Every generation in music has seen a leading girl group leave an indelible mark across the decades, from the empowering Destiny’s Child ruling the 90s with their powerhouse vocals to The Pussycat Dolls strutting their way to the top in the 2000s, and Fifth Harmony and Little Mix conquering the charts of the 2010s. Each decade has its iconic, representative, but what about the current era, the 2020s?
Well, most would point towards the K-Wave takeover, with K-pop girl groups like BLACKPINK and NewJeans breaking into the Western market. But the search for a group that can bridge the gap between K-pop and the global market is growing. In fact the chairman of HYBE, one of the biggest K-pop agencies currently, Bang Si-Hyuk believes that for K-pop to truly go mainstream, the “K” must be dropped. This to him meant partnering with Western labels to find potential international stars, train them in K-pop methodology, and package them for global success.
This is where the girl group KATSEYE comes in, a first-time joint venture between HYBE and American record label Geffen Records, home to some of the West’s biggest artists like Olivia Rodrigo. Comprising of members Sophia, Lara, Manon, Daniela, Megan, and Yoonchae, each girl brings their own unique culture from around the world to the table, resulting in what Geffen Records and HYBE claim as the world’s first “global girl group formed using K-pop artist development methodologies”.
Last month, the girls finally made their debut after winning their places in KATSEYE through the talent competition reality show “The Debut: Dream Academy”. Entitled “SIS (Soft Is Strong)”, the EP’s title reflects one of KATSEYE’s core beliefs, that soft is strong, and acknowledges the group’s quickly forged sisterhood despite their varied backgrounds.
I’ve been putting this EP on loop since its release so here’s an honest review of its five tracks and my thoughts on whether KATSEYE can prove that they are here to stay as the international music industry’s latest act!
Debut
First impressions, particularly referred to as a group’s debut in the K-pop world, hold great importance for fans of such K-pop groups. You can compare them to the first notes of a song, setting the tone for the melody that follows, or a spark that can ignite a connection or extinguish it before it begins.
This is where the aptly titled pre-release track “Debut” steps in, marking the first taste of what KATSEYE has to offer and what potential concept, sound, and style the group will take on. But before I even clicked on its music video, I couldn’t stop myself from deflating a little in disappointment after glancing at the video’s runtime.
Thanks to KATSEYE’s labelmates NewJeans and their infamously short songs having extreme replay value and TikTok marketability, this short song epidemic has practically plagued the music industry which HYBE and Geffen Records would understandably want to capitalise on. While I believe short doesn’t always equate to bad, it has resulted in many of such tracks not being as fleshed out from lack of space.
And so, “Debut” just clocks in at 2 minutes and 3 seconds, a feat that comes close to the 1-minute and 48-second track self-titled “New Jeans” by NewJeans. Seeing this, I couldn’t help but wonder what exactly they could stuff into what is essentially a commercial break of a song to make a good first impression.
But one fact that I also noticed which gave me hope is that this track was produced by renowned producer Ryan Tedder of OneRepublic, best known for churning out hits for superstars like Beyoncé, so with the music being what truly mattered in mind, I tuned in.
And wow, the girls truly came out of the gate swinging. Remember when I said the EP is all about strength in softness? Well, this track is all strength and no softness, a track that Teen Vogue has proclaimed as “the group taking mainstream pop head-on”.
As soon as the first verses drop, the girls burst into the scene with attitude-laced, fierce sing-talking, brimming with confidence that practically begs you to flip your hair and strut to the lines’ sassy snaps down an imaginary runway as the girls do in the music video.
Then when the drum rolls, the energy ramps up to a hard-hitting chorus, where the group embody its lyrics of confidence despite their newcomer status. This part, in particular, felt like a classic Western girl group’s song, as it took me back to tracks like Fifth Harmony’s “That’s My Girl” where I would use words like “anthemic” and “empowering” to describe its chorus.
