K.A.R.D (카드) Re Member (era)

KARD (카드) - Re: The 5th Mini Album (2022) marks a significant milestone in the group's musical journey. This eagerly anticipated release showcases KARD's evolution as artists, blending their signature sound with fresh elements. The album features four tracks, including the title song "Ring The Alarm," each offering a unique flavor of KARD's dynamic musicality.

Re: represents a bold step forward for KARD members BM, J.Seph, Somin, and Jiwoo. The mini-album explores themes of love, empowerment, and self-expression, resonating with fans worldwide. From the energetic "Break Down" to the sultry "Whip!" and the feel-good vibes of "Good Love," KARD delivers a diverse musical experience. This article delves into each track, examining the album's concept, its commercial performance, and the group's journey leading up to this release.

Background of KARD's 'Re:' Album

Comeback after J.Seph's military service

KARD's fifth mini-album, "Re:", marked a significant return for the group after a lengthy hiatus. The album's release on June 22, 2022, by DSP Media, represented their first comeback in nearly two years since their single album "Way with Words". This extended break was primarily due to member J.Seph's mandatory military enlistment, which began on October 5, 2020.

J.Seph's discharge from military service on April 4, 2022, set the stage for KARD's highly anticipated reunion. During a V live broadcast following his return, J.Seph expressed his eagerness to rejoin the group, stating, "Since I've been discharged, we will seek you out soon. Our comeback plans have somewhat been set so please wait a little". This announcement heightened fans' excitement for KARD's impending return to the music scene.

Significance of the album title

The title "Re:" carries multiple layers of meaning for KARD and their comeback. As explained by the group, "Re" is a prefix meaning "again," making it the perfect choice for their new release after more than a year off. The album title represents concepts such as rebirth, restart, and refresh, encapsulating KARD's desire to present a renewed version of themselves to their audience.

Each member of KARD contributed to unraveling the story behind "Re:" through individual keywords. BM emphasized "RE:Turn to the basics," Somin highlighted "RE:Born," J.Seph focused on "RE:Trigger," and Jiwoo introduced "RE:Debut". These personal interpretations collectively showcase the group's commitment to growth and reinvention.

The album's significance extends beyond its title, as it represents KARD's determination to showcase their evolution as artists. As the group stated, "Since 'Re:' is an EP showing our new mindset, we poured a lot of passion into producing it". This passion is evident in the diverse musical styles and themes explored throughout the mini-album, reflecting KARD's growth during their time apart and their eagerness to present a fresh sound to their fans, known as Hidden KARDs.

Album Release and Promotion

Teasers and pre-release activities

KARD's comeback journey for "Re:" began with a series of exciting teasers and pre-release activities. On May 27, the group released a video titled "Re:Member," announcing their return to the music scene in June after a hiatus of more than a year. This announcement sparked anticipation among fans, known as Hidden KARDs, who had been eagerly awaiting the group's comeback following J.Seph's military service.

The pre-sales for the EP commenced on June 9, following the release of an album preview. DSP Media, KARD's label, orchestrated a well-planned promotional campaign that included a release scheduler, multiple concept images, and a music video teaser. The teaser video proved to be a hit, reaching an impressive milestone of 1 million views within 24 hours of its release.

To further build excitement, KARD released a dance spoiler and a live highlight clip, giving fans a taste of what to expect from the new album. These teasers showcased the group's dynamic performances and hinted at the diverse musical styles featured in "Re:". The members also participated in individual monologue teasers, with BM, Jiwoo, Somin, and J.seph each sharing their personal stories and reflections on the album's concept.

Comeback showcase

As part of their promotional activities, KARD held a comeback showcase to introduce the extended play and connect with their fans. This event provided an opportunity for the group to perform their new songs live and share insights into the album's creation process. The showcase served as a platform for KARD to demonstrate their growth as artists and reaffirm their bond with Hidden KARDs after their extended break.

In preparation for their official comeback, KARD secured appearances on popular music shows. Mnet and SBS announced that the quartet was set to perform on "M Countdown" and "Inkigayo" stages during the opening week of the album's release. These performances were crucial in showcasing KARD's new music and choreography to a wider audience.

The title track, "Ring The Alarm," was described as a Moombahton genre song featuring a rhythmical bass, synthesizer, and vibrant guitar sounds. KARD released a dance spoiler clip for this track, where J.seph, BM, Somin, and Jiwoo displayed their suave dance moves and perfect chemistry, further heightening anticipation for their comeback.

Title Track: 'Ring The Alarm'

Song description

"Ring The Alarm" serves as the title track for KARD's fifth mini-album, "Re:". This moombahton genre song features a rhythmical bass, synthesizer, and vibrant guitar sounds, creating a dynamic and energetic atmosphere. The track showcases KARD's signature blend of powerful vocals and rap, with each member contributing their unique style to the overall composition.

The chorus of "Ring The Alarm" is particularly catchy, with the group declaring, "Ring the alarm / Come here and get on the ride quickly / (What you want, what you need, I'll deliver) / Follow the body signal, move it / You'll be mesmerized." This hook encapsulates the song's themes of excitement and invitation, encouraging listeners to join in the musical journey.

