SABOTAGE｜권은비 (KWON EUNBI)
Kwon Eunbi, a prominent figure in the South Korean music industry, made her mark as the leader and lead vocalist of the girl group IZ*ONE before venturing into a successful solo career. She debuted solo with her mini album "Open" on August 24, 2021, under Woollim Entertainment, showcasing her versatility and strong vocal capabilities . Known for her energetic and compelling performances, Kwon Eunbi has continued to develop a consistent discography characterized by vibrant club bangers, such as her previous hit "The Flash." Her latest single, "Sabotage," released in 2024, is described as her most energetic track yet, featuring a pounding beat and dynamic melodies that exemplify her growth as an artist . Despite facing challenges in the idol industry, her ability to produce music that resonates with a broad audience highlights her enduring appeal and star power.
"Sabotage"
Artist
Kwon Eun Bi
B-side
"Unnatural"
"Bad Blood"
Released
June 18, 2024
Format(s)
CD, download, streaming
Recorded
2024
Genre
Dance, euro-house, disco, afrobeat, Latin pop, urban R&B
Length
10:02
Label(s)
Woollim Entertainment
Distributor(s)
Kakao Entertainment
Writer(s)
JJean (NUMBER K), Noday, Youra (Full8loom), Bay (153/Joombas) (track 1)
Jinli (Full8loom) (track 2)
JENCI (track 3)
Composer(s)
JJean (NUMBER K), Phil Schwan (NUMBER K), Justin Reinstein (track 1)
Yeonggwangui Eolguldeul (Full8loom), Jinli (Full8loom), Bang Gun-woo (Full8loom) (track 2)
iKaY (adeMade), PanDa (adeMade), MarkAlong (adeMade), Isa Guerra (NUMBER K), Charlotte Wilson (NUMBER K), Tanelsha Jackson, adeMade (track 3)
Arranger(s)
Phil Schwan (NUMBER K), Justin Reinstein (track 1)
Yeonggwangui Eolguldeul (Full8loom), Bang Gun-woo (Full8loom) (track 2)
iKaY (adeMade), PanDa (adeMade), MarkAlong (adeMade) (track 3)
Track list
"Sabotage" - 3:15
"Unnatural" - 3:26
"Bad Blood" - 3:21
About the Album
Album Overview
Kwon Eunbi, recognized as a top K-POP player and the irreplaceable SUMMER QUEEN, returns in the summer of 2024 with her second single album titled 'SABOTAGE'. The album features a Euro-House genre title track inspired by the 80's Disco-Sound, showcasing a dynamic vocal range over a strong house beat. The narrative embeds themes of growing up and overcoming insecurities, with a unique chair performance enhancing the song's appeal.
Release Details and Label
'SABOTAGE' was officially released on June 19, 2024, under the label Kakao Entertainment. The album, consisting of a single CD, is noted for its meticulous packaging to ensure the highest quality for consumers. Additionally, the album features tracks like 'Unnatural', an urban R&B song with a relaxed mood, and 'Bad Blood', an Afrobeat-based Latin pop track, which together enrich the album's diversity and showcase Kwon Eunbi's unique charm.
Detailed Track List
Track 1: SABOTAGE
"SABOTAGE," the title track, is a vibrant Euro-House song with an 80's Disco-Sound influence, showcasing Kwon Eunbi's dynamic vocal range over a robust house beat. The song's narrative centers on overcoming insecurities and establishing personal stability, enhanced by a unique chair performance that complements the lyrical themes.
Track 2: Unnatural
"Unnatural" presents a relaxed urban R&B style, adding a unique charm to the album. This track is noted for its languid mood and serves as a soothing contrast to the energetic beats found elsewhere in the album.
Track 3: Bad Blood
"Bad Blood" explores Afrobeat and Latin pop influences, creating a vibrant auditory experience. The song features catchy post-chorus instrumentals and acoustic verses that build up to an engaging chorus, highlighting Kwon Eunbi's versatility as an artist.
Artist Insights
Kwon Eunbi’s Career
Kwon Eunbi's journey into the music industry began with her debut in the girl group Ye-A under the stage name 'Kazoo' in 2014, although the group disbanded after releasing only one single. Her aspirations were further realized when she participated in the Mnet girl group survival show Produce 48, finishing in 7th place and securing a spot in the popular group IZONE. Following the disbandment of IZONE, Kwon Eunbi made her solo debut with the EP "Open" in August 2021, where she also showcased her songwriting skills.
