The Winning is the sixth mini-album by the renowned South Korean singer and actress, IU, released on February 20, 2024. The album comprises five tracks including three highly successful singles, 'Love Wins All' (released on January 24, 2024), 'Holssi' (released on February 16, 2024) and 'Shopper' (released on February 20, 2024).
Love Wins All is an emotionally charged ballad that is a style closely associated with the singer. Seo Dong-hwan composed the song, while IU wrote the lyrics. Although the song was originally titled 'Love Wins', the title was altered due to considerable backlash. This decision was made as phrase 'Love Wins' is a slogan commemorating the legalisation of same-sex marriage in the US in 2015.
The song opens with a beautifully haunting motif on the piano, followed by IU's signature sweet emotive vocal style. The drums in the chorus add a dynamic element to the song, while the strings add a layer of mystique. The key change is timed perfectly with a transition on strings leading into the final section of the song. This section can only be described as a masterclass in singing, showcasing the absolute vocal prowess of the K-pop star. The same haunting motif is then repeated on the piano for the closing of the song providing listeners with a balanced sonic experience.
Shopper is the second single on the album and is a bright synth-pop anthem that sharply contrasts the previous single. It serves as a testament to IU's exceptional artistry and her ability to tap into diverse genres. While the track is enjoyable and easy to listen to, it is noticeably less artistically driven than the other tracks on the album, however. It is not necessarily an extremely negative trait, as Shopper has immense potential to do well on the radio and charts. However, it falls short when placed next to the other boundary-pushing tracks on the album.
Holssi by IU is undoubtedly the most genre-defying track on her album, and rightfully so, it was chosen as the third single. The song features a captivating and laid-back vocal approach from IU, which is further enhanced by the addition of mumble rap in the second verse. The bridge of the song has chants that give hints of jungle-phonk, adding to the song's seamless blend of modern pop, hip-hop and jungle phonk elements. IU's creativity and versatility are on full display in this expertly arranged song, making it a must-listen for any music lover.
Shh… is an impeccably crafted K-pop song that features a star-studded lineup of prominent figures from the past and present, such as Hyein of Newjeans, Wonsun Joe, and special narration by Patti Kim. The track's blues influence culminates in Wonsun Joe's soulful voice, which adds an invaluable addition to the song. IU's haunting vocals in the first verse and Hyein's fresh, young, and cool approach in the second verse are impeccably performed, making the song an absolute masterpiece. The combination of Wonsun Joe's powerful, soulful, and raw vocals with IU's airy harmonies creates a perfectly balanced musical experience. Patti Kim's narration feels like a small nod to the roots of rap and blues music, reminiscent of griots in early hip-hop, which were one of the main cornerstones of rap and hip-hop as we know it today. Overall, Shh… is an outstanding K-pop track that showcases the best of the genre and will leave you wanting more.
I stan U is a fantastic pop-punk influenced song that instantly brings back the nostalgia of the early 2000s and 2010s pop-punk anthems in the Western music industry. Despite its simple melody, it is an incredibly enjoyable track, and for those who were fans of the pop-punk anthems in the 2000s, it is sure to hit all the right notes. IU's decision to belt out almost the entire track instead of using her signature rich head voice is a wise one that shows she has a great understanding of the genre she's tapping into. The drums and guitar provide a simple accompaniment in the background, allowing IU's vocals to take center stage. Overall, while the song may follow a somewhat mainstream structure, it is undeniably catchy and a perfect conclusion to the album.
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