While some critics noted that the song's instrumental could have been stronger, "Ring The Alarm" still manages to deliver a pleasant listening experience. The track's structure allows for KARD's diverse vocal tones to shine, creating an engaging head-nodding rhythm. The song's arrangement is just diverse enough to keep the simple groove continually interesting, with the last few seconds heating up in typical K-pop fashion.

Music video highlights

The music video for "Ring The Alarm" is a visual feast that complements the song's energetic vibe. Each member of KARD is featured in distinct locations, adding variety and interest to the video's aesthetic. Somin appears in a living room surrounded by several aquariums, creating a unique and visually striking setting. BM's scenes take place at a gas station, adding an urban edge to the video. J.Seph performs in a white living room, providing a clean and minimalist backdrop. Jiwoo's scenes at a fast-food stand bring a touch of everyday life to the mix.

One of the video's highlights is the rooftop performance, where KARD showcases their high-energy choreography. This scene demonstrates the group's synchronization and stage presence, reinforcing their reputation as skilled performers. The diverse settings and dynamic camera work keep viewers engaged throughout the video, mirroring the song's lively tempo.

The music video for "Ring The Alarm" has been well-received by fans, with the teaser alone reaching an impressive milestone of 1 million views within 24 hours of its release. This enthusiastic response highlights the anticipation surrounding KARD's comeback and the appeal of their visual concept for this title track.

Track 1: 'Break Down'

Composition details

"Break Down" serves as the opening track of KARD's fifth mini-album, "Re:". The song showcases the group's involvement in the creative process, with members BM, J.Seph, Somin, and Jiwoo contributing to the lyrics. The composition team includes EJAE, Isaac Han, Aaron Kim, and GHOSTCHILD LTD, with BM also participating in the songwriting. This collaborative effort resulted in a track that runs for 2 minutes and 54 seconds, setting the tone for the rest of the album.

The production of "Break Down" features a blend of various musical elements, creating a dynamic and energetic sound that aligns with KARD's signature style. The arrangement, handled by Isaac Han, Aaron Kim, and GHOSTCHILD LTD, incorporates rhythmic beats and catchy melodies that complement the group's vocal and rap performances. This track demonstrates KARD's ability to create music that resonates with their audience while showcasing their growth as artists.

Lyrical themes

"Break Down" explores themes of resilience, self-empowerment, and overcoming judgment. The lyrics address the ups and downs in relationships and the struggle against others' perceptions. The song's opening verse sets the tone: "High and low 기복에 질려진 우리 사이 넌 너 말곤 you don't care about" (High and low, tired of the ups and downs between us, you don't care about anything but yourself).

The pre-chorus highlights the pressure to conform to others' expectations: "You say I gotta look good I gotta look bad Then you go and look for things that I lack". This section emphasizes the frustration of dealing with hypocritical judgments and the struggle to maintain one's identity in the face of external pressures.

The chorus of "Break Down" serves as a powerful statement of defiance: "You love when I break down Break down Break down 날 깨부숴버려 Break down Break down My love" (You love when I break down, break down, break down, shatter me, break down, break down, my love). This repetition underscores the theme of resilience, suggesting that even in moments of vulnerability, there's strength in acknowledging one's struggles.

Throughout the song, KARD addresses the destructive nature of toxic relationships and the importance of self-preservation. The lyrics encourage listeners to embrace their flaws and failures, turning them into sources of strength rather than weakness. This message aligns with the overall theme of KARD's "Re:" album, which focuses on rebirth and renewal.

Track 3: 'Good Love'

Genre and style

"Good Love" is a pop-R&B track that showcases KARD's versatility within their fifth mini-album, "Re:". This song offers a refreshing change of pace from the more energetic tracks on the album, demonstrating the group's ability to excel in various musical styles. The track has a duration of 3 minutes and 17 seconds, providing ample time for KARD to explore the nuances of the pop-R&B genre.

The song's composition features a blend of smooth R&B elements with catchy pop hooks, creating a sound that is both sophisticated and accessible. The instrumental arrangement incorporates subtle electronic elements, harmonious melodies, and a rhythmic beat that complements the group's vocals. This combination results in a track that is perfect for listeners seeking a more laid-back vibe within KARD's discography.

"Good Love" opens with a captivating intro, setting the tone for the rest of the song: "Woah-oh-oh-oh I got that good, good love, that good, good love". This repetitive phrase serves as a memorable hook throughout the track, emphasizing the song's central theme of offering genuine affection and care to a romantic partner.

Member contributions

KARD's members each bring their unique talents to "Good Love," contributing to the song's overall appeal. BM, known for his rap skills, participated in the songwriting process alongside Avenue 52, showcasing his growing involvement in the group's creative direction. His contribution to the lyrics adds depth to the track, infusing it with personal touches that resonate with listeners.

The vocal performances in "Good Love" are particularly noteworthy, with Somin and Jiwoo's voices shining throughout the track. Their harmonies and individual parts demonstrate their ability to convey emotion and create a sensual atmosphere that aligns with the song's lyrics. For instance, the pre-chorus section delivered by one of the female members showcases this emotional depth: "Oh boy, you're special, get you's a medal / You can be my treasure / You can be my better half".

