yeah, that's me, si, c'est moi. 📸

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

⠀⠀⠀

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

⠀⠀⠀

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

#kaca

hello k-pop amino! i have return to ka after some time with a mini album titled "s" and i truly have missed blogging here. i was thinking about it for some time but i knew i wanted to do some type of review blog so here is one dedicated to stayc. i have reviewed some of stayc's albums before as a kaca member and i truly love their sound. they are not afraid to experiment, take risks or mix and match - and i feel as if that is one of the reasons why they're one of the girl groups who just stand out more. i did not listen to any of the teasers to prevent spoilers, but the concept photos are just- wow. i loved the monochrome and the girl boss theme going on and i cannot wait to divulge into this album review to let's get into it!

track list

bebe (title track)

diamond

pipe down

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

⠀⠀⠀

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

⠀⠀⠀

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

song title: bebe

listen here . . . ♡ [ rating - 6/10 ]

Just by the concept photos alone, I feel as if StayC are going for a mature concept? I can't from the top of my head if they've done something like this before, but based on what I do - I think this is very different to their usual style. Personally, I am a fan of that though. I really enjoy it when groups try out different styles, concepts etc. because I do think that it makes them stand out? Whereas if a group continues to utilise the same sound, it can be a bit repetitive, underwhelming and boring after some time. Looking at the title of the song, I am very intrigued. "Bebe" is the French word for baby, so I am curious as to whether this is going to be an endearing song, or if it is one which maybe has an underlying meaning to it. But without any hesitation, let's get into this review because I am very excited. 15 seconds into the music video and already I need a second to process to what I am hearing and break it down. So, the song starts off with a fade-in and a series of shots of the (they look amazing by the way) before we hit the first verse at 0:07, being lead by J and Sieun. Firstly, we are clearly going for an 80's, Western-style sound here with that synthesizer in the background and I am feeling a strong sense of nostalgia. It has been a while since I have heard this sound in K-pop and it makes me so happy to hear it making a comeback. Secondly, J and Sieun's very sassy-toned rap being combined with those distorted vocables being sung after each verse by the other is such a cool combination. At first I was wondering if the distortion was necessary but after listening to this section repeatedly, I think it adds that "oomph" which this part would otherwise lack? Also, the way the instrumental changes from that synthesizer to this fast-paced popping kind of sound during this first rap section - the transition was very clean. Like you can definitely hear when it happens, but the way it was executed was done neatly and it flows well even though we are transitioning between two completely different sounds.

At 0:23 we hit, what I assume, is the pre-chorus which is being lead by Isa, Sumin, Seeun and Yoon. That audio sample being incorporated to transition from that popping sound to this funky-old school K-pop beat was so smooth. I really like the contrast between the member's tones and the way Seeun uses falsetto on the last syllable of her verses. It just adds that next level of pizzaz and makes it more exciting. Isa, Yoon and Seeun tend to have a higher pitched tone when they sing whereas Sumin tends to have a lower one - so having them sing one of the after like this, I am a really big fan of it. 0:36, the iconic "StayC girls it's going down" which I was waiting for from the beginning but I like that it is being used as a transition before we hit the chorus straight after. I will be honest with you, the chorus did take a few repeats to grow on me. At first I wasn't sure of Sieun's tone, which is unique, because it sounded a bit muffled to me almost? The second part of the chorus with the fast-paced instrumental change really shined more. However, now as I'm listening to it for maybe the 15th time, I do think that it works okay. It's something different, the producers and composers clearly wanted to take a risk, and you know what? Sure, it's not my usual style but it's catchy as hell and I can see others enjoying this a lot. 1:10, Oh my goodness- this section by J was undeniably one of my favourite parts of the whole thing. The way she says each word ,with a short pause in the instrumental, in such a breathy tone just sounds so fresh. I wish this section was a bit longer? Maybe we could have transitioned into a normal rap section from here, but I really enjoyed it nonetheless. The director, set-designer and stylists truly did an amazing job for this comeback by the way - I really love those green outfits in the beginning and the set design match the overall theme/concept so well. Everything just comes together so well, and you can really tell that a lot of thought and planning went into the overall cinematography.

1:41, we get a repeat of the chorus and I am really pleased to see some back-up dancers. Sometimes when K-pop groups perform on stage, I do think that performances can look a bit empty because there is just so much space and the group itself just looks tiny alone in the middle. Because of this, I really like the incorporation of back-up dancers in overall performances - it just adds more. I mean, look at Dreamcatcher and ATEEZ's performances for example - their stages are always just perfect because of the matching energy and synchronisation between the and back-up dancers. At 2:10, we have a break down which is being lead by Seeun. "It's so easy when I'm myself, it's too tiring when I hide out. Yeah, time's never turning back. I'll do what I feel like." Immediately, I am getting confidence vibes. Maybe the individual had a revelation almost, where they were acting like someone that was not their true self and they realised how ridiculous and exhausting it was so now they prefer to show their true selves. It kind of reminds me of how idols are there to put out this image of perfection and that if they make even the smallest "error/mistake", they're immediately cancelled. So, the are saying, "I prefer to be myself, it's too tiring to be someone else. Time is too short, I am going to do what I want and be myself." What is interesting is that we still get that recurring audio sample that we've been hearing consistently during the breakdown - but it's lower in volume, allowing for the vocals to shine and not be overpowered. 2:42, this part really surprised me because I was not expecting to hear the first section of the song again but it was a nice twist. It was a clever way to end the song, because I do think that this rap section would be classified as one of the killing parts of the song (the part which most people ) so it was a really good idea by the producers.

