BABYMONSTER 'LIKE THAT'
BABYMONSTER, a youthful ensemble with an average age of around 16, has faced a tumultuous journey even before their official debut under YG Entertainment. Despite the departure of a key member, the group launched with high expectations, making their entry with the track "BATTER UP" . This debut, however, was met with mixed reactions, as it was seen as somewhat formulaic within the K-pop genre, drawing comparisons to BLACKPINK but lacking a distinct bounce. The track attempted to salvage its appeal in the concluding moments with a shift towards an anthemic club beat, hinting at potential future directions for the group's sound.
Moreover, BABYMONSTER's initial offerings, including "SHEESH," have shown that they are capable of more than what has been presented. Critics have noted that while their songs follow a familiar structural pattern reminiscent of other YG Entertainment productions, there is a clear potential that remains untapped. The group's vocal abilities and the strength of their rappers have been particularly highlighted, suggesting a promising foundation for future artistic growth.
BABYMONSTER's Musical Journey
Debut Phase
BABYMONSTER made a striking entrance into the music scene with their debut EP titled 'BabyMons7er,' which was released on April 1, 2024. The group, formed through YG Entertainment's reality show 'Last Evaluation,' quickly captured attention with their debut single "Sheesh," which showcased their unique blend of hip-hop and dance elements. Their debut was marked by significant achievements, including setting a new record for the fastest K-pop girl group to reach 100 million views on YouTube with their music video for "BATTER UP," achieving this milestone in just 18 days.
Music Evolution
Since their debut, BABYMONSTER has continued to evolve, blending various musical styles and showcasing their versatility. Their music incorporates a mix of K-pop with global music influences, allowing them to create a sound that is both innovative and appealing to a broad audience. The group has been praised for their ability to handle different musical styles, from high-energy pop tracks to more subdued, emotional melodies, demonstrating their growth and adaptability in the competitive music industry.
Key Releases
Among BABYMONSTER's key releases, "Sheesh" stands out not only for its commercial success but also for its musical composition. The track reached No. 16 on the Billboard Global Chart and No. 33 on the Billboard 200 chart, remaining on the chart for eight weeks. Another significant release, "LIKE THAT," from their debut EP, also garnered attention for its unique sound and production, further establishing BABYMONSTER as a formidable force in the K-pop industry. The group's upcoming releases are highly anticipated, with expectations set high for their continued success and innovation in music.
Inside 'Like That'
Song Inspiration
"Like That" by BABYMONSTER captures the essence of attraction and love through its playful and confident lyrics. The song portrays a scenario where the protagonist notices someone intriguing and contemplates making a move, using the repeated question "Baby, would you like that?" as a flirtatious challenge to gauge interest and reciprocation.
Songwriters and Producers
The track's creation involved a collaboration of seasoned producers and songwriters, including notable figures from YG Entertainment. Their expertise contributed to crafting a sound that aligns with current subdued trends in K-pop, yet stands out with its unique guitar-and-whistle beat that provides ample space for vocal expression.
Recording Process
During the recording of "Like That," the focus was on maintaining a balance between a sparse instrumental arrangement and allowing the vocal talents of BABYMONSTER to shine. This approach was strategically chosen to differentiate the song from the typically dense productions seen in previous YG Entertainment tracks, thus ensuring that each member's voice was distinctly heard and appreciated.
Detailed Lyrics Analysis
Verse Dissection
The opening lines of "Like That" immediately set a playful and engaging tone, with the lyrics suggesting a cheeky and confident approach to attraction. The verse, "Monsters like that kita cek monster sama like that kita dengarin soundnya dulu sound nanti kita liriknya," implies a meticulous crafting of sound and lyricism that entices the listener to delve deeper into the song's narrative .
Chorus Meaning
The chorus of "Like That" stands out for its simplicity and catchiness, encapsulated in the repeated phrase, "Baby would you like that Baby would you like." This line serves as a flirtatious invitation, echoing the song's theme of playful interaction and mutual attraction. The chorus's structure supports the track's overall appeal by reinforcing the engaging and rhythmic melody that encourages listener participation.