Influences and Style
Kwon Eunbi's artistic expression is deeply influenced by her early experiences as a backup dancer for established girl groups and her interactions with industry seniors. This background has enriched her performance style, blending intricate dance movements with vocal prowess. Her solo work often explores themes of personal growth and resilience, as seen in her tracks like "Spaceship" and "With*One", where she also took on the roles of writer and composer. Her evolving musical style reflects a blend of K-pop with contemporary R&B and EDM influences, marking her as a versatile artist in the evolving music scene.
Track-by-Track Review
SABOTAGE In-Depth Review
Critics have expressed mixed feelings about the title track "SABOTAGE." While some appreciate the energy and unique melody that Kwon Eunbi brings, others criticize the chorus topline as harsh and poorly paced. The track's half-time verse has been particularly noted as a detrimental shift, breaking the song's momentum.
Unnatural In-Depth Review
"Unnatural" receives praise for its balanced and pleasant urban R&B style. It stands out as a safe yet appealing addition to the album, contrasting sharply with the more energetic tracks. This song has been appreciated for its smooth R&B vibes, making it a highlight within the album.
Bad Blood In-Depth Review
"Bad Blood" delves into Afrobeat and Latin pop, creating a vibrant and engaging auditory experience. Despite its catchy post-chorus instrumental, the track has faced criticism for its inconsistent energy levels and mixing issues. However, its acoustic verses and lively chorus have been well-received, adding a distinct flavor to the album.
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Music Video Breakdown
Visual Themes
The music video for "SABOTAGE" features a visually engaging narrative that enhances the song's themes. The use of chairs, symbolically mounded together and then falling apart, represents the personal and relational turmoil explored in the track. This symbolic imagery plays a crucial role in conveying the emotional weight of the song, adding a layer of depth to the visual storytelling.
Choreography and Performance
Kwon Eunbi's music video for "SABOTAGE" highlights her as a central figure in a performance-driven comeback. The choreography is described as hard-hitting, with the final dance sequence featuring a spiraling chair movement that captures the viewer's attention. This particular element not only adds to the visual appeal but also symbolizes the ongoing struggles depicted in the song's lyrics. The dancers contribute significantly to the overall impact, bringing power and intensity to the background, which complements Kwon Eunbi's performance. Critics note that while the lip-syncing and interspersed shots feel like filler, the dance performances stand out as the most compelling aspects of the video.
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Album Packaging
Physical Components
Kwon Eunbi's 'SABOTAGE' album packaging is meticulously designed to enhance the collector's experience. Each album includes a robust outbox to protect the contents, which are thoughtfully curated to create a memorable unboxing experience. Inside, fans find an 88-page photobook filled with visually striking images of the artist, a CD containing the album's tracks, and two randomly selected photocards from a set of nine, adding an element of surprise for the purchaser. Additionally, each package contains three stickers and a unique message card, further personalizing the fan's experience.
Unique Features
A standout feature of the 'SABOTAGE' album packaging is the inclusion of a folded poster, randomly selected from one of three designs. This element not only adds value to the package but also gives fans a chance to own a piece of exclusive artwork related to the album. The thoughtful combination of these physical components and unique features makes the 'SABOTAGE' album a coveted item for collectors and fans of Kwon Eunbi, showcasing her attention to detail and connection with her audience.
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Audience and Critical Reception
Fan Responses
Kwon Eunbi's 'SABOTAGE' has been met with enthusiastic acclaim from fans, describing it as a "certified banger" that perfectly encapsulates Eunbi's unique blend of pop, house, and club music. The track not only energizes listeners with its rhythm and melodies but also impresses with Eunbi's vocal prowess, particularly noted during the high note in the bridge. The music video for 'SABOTAGE' further solidified fan approval with its compelling storyline and standout choreography, enhancing the song's intense, bittersweet narrative of falling in love. Additionally, the b-sides 'Unnatural' and 'Bad Blood' showcase her versatility, with 'Unnatural' offering a softer R&B style and 'Bad Blood' bringing an infectious dance vibe.
Professional Critiques
Critics have offered mixed reviews of 'SABOTAGE'. Some praise the track's energy and unique melody, while others point out issues with the second verse's energy shift, which they feel disrupts the song's momentum. Concerns about the vocals being pitched too high for Eunbi's range have been a common critique, suggesting that a different approach to vocal layering might have benefited the track's overall sound. Despite these criticisms, there are listeners who find the high vocal range appealing and energizing, indicating a divided but engaged critical audience. The inclusion of English lyrics has also sparked debate, with some feeling it does not align well with her previous style.