Overall, this song was okay to me. Certain parts definitely stood out more compared to others. It's different, unique and a lot of the comments stated how fresh this sound is and it truly is. However, I do think that it's not my favourite song on the album - not that it's a bad song, but the others track in the album I've listened to a lot more because I enjoyed them more. I can see someone really enjoying "Bebe" though because it does grow on you. If I had to give it a rating, I'd give it a 6/10.

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

⠀⠀⠀

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

⠀⠀⠀

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

song title: diamond

listen here . . . ♡ [ rating 8/10 ]

Moving onto the second song of the album, we have Diamond. Now, I've always had this view that if the title track and intro of an album isn't that good - it kind of lowers your expectations for the rest of the songs because the intro and title track are basically what set the foundations for the whole album. However, from what I heard in "Bebe" - I am very curious as to whether the producers/composers chose to go for a different concept in each song, or whether they maintained a consistent approach and chose to stick with that funky, synthesizer-sound throughout the album. So, we start off with an instrumental before we hit the first verse at 0:10. The instrumental consists of a unique combination - a fade in, distorted vocals and a string instrument of some sort which I am assuming is a guitar. When I first heard it, I was immediately captivated by it. The instrumental itself is louder than the distorted vocals, to the point where they almost kind of blend together. I don't mind it though because I can tell it's just supposed to be a layer to the instrumental because we have Isa and J singing "Diamond Diamond" in their usual tone/volume during it. When we hit the first verse by J, I like how we have distorted vocals once again - with each syllable in the first verse being repeated. It works really well though - there's a balance. There have been many instances where there isn't a correct between certain elements - such as the layering of vocals to name an example, and it really can sound messy to the listener. However, with StayC, I haven't really noticed this which makes me think that prior to releasing a comeback - they really put a lot of effort and thought into it. Not that other groups don't, but with StayC I've noticed it a lot and I really think it's cool. That groovy beat when we hit the first verse was also very addicting - it's one that you undeniably can't help but move your head along to.

At 0:20, we get more audio samples being incorporated into the instrumental but it sounds so fresh. It honestly gives me a summer-esque vibe for a moment but it's not as intense. I want to say that it could possibly be a fusion of multiple different genres/styles, which I don't mind because it's sounding great. At 0:29, we have what I am assuming is the pre-chorus and I really am a fan of it. That transition in the instrumental from the verse to the pre-chorus was delightful - no sudden cuts or instrumental changes that sounded out of place. It's a bit slower in of tempo and lower in of volume, but still sounds really good because it really allows for the to shine vocally. I have a feeling that we're going to get a good drop, so I'm really excited to see how it plays out. At 0:48, we finally reach the chorus and I'll be honest with you - it did play out the way I knew it would, in the sense that the instrumental is pretty much consistent from the beginning to now, but I do wish we had something added? Maybe we could have had some distorted vocables/vocals generally blended into the instrumental to create a nice balanced layer - or even adding another instrument. It would have added that "oomph", you know? It still sounds good, but it is what I expected from the beginning and I feel as if the producers didn't go outside of their usual comfort zone with this song - unlike with "Bebe". 1:00, I am really pleased with the fact that we are getting two parts of a chorus but I do think that it ended quickly? Sumin sounds amazing by the way, I really think her vocal tone has improved a lot. However, I do think that another member singing with a few second break in the instrumental after Sumin's part would have been better. The instrumental lasted longer than I thought I would - I am not sure if we have an dance practice for this song but it does feel like it would be a choreography-heavy song just by the song alone.

1:19, all of the are shining individually but I do think that J is shining the most to me in this era. I really like her deep, husky voice - it just adds a nice change because all of the other have a higher vocal tone and you can tell they're using their head voices (through the way their pitch is a lot higher) more whereas J tends to use her chest voice. It creates a nice balance and a new level of excitement. At 1:50, we hit the climax of the song and honestly - it definitely feels like it came by too quickly. I didn't realize that the song was only 2 minutes and 22 seconds long, and I do wish it was longer in some way because it is undeniably my favourite song so far. 1:49, those vocables by Sieun were perfect. Her tone melds beautifully with the instrumental. I don't know if we'll be getting a highnote but I wish we did because it would have matched perfectly. Maybe it could have been performed by Yoon? Her and Sieun's vocals tend to match well because they have a similar vocal range and I think Yoon would have aced that highnote. 2:10, The way the instrumental calms down is so satisfying. I think it was the perfect way to end the song. I don't want to say it is basic, but it was simple yet classy. It got the job done and sounded amazing. Overall, I really enjoyed this song and think it sounded really good. It is one that I have had on repeat and I can see it really being popular - especially on trending social media sites like TikTok. If I had to give it a rating, I'd give it an 8/10.