“Oh, we-ee-ee ain’t flexin’ babe we do what we do
Wanna pull up on us? Check in at the gate and come thru
We can run it run it run it no this ain’t a debut
Love me once I know you’ll love me twice
Love me once the naughty turns to nice”
However, this exciting chorus is exactly how far the song’s strengths go, as there wasn’t as much of a grand build-up as the fleshed-out chorus deserves. In fact, it all circles back to the problem I mentioned that such short songs have. With no space for a proper pre-chorus, no matter how slick the production is or how much confidence the girls exude, it feels like the song is still a work in progress.
The song could also benefit from losing the sing-talking nature of the verses. Though I loved the sassiness oozing from the girls’ tones, it wasn’t as memorable as it could have been and again, didn’t aid in heightening any sort of anticipation I had for the build-up to the chorus. Other K-pop groups have also done such sing-talking countless times so if they want to stand out from the crowd, they’ve got to change things up.
Overall opinion: “Debut” has its strong points and mirrors elements of Western girl group tracks that would help KATSEYE attract global audiences, but the song suffers from a lack of fleshed-out pre-chorus and more note-worthy verses. However, it most certainly showcases the girls’ potential and keeps you on your toes for what KATSEYE’s sound is shaping up to be!
Touch
After “Debut”’s release, the next track to follow is “Touch”, a song you’ve probably heard all over social media these last few weeks as its dance challenge has gone viral on TikTok. “Touch”, like “Debut”, has had golden hands produce it, including established producers like Cashmere Cat and Blake Slatkin. With two songs on the album produced by such big names, it’s clear KATSEYE is gunning for a breakout hit, and “Touch” seems to have succeeded in this regard once you see the track’s massive number of streams on Spotify.
Song-wise, “Touch” is “Debut”’s complete opposite, tapping into the girls’ soft side. In an interview with Billboard Philippines, member Sophia talked about the significance behind the album’s theme and title, “Soft Is Strong”, and judging by what she had to say, “Touch” seems to embody the album’s message best out of all tracks:
“Having the theme ‘Soft is Strong’ really shows our duality — both as artists and as a group. Because strangely enough, we realised that to even be vulnerable takes a big amount of strength to do so.”
While “Touch” is dreamy, wispy pop, the lyrics tell a different story, painting a picture where KATSEYE hasn’t had their feelings reciprocated by someone they’ve had feelings for, but concluding that it’s the other’s loss for missing out on being with them.
“First, you’re gonna say you’re sorry
Promise you won’t do it anymore
Come up with a different story
Yeah, what can I say, say something I ain’t heard before
I’m too fun to waste my time
Too young to waste one night
So here comes some good advice
If I ever call again, don’t press ignore”
The track’s pleasantly airy and soft sound completely contrasts these vulnerable yet bold lyrics, which to me reflects what Sophia had touched on about having strength in vulnerability. As much as I acknowledge the success the song has seen on social media when it was released, many listeners couldn’t help but compare “Touch”’s repetitive chorus and lightweight feeling to the sounds of KATSEYE’s labelmates like ILLIT and NewJeans who have both made names for themselves making similar-sounding, lightweight pop tracks.
Unfortunately, I was one of those who could make out the similarities, as “Touch” instantly reminded me of ILLIT’s “Magnetic”. While there’s nothing wrong with being in line with today’s music trends, it makes it harder for KATSEYE to carve out a unique niche for themselves if they were to simply follow the trends and not twist them to make them their own.
And at just over two minutes, “Touch” once again runs into the same problems as “Debut”, only now without any sort of bombastic elements, it loses to “Debut” as it doesn’t build up much interesting tension or have killer highlights. The most tension I could feel was through Lara’s surprisingly slightly emotional pre-chorus, but it came and went all too soon to build enough excitement for the hook.
