and introspective side of the group. With standout B-sides like "Attitude," "In the Mirror," and "What I Want," "Unlock My World" has been hailed as one of the best girl group albums of the year.

Track list

"Attitude" - 3:10

"#menow" - 2:49

"Wishlist" (Jiwon & Chaeyoung) - 2:56

"In The Mirror" (Seoyeon & Nagyung) - 3:31

"Don't Care" (Jiwon, Jisun, Seoyeon, Nagyung) - 3:22

"Prom Night" (Saerom, Hayoung, Chaeyoung, Jiheon) - 3:26

"Bring It On" - 2:51

"What I Want" - 3:29

"My Night Routine" - 2:57

"Eye Contact (눈맞춤)" - 3:30

fromis_9 made their debut in 2018 with "To. Heart," a project that captured their youthful energy and showcased their talent. The group's debut album featured a blend of pop, R&B, and rock elements, setting the stage for their musical journey. Their early releases, including the standout track "To. Heart," demonstrated their ability to deliver catchy choruses and impressive vocal performances.

On August 16, 2021, fromis_9 departed from Off The Record and moved under Pledis Entertainment's management. This transition marked a significant turning point for the group. Under their new label, they released the special single album "Talk & Talk" on September 1, 2021. This release proved to be a milestone, as the group achieved their first-ever music show win on SBS MTV's "The Show" with "Talk & Talk" on September 7.

Following their transition, fromis_9 continued to demonstrate their musical growth. They released their fourth EP "Midnight Guest" on January 17, 2022, featuring the title track "DM". The group's evolution culminated in the announcement of their first full-length studio album, "Unlock My World," set for release on June 5, 2023. This album marks their debut as an eight-member group, showcasing their continued development and versatility as artists.

"Unlock My World," fromis_9's first full-length studio album, was released on June 5, 2023, under Pledis Entertainment. The album showcases the group's growth and versatility across various genres, including pop, dance, UK garage, R&B, electro-pop, rock, and ballad.

The album features contributions from numerous songwriters, including Anna Timgren, AVENUE 52, and members of fromis_9 themselves. Notably, Baek Ji-heon participated in writing "In the Mirror" and "Prom Night," while all members contributed to the lyrics of "Eye Contact".

"Unlock My World" boasts an impressive lineup of producers, including BYMORE, "hitman" Bang, and Ish Hokhmah. Renowned producers like Ryan S. Jhun and Slow Rabbit also lent their expertise to tracks such as "#menow" and "Bring It On" respectively.

The album's production involved various musical elements, including background vocals by C'SA, Elum, and Hannah Jang, as well as bass contributions from Ish Hokhmah, Lee Dong Hyuk, and MOpin. This collaborative effort resulted in a diverse soundscape that highlights fromis_9's evolving artistry and signature sound.

"Attitude" opens the album with an exhilarating dance-pop instrumental. The track features chic vocals and masterful production, creating a hypnotic soundscape. With its energetic and uplifting energy, "Attitude" serves as a captivating introduction to fromis_9's world.

The title track "#menow" presents a gentle, uplifting pop melody promoting self-love. The lyrics boldly declare, "Feel me now / No more hiding, I like it just as I am / So new, the me now / This is me, what do you think?". While some consider it slightly underwhelming compared to other title tracks, "#menow" remains enjoyable and easy to appreciate.

"Wishlist" offers a pleasant mid-tempo R&B experience. The track's lyrics, such as "You packaged me with all your faves / Full of filters and all these frames / Ain't gon' try to fit into it," explore themes of self-identity and authenticity. This song contributes to the album's diverse soundscape, showcasing fromis_9's versatility across various genres.

"Unlock My World" showcases fromis_9's versatility through its B-sides. "In The Mirror" features an irregular double-time melody and a catchy chorus. Lee Na Gyung and Lee Seo Yeon's pure yet groovy voices stand out in this unit song about self-reflection and staying centered. "Don't Care" is a dance-pop track with a rhythmic bass and cool bursts in the chorus. The new vocal combination of Park Ji Won, Roh Ji Sun, Lee Seo Yeon, and Lee Na Gyung delivers powerful yet delicate performances. "Bring It On" creates a unique fromis_9 sound with its ethnic sound riff, groovy R&B feel, and whistle sounds. The upbeat lyrics encourage listeners to face challenges fearlessly. These B-sides demonstrate the group's ability to explore different genres while maintaining their signature sound.

The album showcases several unique vocal combinations. Park Ji Won and Lee Chae Young harmonize beautifully in "Wishlist," creating a warm and soothing atmosphere. Lee Na Gyung and Lee Seo Yeon's pure yet groovy voices stand out in "In The Mirror," delivering a powerful message of self-reflection.

The chorus arrangements in "Unlock My World" are particularly noteworthy. Rich chorus vocals enhance the overall perfection of the tracks. The album balances robotic whirring sounds and backing vocals with dark, intense synths, creating an exciting and dynamic soundscape.

Each member brings unique vocal qualities to the album. Hayoung, a self-taught guitarist and singer-songwriter, demonstrates her complete performer skills. Jiwon's powerful singing, a result of talent and years of hard work, shines throughout the album. Gyuri's mellifluous singing voice adds a regal touch to the tracks.

The music video for "#menow" reflects the song's carefree vibe, showcasing two sides of the members. One depicts them feeling tired and sad under the spotlight, while the other shows them cheerful and relaxed during casual moments with each other. This visual representation reinforces the song's emphasis on being oneself in different environments. The video also features a plane flying away, possibly symbolizing a desire to escape, but an incomplete runway suggests learning to be authentic where they are.

The album "Unlock My World" was released in three versions: #REALITY, #IMAGINE, and #NOTYET. Each version includes a photo book, tracklist book, mini poster, photo cards, mini card, cover deco sticker, folded lyrics poster, and CD-R. This diverse range of visual content allows fans to immerse themselves in fromis_9's concept for the album.

fromis_9 released a series of concept photos for "Unlock My World," featuring individual and group shots. These images showcase the members in various settings, aligning with the album's themes of self-discovery and authenticity. The concept photos contribute to the overall visual narrative of the album, complementing the music video and album artwork.

Critics praised "Unlock My World" for its cohesive sound and fromis_9's artistic growth. Gladys Yeo of NME awarded the album 4 out of 5 stars, noting that it showcases the group's mature, introspective side. Some reviewers hailed it as one of the best full albums from a 4th generation group, commending its well-written tracks and clear production vision.

"Unlock My World" achieved notable success on various charts:

Japanese Albums (Oricon) 8

Japanese Combined Albums (Oricon) 9

Japanese Hot Albums (Billboard Japan) 7

South Korean Albums (Circle) 5

The album also ranked 22nd on the Japanese Albums (Oricon) monthly chart and 10th on the South Korean Albums (Circle) monthly chart.

Fans appreciated the album's exploration of self-love and identity themes. The title track "#menow" resonated with listeners, who connected with its message of authenticity. B-sides like "Attitude" and "Bring It On" were particularly well-received, with fans praising their unique soundscapes and fromis_9's vocal performances.