J.Seph's rap sections provide a nice contrast to the melodic vocals, adding a layer of complexity to the song's structure. His verses contribute to the narrative of the lyrics, reinforcing the theme of devotion and love: "Told myself that I wouldn't fall in love again / Fall in love again, yeah / I know what you done went through".

The production team behind "Good Love" includes David Anthony Eames and Bangkok, who worked on arranging the track to highlight each member's strengths. Their expertise in blending the various elements of pop and R&B has resulted in a cohesive and polished sound that exemplifies KARD's growth as artists since their debut.

Track 4: 'Whip!'

Retro influences

"Whip!" stands out as a pop R&B track with a distinctive retro mood sound. This song showcases KARD's ability to explore different musical styles while maintaining their unique atmosphere. The retro influences in "Whip!" provide a refreshing change from the group's previous releases, allowing listeners to experience a different facet of KARD's musical repertoire.

The track's retro sound is reminiscent of the 80s synth-pop era, incorporating bright and colorful textures that bring joy to the listener. This nostalgic approach aligns with a growing trend in K-pop, as many artists have been embracing retro concepts in recent years. The use of vibrant synths and upbeat melodies in "Whip!" creates an exciting and energetic atmosphere that perfectly complements KARD's dynamic vocals and rap performances.

Production insights

The production of "Whip!" demonstrates KARD's involvement in the creative process, with members BM and J.Seph contributing to the lyrics alongside Kim Min-gi and Park Hyun-kyu. This collaborative effort ensures that the song reflects the group's artistic vision while incorporating fresh elements from experienced producers.

The arrangement of "Whip!" skillfully blends retro-inspired instrumentals with modern production techniques, resulting in a sound that is both nostalgic and contemporary. The song's structure allows each member to showcase their individual strengths, from powerful vocals to dynamic rap sections.

One of the standout features of "Whip!" is its catchy chorus, which includes repetitive phrases that are easy for listeners to sing along to. The lyrics "Straight to the whip whip whip whip whip / Don't need any words words words words words" create an infectious hook that stays with the audience long after the song ends.

The verses of "Whip!" paint a vivid picture of a late-night rendezvous, with lines like "2AM, hit me line / Say I'm on your mind can I come thru / When it hits 2:05 / Look out ur blinds I'll be waiting outside." These lyrics, combined with the retro-inspired instrumentation, create a sensual and atmospheric track that showcases KARD's versatility as artists.

"Whip!" also features clever wordplay and imagery, such as "One hand on the wheel one caressin your thighs," which adds depth to the song's narrative. The inclusion of both Korean and English lyrics demonstrates KARD's ability to appeal to a global audience while maintaining their unique identity as a K-pop group.

Overall, "Whip!" serves as a testament to KARD's growth and willingness to experiment with different musical styles. The song's retro influences, combined with the group's signature sound, create a memorable addition to their fifth mini-album, "Re:". As KARD continues to evolve and explore new musical territories, tracks like "Whip!" demonstrate their potential to captivate audiences with fresh and exciting concepts.

Commercial Performance of 'Re:'

Chart positions

KARD's fifth mini-album "Re:" demonstrated impressive chart performance upon its release. The album made a significant impact on international charts, appearing on iTunes charts in 16 countries, including Mexico, Spain, and the United States. This global recognition highlights KARD's growing international fanbase and their ability to resonate with audiences worldwide.

In South Korea, "Re:" achieved notable success on domestic charts. On the Hanteo Charts, the album secured the third position on the daily charts for June 22, 2022, marking a substantial improvement from their previous releases. The album's performance on the Circle Chart was equally impressive, peaking at the twelfth position. These chart positions reflect the group's increasing popularity and the strong reception of their comeback after J.Seph's return from military service.

Sales figures

The sales figures for "Re:" showcased KARD's growing commercial success and their ability to attract a larger audience. On the first day of its release, the album sold 7,895 copies according to Hanteo Charts, marking a significant increase from their previous release "Way with Words," which sold just over 1,000 copies. This remarkable growth in first-day sales demonstrates the heightened anticipation surrounding KARD's comeback.

The album's first-week sales further solidified its commercial success. According to Hanteo Chart, "Re:" sold a total of 20,625 copies in the first week of its release (June 22 to 28), breaking their previous first-week sales record. This achievement is particularly noteworthy as it nearly quintupled KARD's personal record, indicating a substantial expansion of their fanbase.

The long-term sales performance of "Re:" continued to impress. On the Circle Chart, the album sold over 26,800 physical copies, surpassing their previous EP "Red Moon". This figure represents the total sales in South Korea and reflects the sustained interest in KARD's music beyond the initial release period.

These impressive sales figures and chart positions have further cemented KARD's status in the K-pop industry. Billboard magazine has described KARD as "one of the most successful co-ed K-pop acts to ever exist", a testament to their unique position in the market and their ability to consistently deliver popular music that resonates with fans both domestically and internationally.