At its best, “Touch” can be an addictive earworm with its repetitive hook that makes for easy listening; a song you can let float and loop in the background as you get some studying done. At its worst, it’s a ringtone of a track, missing a compelling highlight or two in its muted, lightweight sound which causes it to feel like it’s not going anywhere.
For me, I lean towards the latter. With artists in recent memory like Chappell Roan and Charli XCX making a huge impact in the music scene through hard-hitting, bombastic hits, the word “bombastic” is becoming all the rage in the Western music world. Hopefully, KATSEYE can tap into the energetic confidence of “Debut” in future should they wish to compete with its Western counterparts.
Overall opinion: Touch is inoffensive and in line with today’s trends especially on the girl group side of the K-pop industry, but is devoid of a standout moment or two that elevates KATSEYE above the ordinary. I believe diversifying beyond wispy, cloud-like tracks like “Touch” would allow for more versatility and experimentation in KATSEYE’s sound.
My Way
“Debut” and “Touch” are the sole pre-releases, which means the last three tracks were only available for listening once the album came out. I was curious as to how the other tracks would sound like and align with the album’s theme, and when it comes to “My Way”, it’s the one track that blends strength and softness like “Touch”, but has much more vulnerability and heart in its sound and lyrics.
A beautiful piano ballad, “My Way” feels the most personal to KATSEYE as its lyrics tell authentic stories of the members. A particular lyric that I couldn’t relate to but felt most sincere and reflective of the members’ personal experiences belongs to Daniela, which she has talked about in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter:
“I was always a new girl, and I was always trying to fit in. I never had a group of girlfriends ever, and nobody really accepted me for the way I was, so I did try to change up my looks and how I acted,” Daniela confessed to The Hollywood Reporter. “Looking back, I’ve learned that that shouldn’t be the case and that I need to be myself and embrace myself, embrace my natural curly hair. I think I made the group because of who I am, and I need to truly embrace that.”
You can find the lyrics talking about Daniela’s story below:
“Thick hair
Big curls and they all stare
Yeah, I tried to fit in your box of pink Barbie dolls
Found I still couldn’t win them all”
For some, lyrics might not be the most important part of a song, but for such an emotive ballad, it feels only right that the lyrics should contain messages that the members hold emotional resonance to. Coupled with how the song’s messages speak of self-expression and doing things in your way instead of fitting into a box with others, such personal lines are all the more befitting and much-needed to heighten its emotional quality.
As for the song itself, I loved how it highlighted some of the girls’ biggest strengths; vocals. The chorus is where Lara and Sophia get their time to shine, singing with great emotion and realised confidence in their ability to carve their own path over lyrics that feel perfect for a coming-of-age film. If I could describe the song in one word, it has to be “cathartic”, as it makes you want to shout out your emotions and the lyrics from the rooftops.
“At least I can say-ay-ay-ay-ay
That I did it my way-ay-ay-ay-ay (Did it my way, ah)
Gas pedal like 95, flyin’ eastbound
Hands up, no slowin’ me down
And if my heart bre-eh-eh-eh-eaks
Least I did it my way-ay-ay-ay-ay (My way)
Like a firework showin’ up over your town (Town)
Even if it all burns out”
Megan also gets a standout moment to herself, softly singing the final pre-chorus that takes the vulnerability of “My Way” to the next level. If you can’t already tell, “My Way” is one of my highlights from the album, as it truly encompasses everything I had hoped for in KATSEYE’s music.
Overall opinion: “My Way” brings out the best of KATSEYE and it deserves to be mentioned as a memorable peak in “SIS (Soft Is Strong)”. I do hope that the girls can continue to create tracks like “My Way” which will help connect and engage listeners with their music on a deeper level.
I’m Pretty
For the fourth track, we have “I’m Pretty”, which like “My Way”, takes a confessional style in its lyrics, talking about making oneself appear pretty to conceal one’s true emotions. It’s definitely the track that is full-out softness, a track that once again is vulnerable and heartfelt.