Rap Breakdown
The rap sections in "Like That" introduce a dynamic shift, adding layers of complexity and intensity. The lyrics, "the way that verse came in was that Ruka just Melody just catchy," highlight the seamless integration of melody and rhythm, showcasing the rapper's skill in blending traditional and modern musical elements. This part of the song not only enhances the overall energy but also underscores the lyrical prowess of the group.
Sound and Production Details
Musical Style
The musical style of "Like That" by BABYMONSTER can be understood as a unique expression through the use of varied melody, harmony, and rhythm techniques, which define the genre of the song . This approach allows the group to create a distinctive sound that resonates with their identity and musical brand, characterized by a consistency that makes their music instantly recognizable.
Instrumentation
In the production of "Like That," the instrumentation plays a crucial role in setting the song apart. The track features a blend of live, electronic, and virtual instruments, which contribute to a rich and varied auditory experience. This combination helps in crafting a soundscape that is both innovative and appealing, providing a fresh take on the traditional K-pop sound.
Mixing and Mastering
The final stages of audio production for "Like That" involve meticulous mixing and mastering, which transform the raw recordings into a polished final product. During mixing, effects such as EQ, reverb, and compression are applied to enhance the character and texture of the music. Mastering then ensures the track maintains a consistent quality across various playback systems, involving critical adjustments to tonal balance and dynamics. This process is essential for achieving a sound that is both competitive and dynamic, ensuring the track performs well across different listening environments.
Visual Representation
Music Video Overview
Music videos have evolved significantly, transitioning from simple promotional tools to complex forms of artistic expression that combine music with cinematic storytelling. The video for "Like That" by BABYMONSTER is no exception, utilizing a variety of cinematic techniques to enhance the visual experience and complement the song's themes.
Cinematic Elements
In "Like That," the cinematography is designed to reflect the mood of the music, employing specific techniques such as lighting, camera work, and special effects to create a unique visual atmosphere. The use of lighting is particularly notable, with different intensities and colors used to evoke various emotions, enhancing the overall impact of the video. Additionally, the editing style matches the rhythm of the music, incorporating quick cuts that align with the upbeat sections and slower transitions for softer parts, thus maintaining the viewer's engagement throughout the video.
Visual Storytelling
The music video for "Like That" is rich in symbolism and thematic elements, which serve to deepen the narrative and connect with the audience on a more personal level. Symbolic imagery is used to represent underlying themes of the song, inviting viewers to interpret the video in multiple ways. This approach not only enriches the viewer's experience but also solidifies the music video as an integral part of BABYMONSTER's artistic identity.
Public Response and Reception
Critics' insights
Despite the anticipation surrounding "Like That," critics have voiced concerns about BABYMONSTER's struggle to establish a distinct identity, often comparing their style unfavorably to BLACKPINK. Critics argue that the group's sound is a "flawed retread of a formula" that has become overly familiar within YG Entertainment's productions, preventing the group from distinguishing themselves in the K-pop industry.
Fan thoughts
On the other hand, fan reactions have been more positive, particularly on social media platforms where "Like That" has been heavily requested and discussed. Fans have expressed their approval through comments and likes, particularly enjoying the track's music video and dance performance. This enthusiasm suggests a strong connection with the group's current musical direction, despite some critical reservations.
Comparative Analysis with Other Songs
Comparison with 'Sheesh'
BABYMONSTER's track "Like That" has drawn comparisons to earlier YG Entertainment productions, notably "How You Like That" by BLACKPINK and "Love to Hate Me." The stylistic similarities underscore YG's signature musical approach, yet "Like That" distinguishes itself with a more subdued and melodically driven composition.
Differentiating Factor
While "Like That" shares production lineage with other YG tracks, it carves out its niche with distinct styling and musical elements. The styling in "Like That" was notably minimalistic, featuring a basic color palette of black and white, which, despite its simplicity, left some audiences desiring more visual diversity and creativity in the wardrobe choices. This aspect of minimalism contrasts sharply with the more vibrant and varied styling typically seen in K-pop, positioning "Like That" uniquely in the visual domain of music videos.
Market Position
"Like That" not only stands out for its artistic style but also for its impressive market performance. The song's reception has significantly bolstered BABYMONSTER's position in the K-pop industry, marking a strong debut that challenges existing norms and sets high expectations for future releases. The track's success is reflected in its chart performance and the strong sales figures of their debut album, which achieved record-breaking first-week sales, a testament to the effective blend of familiar YG elements with innovative new approaches in music production.
