Drop Top by MEOVV Review: Fresh Sound Meets Stunning Visuals

MEOVV recently captured attention with "Drop Top," the title track from their first mini-album "MY EYES OPEN VVIDE" released two weeks after their single "HANDS UP". The mini-album, which dropped on May 12, 2025, at 6PM KST, also features their previous 2023 singles including "MEOVV," "TOXIC," and "BODY".

While the "Drop Top" lyrics weave a compelling narrative throughout the track, many fans have been equally drawn to the visually striking Music Video. Furthermore, the MEOVV members showcase their distinctive talents throughout the song, with their vocal performances standing out as particularly impressive. Notably, the track has been praised for its vocal delivery, which has been described as "absolutely top-notch".

However, some listeners have noted the song could benefit from more musical complexity. Despite this minor critique, "Drop Top" represents an important milestone in MEOVV's artistic journey as they continue to establish their unique sound in the competitive K-pop landscape.

Lyrical Themes in 'Drop Top' by MEOVV

The lyrical foundation of "Drop Top" centers on self-discovery and liberation. Member Gawon, who participated in writing the lyrics, specifically identified "freedom" as the song's core theme.

Freedom and Youthful Rebellion

The track paints a vibrant picture of youth breaking free from constraints. "Drop Top" tells a sincere story of breaking away from past challenges to forge a bright future. This rebellious spirit manifests in lines like "Step on it with no fear, do or die" and "Tear the roof down 'til the sunrise". Additionally, the track portrays youth "wandering and suffering, hesitating and fearing at times, but ultimately mustering the courage to soar".

Overcoming Fear and Embracing the Moment

Throughout the song, MEOVV encourages listeners to embrace the present. As Gawon explained, she tried to "convey the message about how precious the present moment is, and therefore should be lived to the fullest". This sentiment echoes in lyrics such as "Just live your life, every moment of it. Forget the fear that comes with it". The song acknowledges anxiety but reassures listeners that these feelings become "worn-out yesterday by tomorrow".

Symbolism in the Chorus and Bridge

The chorus repeatedly uses "Drop top" as a symbol of liberation, alongside imagery of wind, rain, and open skies. Meanwhile, the bridge serves as a contrasting section that separates parts of the narrative before returning to the main melody, effectively representing the transition from confinement to freedom—a journey mirrored in both lyrics and sound.

Vocal Performance and Member Highlights

Each member of MEOVV brings distinct vocal colors to "Drop Top," creating a dynamic listening experience that elevates the track beyond its lyrical themes.

Sooin's Deep Opening and Vocal Tone

Sooin's deep voice at the beginning of "Drop Top" instantly pulls listeners in. As the group's main dancer, her impressive vocal capabilities often receive less attention, yet fans frequently express surprise at her powerful delivery. Throughout social media, listeners note they "don't talk about Sooin enough" considering her dual threat as a "main dancer with that vocal". Her distinctive tone carries significant emotional weight, especially during the song's final chorus.

Gawon's Crisp Rap Delivery

Gawon delivers a notably crisp rap in the second verse, bringing extra energy to the track. As a former YG Entertainment trainee and friend of KISS OF LIFE's Julie, her technical background shines through her precise delivery. Gawon's rap section—"Whip too fast, 내 갈 길을 탐해, with my girls, no brake, no limit"—demonstrates her ability to maintain clarity even at rapid tempos.

Ella and Narin's Harmonies in the Chorus

Narin (main vocalist and rapper) and Ella (lead vocalist) create stunning harmonies during the chorus sections. Their vocal interplay, especially during the bridge section's "I wanna take you for a ride", showcases their complementary tones. Moreover, Ella's surprisingly husky voice contrasts beautifully with Narin's cleaner delivery, creating vocal depth throughout "Drop Top."

Music Video Breakdown: Visuals and Symbolism

The visual journey in "Drop Top" music video illustrates a deliberate progression that amplifies the song's message.

From Confined Spaces to Open Skies

MEOVV's music video initially portrays the members in confined spaces, visually representing their yearning for freedom. This restriction gradually transforms as locations shift to open skies, with members appearing increasingly jubilant. One striking moment features the group leaping from a cardboard box into an expansive sky, symbolizing their escape from limitations.

Use of Night Vision and Unfocused Shots

Throughout the video, unfocused camera techniques and night vision shots create a distinct visual language. Rather than adhering to conventional cinematography, these artistic choices intentionally blur boundaries. Although some critics found these elements "unflattering", they serve a thematic purpose—breaking free from visual constraints just as the lyrics advocate breaking free from life's limitations.

How the Visuals Reflect the Lyrics

The visual progression perfectly mirrors the song's liberation theme. As Suin recalled, scenes where members dance beneath waterfall-like rain became particularly memorable. Indeed, wherever MEOVV passes in the video, fire ignites before massive rain extinguishes it—creating a visual metaphor for passion followed by refreshment. This cinematic approach effectively captures the "liberating spirit of youth and freedom" conveyed in the lyrics.

Choreography and Overall Production

Unlike many K-pop releases that prioritize complex routines, "Drop Top" takes a distinctly different approach to performance. The choreography and production choices reflect a deliberate strategy that enhances the song's relaxed vibe.

Relaxed Dance Moves to Match the Mood

The choreography for "Drop Top" purposefully avoids overwhelming intensity. Instead, the members execute light, relaxed movements that complement the track's laid-back atmosphere. This approach creates perfect synchronization between the song's theme of freedom and the physical expression of that liberty through dance. MEOVV's performance primarily consists of the group naturally flowing with the music's rhythm.

Focus on Live Vocals Over Intense Routines

THEBLACKLABEL made a strategic decision to prioritize vocal delivery over complex dance sequences. Consequently, this arrangement allows members to concentrate on delivering impressive live performances without sacrificing vocal quality. The choreography essentially serves as a foundation for MEOVV to showcase their robust vocal abilities. This approach differs substantially from many K-pop productions where intense dance routines often take center stage.

Production Credits: THEBLACKLABEL, Josh Gudwin, Chris Gehringer

THEBLACKLABEL's unique production methodology sets MEOVV apart from conventional K-pop acts. Their approach enables each member to fully display their distinctive qualities and artistic capabilities without restrictions. This production philosophy extends beyond just music creation into performance design. The distinctive yet inventive production style has become a hallmark of THEBLACKLABEL's work. Subsequently, this approach affirms MEOVV's intention to break away from typical K-pop conventions, creating performances that emphasize authenticity alongside technical skill.