“Ooh, just when I think it’s too much
I dry my tears with makeup, mm
Ooh, things I could do with this brush
You’d never know that I hurt”
Unlike “My Way”, “I’m Pretty” sees KATSEYE take the song on with lush vocals, particularly in the pre-chorus where Yoonchae and Lara sing in a whispery, almost tickly tone that scratches my brain right. I also feel that this track sees other members like Manon and Daniela be a grounding force for vocals, where their rich and warm voices perfectly suit the low-toned verses.
But of all the members, this is Sophia’s song. We hear her add necessary support in terms of adlibs, something that was lacking or not as present in other tracks on the album. Sophia’s strong adlibs nicely blend with the lead vocals of the chorus, offering a gorgeous glimpse into what she has to offer for future, more vocal-heavy tracks.
In terms of the sound, I enjoyed how the heavy 808 drums nicely juxtaposed the girls’ angelic harmonies as shimmery strings are lightly sprinkled to complement the softer sections. Overall, this is yet another track I can’t find fault with, and another sound worth exploring!
Overall opinion: Together with “My Way”, “I’m Pretty” adds the album more texture and brings us the closest to the girls as artists and humans. I’m sure “I’m Pretty”’s lyrics speak to many girls with its painfully honest and relatable words, all the more making this song another hit in my books.
Tonight I Might
Last but most certainly not least, we have “Tonight I Might”, the final track to close off the album and is arguably my favourite track on “SIS (Soft Is Strong)”! Words cannot describe how upon hearing a tease of this track on the album’s highlight medley, I’m glad to know that I was right to put this as my most anticipated song of the album.
In “Tonight I Might”, KATSEYE plays a rebellious character, where the lyrics are about acting out of character and letting go of one’s inhibitions to have fun. The song takes a while to unravel its layers, but when it reaches its final chorus, we are bounding through an explosive finish, where its vibrant, electro-dance sound hits with full force.
“Tonight I Might” might just be the most united we hear the girls be, as aside from the verses and pre-chorus, the chorus is filled with satisfying full-group singing. It is the perfect conclusion to the album, as I can see it being the background music of a celebratory end-of-movie montage.
Overall opinion: In a nutshell, “Tonight I Might”’s electro-dance sound is something I hope the girls would continue to try in future, as it was a pleasant surprise from the other softer tracks. It would be cool to see them turn this sound up to an eleven in future, as this only scratches the surface of the potential for more vibrant, electro-dance-style tracks!
Ending Comments
Overall, “SIS (Soft Is Strong)” is a pretty cohesive album, where the potential is endless as we see KATSEYE start to form a personality for themselves as artists both together and individually. My only major gripe would be the lengths of the tracks, as all songs barely cross the 2-minute mark. Such short songs mean we only got a taste of what they offer, but I’m sure we’ll see them serve the full course in future!
Additionally, another point I’d like to mention is that I would also love to see the girls push for more creative freedom as members like Lara have shown off their talents in producing on social media!
Authenticity is a trait more and more artists can be seen taking on these days. And with KATSEYE’s main selling point being how the group is a melting pot of cultures, all the more should they take advantage of their unique diversity and incorporate it into their music.
In fact, the group’s name even alludes to this unique point, with KATSEYE taken from the gemstone Cat’s Eye, where every Cat’s Eye crystal is different. You can never go wrong with authenticity, as it only serves to give their music a sense of originality and personality.
In conclusion, “SIS (Soft Is Strong)” is nothing short of a strong start and I can only hope they continue to grow and develop to distinguish themselves from girl groups of previous generations and carve a name for themselves.
KATSEYE – SIS (Soft Is Strong)
Check out SIS (Soft Is Strong) now on Spotify and Apple Music! For more KATSEYE, head over to their official website, Instagram profile, and TikTok account to stay updated on the group!
Visuals courtesy of Cody Critcheloe and Universal Music Singapore.
