IVE's latest release, "Off The Record," has taken the K-pop world by storm. This catchy new track showcases the group's evolving sound and captivating performances, solidifying their position as rising stars in the industry. Fans and critics alike have been buzzing about the song's infectious melody, intricate choreography, and visually stunning music video.

The impact of "Off The Record" extends beyond just its musical merits. This article delves into the fan reactions on social media, analyzes the music video's concept, and examines the critical reviews from music experts. It also explores the song's chart performance, spotlights individual member contributions, and considers how this release fits into IVE's growing discography. Additionally, we'll look at the behind-the-scenes process, break down the choreography, and discuss the track's lyrical content.

Artist

IVE

Released

October 6, 2023

Format(s)

Download, streaming

Recorded

2023

Genre

Dance

Length

3:08

Label(s)

Starship Entertainment

Distributor(s)

Kakao Entertainment

 

Writer(s)

Seo Jieum

Composer(s)

Ryan Jhun, Sivert Hagtvet Hjeltnes, Bård Bonsaken, Hilda Stenmalm

Arranger(s)

Ryan Jhun, Sivert Hagtvet Hjeltnes

"Off the Record" is IVE's latest release, following their successful 2023 hit "I Am." The song was written by Seo Ji-eum and composed by Ryan S. Jhun, Sivert Hagtvet Hjeltnes, Bård Bonsaken, and Hilda Stenmalm. This new track is part of an EP set to be released within days of the single's debut, marking another milestone in IVE's growing discography.

The song is characterized by its rhythmic beat and groovy, heavy bass guitar. Composed in the key of B-flat major with a tempo of 108 beats per minute, "Off the Record" showcases a light and unobtrusive groove. The track borrows hints of city pop, smoothing it over with easy-listening radio elements. While well-produced, some critics note that the song doesn't provide the group with many vocal challenges, describing the performance as somewhat weightless.

"Off the Record" delves into the realm of late-night conversations and hidden emotions. The lyrics tell the story of girls curious about love in the middle of the night when no one is sleeping. The song explores themes of untold feelings, vulnerability, and genuine connections. It paints a picture of an "off the record" night filled with intimate conversations, reflecting a range of emotions from uncertainty and shyness to desire and honesty. The lyrics encourage listeners to "lower your voice to a whisper" and enter a "private mode" where they can be more open and authentic.

The release of IVE's "Off The Record" sparked a flurry of activity across various social media platforms, with fans eagerly sharing their thoughts and excitement about the new track.

Twitter became a hub of fan activity following the release. The music video for "Off The Record" quickly gained traction on YouTube, debuting at #7 on the platform's Trending Worldwide chart. The song's popularity extended across multiple countries, trending in various positions:

#7 in Canada

#10 in Thailand

#11 in Taiwan

#12 in the United Kingdom

#14 in the United States

#16 in Brazil

#18 in Hong Kong

#19 in France

Fans used Twitter to express their excitement, with certain hashtags related to the release trending worldwide.

Instagram saw a surge in engagement as fans shared photos and videos showcasing their enthusiasm for "Off The Record". Many users posted content from the music video and live performances, contributing to the visual buzz surrounding the release.

Online fan communities and forums were abuzz with lively discussions about "Off The Record". Fans analyzed various aspects of the song and music video, sharing their perspectives and interpretations. Some fans expressed initial disappointment, noting that the song's style differed from IVE's previous releases . However, many appreciated the creative music video and praised the song's lyrics. The discussions also touched on the song's production, with fans noting its light and unobtrusive groove, hinting at city pop influences.

The music video for "Off The Record" presents a visually captivating narrative, rich with symbolism and thematic elements. The video prominently features apples, which serve a dual purpose in the context of the story. On one hand, apples represent the forbidden fruit from the tree of knowledge, symbolizing temptation and desire. On the other, they are a traditional symbol of love, harkening back to ancient Roman mythology where apples were sacred to Venus, the goddess of love and beauty.

The visual storytelling is further enhanced by the unique settings for each member. Wonyoung's scene takes place in an isolated, apple-filled house, representing her shy and geeky persona. Yujin's segment unfolds in a mall after closing hours, symbolizing her search for a place to call home. Liz's part transforms from a park to a film studio, showcasing a happy fantasy world. Leeseo's story revolves around growing an apple tree, symbolizing devotion to love and personal growth.

While the provided information doesn't offer specific details about the choreography, the music video appears to focus more on individual member narratives and symbolic representations rather than dance sequences. The visual storytelling takes precedence, with each member embodying different aspects of love and emotional experiences.

The music video is replete with Easter eggs and references that add depth to the narrative:

Wonyoung's character wears the same helmet as the boy she's interested in, suggesting a deep connection or admiration.

Yujin carries a heart-shaped apple that gradually shrinks, symbolizing her emotional journey and possibly representing the consumption of her own feelings.

Leeseo's storyline involves planting a magical bean that grows into an apple tree, potentially referencing hope and the nurturing of dreams.

The video features various apple-related imagery, including boxed and canned apples in Wonyoung's house, possibly representing suppressed feelings or reluctance to open up.

The setting of 2 AM for the spin-the-bottle game at the beginning of the video aligns with the song's theme of late-night conversations and hidden emotions.

These visual elements and Easter eggs contribute to a rich, multilayered narrative that complements the song's themes of vulnerability, genuine connections, and the complexities of love and relationships.

Music critics have acknowledged IVE's ability to deliver well-crafted pop songs. Some reviewers praised "Off The Record" for its light and unobtrusive groove, noting its hints of city pop smoothed over with easy-listening radio elements. The song's vocals have been commended, with critics highlighting the immaculate combination of melodies and the members' delivery in the track.