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[M/V] 'SABOTAGE' | 권은비(KWON EUNBI)
KWON EUN BI - SABOTAGE (Romanized) Lyrics
[Verse 1]
You're like a record in a black box, I wish to hide
Nal hollin deuthan feel so lonely
Moreun cheok nuneul gamabwado cannot deny
You got me just like, "Stop, wait, let's go"
[Refrain]
I need to let it go, let it go
Just before I cross the line
Oh boy, don't let me know, let me know
How it feels, ah, oh, I
Jeonhyeo nadapji ana
Neoui chimilham kkeute baby
You and me better put it down low
Put it down low (Woah)
[Pre-Chorus]
Beoseonaryeo haebwado jeomjeom heulleoganeun flow
Surfing through the night (Surfing the night)
Nal barabonеun neon geujeo yеoyuropgiman hae
It's too late
[Chorus]
Boy, that is sabotage
Baby, you really know, really know, know what's the deal
(Oh, hey, this is what?)
Oh, that is sabotage
Jeomjeom deo gipeojin nae mame kkaeeonan feel
'Cause when you look at me, look at me, can't tell what's real
See upcoming pop shows
Get tickets for your favorite artists
[Post-Chorus]
Woah-oh-oh-oh, woah-oh-oh-oh
Sabo-sabotage
Woah-oh-oh-oh, woah-oh-oh-oh
(It's sabotage)
Sabotage
Gipge pagodeuneun i thrill
Oh, that is sabotage, sabotage
[Interlude]
Yeah, say what? (This is sabotage)
[Verse 2]
Tteugeopge peojyeoganeun feeling, you got me fall
(Ayy) Oh no, don't you get me? (Oh) But you got me
Nuneul garyeodo neon reveal it, it
I might lose it all, all, oh, so don't you?
[Pre-Chorus]
Beoseonaryeo haebwado jeomjeom heulleoganeun flow
Surfing through the night (Surfing the night)
Nal baraboneun neon geujeo yeoyuropgiman hae
It's too late (Too late)
[Chorus]
Boy, that is sabotage
Baby, you really know, really know, know what's the deal
(Oh, hey, this is what?)
Oh, that is sabotage
Jeomjeom deo gipeojin nae mame kkaeeonan feel
'Cause when you look at me, look at me, can't tell what's real
[Bridge]
What if I don't think of, thinking of tomorrow
Nal ikkeuneun neukkim da nege matgilge
Baby, seoroege chwihae bitdo deulji anneun bam
I've been waiting for this all my life
Oh, baby, all my life yeah
[Post-Bridge]
Woah, woah, yeah, yeah
[Chorus]
Boy, that is sabotage (Sabotage)
Baby, you really know, really know, know what's the deal
(Oh, hey, this is what?) (No)
Oh, that is sabotage (Oh)
Jeomjeom deo gipeojin nae mame kkaeeonan feel
'Cause when you look at me, look at me, can't tell what's real
[Post-Chorus]
Woah-oh-oh-oh, woah-oh-oh-oh (Ooh)
Sabo-sabotage
Woah-oh-oh-oh, woah-oh-oh-oh (Sabotage)
(It's sabotage)
Sabotage
Gipge pagodeuneun i thrill (i thrill)
Oh, that is sabotage, sabotage
Conclusion
Overall Impression
Kwon Eunbi's "SABOTAGE" has been described as a vibrant blend of pop, house, and club music, energizing listeners with its rhythm and melodies. The high notes and vocal delivery have been particularly praised, making it a standout track in her discography. However, some listeners have expressed concerns about the vocal pitch being too high, which might not suit everyone's taste. Despite these mixed reviews, the album captivates many with its intense energy and is seen as a significant addition to Kwon Eunbi's musical journey.
Suggestions for Listeners
For those new to Kwon Eunbi's music, "SABOTAGE" offers a dynamic introduction to her capabilities as a solo artist. Listeners are encouraged to explore the b-sides "Unnatural" and "Bad Blood" for a complete experience of her versatility. While the album might present a high vocal range that could be challenging for some, the infectious beats and compelling lyrics provide a rich musical landscape that many will appreciate . Fans and new listeners alike might find delight in the depth and energy that "SABOTAGE" brings to the pop music scene.
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