BABYMONSTER - 'LIKE THAT' EXCLUSIVE PERFORMANCE VIDEO
LIKE THAT Lyrics
[Verse 1: Rami & Asa]
I see that look upon your face
Something my mind cannot erase
If we keep staring then I might have to
Might have to start to walk your way
I wanna hear what you would say
You got high standards and I do too
[Pre-Chorus: Ahyeon]
'Cause all those girls (They don't)
Know what you need (They don't)
But I know, I know the way, the way
To make, to make sure you never leave (Yeah)
[Chorus: Rami & Pharita]
If I come close, baby, would you like that?
If I give some, would you give it right back?
If I show you that I know where it's at
Baby, would you like that? Baby, would you like that?
Say you want love, boy, I know what that means
Make you feel way better than in your dreams
If I show you that I know where it's at
Baby, would you like that? Baby, would you likе that?
[Verse 2: Ruka]
Yo, it's like that, like that (Like that)
How you run it right back
Know you on thе right track
Queen, ace (Blackjack)
I be thinking way too much
I need to let it go
You be running through my mind
And I'ma let it show
See upcoming pop shows
Get tickets for your favorite artists
[Verse 3: Asa]
'Cause ain't nobody stepping up to me
And saying nothing when I calling you
Be running eye to eye we never fronting, yeah
We zoning (Uh), bet we stunting (Uh) on and on (Uh) and on and
To the top, baby boy, we be rolling
[Pre-Chorus: Chiquita]
'Cause all those girls (They don't)
Know what you need (They don't know what you need)
But I know, I know the way, the way
To make, to make sure you never leave (Let's get it, yeah)
[Chorus: Rora & Ahyeon]
If I come close, baby, would you like that? (Like that)
If I give some, would you give it right back? (Right back)
If I show you that I know where it's at
Baby, would you like that? Baby, would you like that?
Say you want love, boy, I know what that means
Make you feel way better than in your dreams
If I show you that I know where it's at
Baby, would you like that? Baby, would you like that?
[Bridge: Chiquita, Rora, Ahyeon & Rami]
(I want you) In my arms
In my arms (Yeah), my arms (That's where you need to be)
In my arms, in my arms
My arms (That's where you need to be)
[Pre-Chorus: Pharita]
Ah-ah, ah-ah
But I know, I know the way, the way
To make, to make sure you never leave
[Chorus: Rami, Chiquita, Rora, Pharita, *Rami & Ahyeon*]
If I come close, baby, would you like that? (Like that)
If I give some, would you give it right back? (Right back)
If I show you that I know where it's at
*Baby, would you like that? Baby, would you like that?*
Say you want love, boy, I know what that means
Make you feel way better than in your dreams
If I show you that I know where it's at
Baby, would you like that? Baby, would you like that?
If I come close, baby, would you like that? (In my arms)
If I give some, would you give it right back? (In my arms)
If I show you that I know where it's at (My arms)
Baby, would you like that? Baby, would you like that? (That's where you need to be)
Say you want love, boy, I know what that means
Make you feel way better than in your dreams
If I show you that I know where it's at
Baby, would you like that? Baby, would you like that?
Conclusion
Despite the mixed critical reception, BABYMONSTER's track "Like That" has demonstrated significant commercial success, underscoring the enduring influence of YG Entertainment in the music industry. The track's performance on the charts, especially given its lukewarm critical reception, is a testament to YG Entertainment's strong fanbase and the broader appeal of the group's music beyond online criticisms. The production style of "Like That," characterized by its subdued and groovy elements, aligns well with current musical trends, favoring a less combative and more melodically driven composition that provides ample space for vocal performances. This approach, while seen as undercooked by some critics, has nonetheless resonated with a wide audience, reflecting a shift towards more minimalistic and vocal-centric productions in K-pop. The track's ability to maintain a consistent groove throughout, without overwhelming listeners with aggressive production, marks a notable departure from previous YG Entertainment offerings and suggests a strategic adaptation to evolving listener preferences.
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