Despite the positive aspects, some experts found "Off The Record" to be somewhat generic and lacking in distinctive features. Critics pointed out that the song doesn't provide the group with many vocal challenges, describing the performance as weightless. Some reviewers felt that the track, while well-made, falls short of being interesting or ear-catching.

When compared to IVE's previous works, "Off The Record" has been described as their most lightweight title track yet. Critics have drawn parallels between this release and Fifty Fifty's "Cupid," suggesting that "Off The Record" follows a similar template. Some reviewers expressed that the song lacks the melodic heft typically associated with IVE's title tracks. In contrast to their 2023 hit "I Am," which remains a triumphant highlight, "Off The Record" has been perceived as a softer, less impactful release.

"Off the Record" made a significant impact on South Korean charts. The song debuted at number 106 on the Circle Digital Chart for the week of October 1-7, 2023. It quickly gained traction, reaching number 10 on the Circle Download Chart and number 16 on the Circle BGM Chart. In the following week, it climbed to number 24 on the Circle Streaming Chart. The song's popularity continued to grow, ascending to number 14 on the Circle Digital Chart for the week of October 15-21, 2023. By November 2023, "Off the Record" had reached its peak position at number 20 on the Circle Digital Chart.

IVE's "Off the Record" achieved notable success on international charts:

Singapore: Debuted at number 17 on the RIAS Top Streaming Chart and number 9 on the RIAS Top Regional Chart. It also reached number 16 on the Billboard Singapore Songs chart.

Malaysia: Entered the Billboard Malaysia Songs chart at number 25.

Hong Kong: Debuted at number 11 on the Billboard Hong Kong Songs chart.

Taiwan: Reached number 13 on the Billboard Taiwan Songs chart.

United States: Debuted at number 10 on the Billboard World Digital Song Sales chart.

New Zealand: Entered the RMNZ Hot Singles chart at number 38.

Global Charts: The song debuted at number 181 on the Billboard Global 200 and number 99 on the Billboard Global Excl. U.S. chart.

Vietnam: Entered the Billboard Vietnam Hot 100 at number 58.

"Off the Record" performed well across various streaming platforms:

YouTube: Reached number 13 in South Korea and reentered at number 65 in Nigeria.

Spotify: Peaked at number 75 in Taiwan, 77 in South Korea, and 126 in Hong Kong.

Apple Music: Achieved positions of number 67 in Taiwan, 106 in Hong Kong, and later 185 in Vietnam.

iTunes: Reached number 36 in Botswana.

Shazam: Peaked at number 37 in Sweden and 147 in South Korea.

Deezer: Climbed to number 48 in Singapore.

These chart performances demonstrate the global appeal of IVE's "Off the Record" across various markets and streaming platforms.

In "Off The Record," IVE's vocal performance is characterized by its sweet and charming quality, complementing the song's groovy yet heavy bass guitar sounds and rhythmic beats. However, critics have noted that the track doesn't provide the group with many vocal challenges, resulting in a somewhat weightless performance.

A notable exception occurs during the brief bridge, where the track hints at an interpolation of The Cardigans' "Lovefool," adding an intriguing element to the song. This moment stands out as a potential highlight, showcasing the group's ability to incorporate unexpected musical references.

While specific details about line distribution are not provided in the given information, the song's structure allows for each member to contribute to the overall performance. The lyrics, which revolve around late-night conversations and hidden emotions, are delivered by the members in a cohesive manner.

Each member of IVE brings a unique element to the performance, reflecting their individual growth and artistic development:

Leeseo's concept in the music video symbolizes hope and potential for growth, representing patience and positivity in nurturing dreams.

Gaeul portrays the complexities of unreciprocated love, showcasing emotional depth in her performance.

Liz embodies a more naive, light-hearted side of love, demonstrating versatility in her portrayal.

Yujin's performance reflects a more skeptical approach to love, showing her ability to convey complex emotions.

Rei takes on a modern twist of Cupid, displaying confidence and determination in her role.

Wonyoung embodies uncertainty and shyness, showcasing her range in portraying various aspects of emotions.

While the song may not push the members to their vocal limits, it allows them to express different facets of their artistry through their individual performances and characterizations in the music video.

"Off the Record" represents a shift in IVE's musical direction, showcasing a lighter and more relaxed sound compared to their previous releases. The song features a rhythmic beat characterized by groovy and heavy bass guitar, blending elements of city pop with easy-listening radio vibes. This evolution in their sound demonstrates IVE's versatility and willingness to explore different musical styles.

When compared to IVE's earlier works, "Off the Record" stands out as their most lightweight title track to date. While their 2023 hit "I Am" remains a triumphant highlight, "Off the Record" takes a softer approach, described by some as a "slight whisper rather than a bang". The song's composition, credited to Ryan S. Jhun, Sivert Hagtvet Hjeltnes, Bård Bonsaken, and Hilda Stenmalm, maintains IVE's signature pop sound but with a more subdued energy.

The reception of "Off the Record" among fans has been mixed. Some appreciate the song's well-crafted pop elements and see it as a necessary addition to IVE's discography, providing a softer counterpoint to their typically more upbeat tracks. Others, however, express disappointment, feeling that the song doesn't fully showcase IVE's vocal capabilities and lacks the captivating quality of their previous releases. Despite this, many fans appreciate the creative music video and the song's lyrics, which tell the story of girls curious about love in the middle of the night.