⠀⠀⠀⠀

⠀⠀⠀

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

⠀⠀⠀

song title: pipe down

listen here . . . ♡ [ rating 9/10 ]

This album has honestly been amazing so far - I love the recurring themes of female empowerment and "I will be myself, I don't care what you think" throughout. I feel as if we don't really see this concept a lot, or at least no one that is showcased this prominently. I used see this style a lot in older groups? Like SNSD, After School, Brown Eyed Girls, EXID etc. so it's really nice to see this theme making a comeback. I am sure all of us know about the difficulties idols go through - the years of training, vocal/dance practice etc. so that they are "perfect" for debut. It's literal insanity, so it pleases me to see groups like StayC challenging this and saying that they prefer to be themselves because they're tired of pretending to be someone who they aren't. This song title is the one in the album which really stood out to me, because it almost seems as if it is telling people to "shut up" in a nice way haha. Kinda like saying "Pipe down now, this is my time. I will be myself.", matching that recurring theme throughout the album. I also noticed that we have a live performance for this song, which makes me excited because I really enjoy StayC's performances. The energy and the have some of the best stage presences I have seen in a while. 0:07 is when we get the first verse, but can we take a moment to address this intro? I thought "Bebe" had a super funky intro but this is definitely on another level, in a good way of course. This is very funky, that synthesizer dominates but I don't mind it at all. However, as soon as we hit that first verse - the entire vibe just changes. It's more fast-paced now, consists of that popping sound but it really matches the speed and energy of J's voice. The distorted vocals and repetition of syllables are once again making an appearance, but it's nice - it adds a nice layering without any of the vocals overpowering the other. For those of you who are curious, layering is when we have multiple samples on top of each other - to the point where they kind of mix together, but you can still differentiate them.

There needs to be that correct balance, and I can see that here. 0:24 is where we get the breakdown but it was so interesting to hear the instrumental change. The first part of Isa's verse consists of the same instrumental from the beginning, but as it progresses - it changes, with the addition of hidden vocals in the background and the tempo. 0:32, that one second pause for effect before we hit the chorus was perfect. "Pipe down, don't say. Please be quiet." Man- I don't even know where to begin. This instrumental during the chorus is so addicting - you really can't help but move along to it. 0:57, oh my goodness- Seeun. Seeun Seeun Seeun- SEEUN. I definitely think her voice stands out the most in this song. I definitely think that she is one of the underappreciated of the group and really am to see her giving the opportunity to shine like this. I've noticed this in a lot of StayC's songs but each member really gets their time to shine. Unfortunately in a lot of other groups, you can tell that the producers and videographers have chosen to focus on certain more than others because they often dominate the music video/song. However with StayC, I really like that the producers try to divide lines evenly and give the time to shine both together as a group, and individually. Also I really enjoyed hearing Sumin's voice during the second chorus. I think she is the other member who is shining a lot in not only in this song, but in this overall era. Her tone, just like J's, is a bit husky so I think it matches this instrumental- honestly I've been trying to categorize this genre for a while. I don't want to say girl crush- there's just something so unique about it, to the point where you can just describe it as "StayC",you know? At 1:35, we reach that breakdown and I think that this is one of the most memorable parts of the song.

Isa's tone is just so powerful and I love the way Yoon followed straight after. Honestly, I know all of the have their own individuals but truth be told - they all have the potential to be a main vocalist. The control with that high pitched tone - it sounds so effortless and easy, but I know how much continuous practice it must have taken. 1:52, no ad-libs, vocables or highnote? Mm- I am trying to put myself in the shoes of the producers because although this undeniably my favourite song in the album - I think any of the three, or even a combination would have made this so much better. Even after listening a few times, it just feels like something is lacking here? Yoon and Sieun performing those ad-libs, vocables and high notes together would have been perfect. Finally, we have J and Sieun ending the song - I am just loving the sass. So overall, I can confirm that there is a recurring theme throughout this album and it is female empowerment. It really feels more mature compared to StayC's concepts but I don't mind it all - in fact, I think it's cool that they're willing to experiment because a lot of groups choose not to. I really liked this album - sure there were some songs that didn't make a lasting impression on me, but that doesn't mean that others will have the same opinion as me. I loved "Pipe Down" the most, with a rating of 9/10. I've had it on my playlist since the first listen and I truly cannot wait to see what StayC does in the future.

⠀⠀⠀⠀

⠀⠀⠀

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

⠀⠀⠀

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

⠀⠀⠀

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

⠀⠀⠀