Off The Record (IVE)
IVE Off The Record: Fan Reactions and Critical Reviews
IVE's latest single "Off The Record" has taken the K-pop world by storm. The release has captivated fans and critics alike, showcasing the group's evolving sound and artistic growth. This new track marks a significant moment in IVE's career, highlighting their ability to push boundaries and deliver fresh, exciting music to their audience.
The song has sparked widespread discussion across social media platforms, with fans dissecting every aspect of the release. From the intricate choreography to the visually stunning music video, "Off The Record" offers plenty to analyze. Music experts have weighed in on the track's production quality and its place within IVE's discography. This article delves into the various elements that make "Off The Record" a standout release, exploring its impact on IVE's image and its reception in the competitive K-pop industry.
"Off The Record"
Artist
IVE
Released
October 6, 2023
Format(s)
Download, streaming
Recorded
2023
Genre
Dance
Length
3:08
Label(s)
Starship Entertainment
Distributor(s)
Kakao Entertainment
Writer(s)
Seo Jieum
Composer(s)
Ryan Jhun, Sivert Hagtvet Hjeltnes, Bård Bonsaken, Hilda Stenmalm
Arranger(s)
Ryan Jhun, Sivert Hagtvet Hjeltnes
IVE's 'Off The Record': An Overview
Song Release Details
"Off the Record" marks a significant milestone in IVE's musical journey. The song was crafted by a team of talented individuals, including lyricist Seo Ji-eum and composers Ryan S. Jhun, Sivert Hagtvet Hjeltnes, Bård Bonsaken, and Hilda Stenmalm. This collaboration brings together diverse musical perspectives, contributing to the track's unique sound.
Musical Style and Composition
The song showcases a rhythmic beat characterized by a groovy and heavy bass guitar. Composed in the key of B-flat major with a tempo of 108 beats per minute, "Off the Record" offers a pleasant and easy-listening experience. The track's production borrows elements from city pop, smoothing them over with radio-friendly sounds. While well-made, some critics argue that the song lacks the melodic heft typically associated with IVE's title tracks.
Lyrical Themes
"Off the Record" delves into the realm of late-night conversations and hidden emotions. The lyrics tell the story of girls exploring their curiosity about love during the quiet hours when everyone else is asleep. The song's narrative unfolds in a private, intimate setting, encouraging honesty and vulnerability. It touches on themes of forbidden desires, revealing one's true self, and the thrill of secretive relationships. The lyrics paint a picture of a late-night conversation that seems endless, emphasizing the depth and intensity of the emotions being shared.
Fan Reactions on Social Media
The release of IVE's "Off The Record" sparked a flurry of activity across various social media platforms, with fans eagerly sharing their thoughts and reactions. The song's debut made a significant impact on YouTube, landing at #7 on the platform's Trending Worldwide chart. This global recognition was further reflected in its performance across different countries, with notable rankings in Indonesia (#5), Canada (#7), and Thailand (#10).
Twitter Trends
Twitter became a hub of excitement as fans took to the platform to express their thoughts on the new release. The buzz generated by "Off The Record" led to certain hashtags and topics trending worldwide, showcasing the group's strong international fanbase. Fans engaged in lively discussions, analyzing every aspect of the song and music video.
Instagram Engagement
Instagram saw a surge in activity related to IVE's latest release. Fans flooded the platform with photos and videos, demonstrating their enthusiasm for "Off The Record". The visual nature of Instagram allowed fans to share their favorite moments from the music video, creating a vibrant community of support for IVE.
Fan Community Discussions
Online fan communities and forums were abuzz with discussions about "Off The Record". Fans delved into detailed analyses of the song's composition, lyrics, and music video concept. Some fans expressed their appreciation for the song's creative music video and subtle Cupid theme. Others noted the track's departure from IVE's typically upbeat style, with some initially feeling disappointed but growing to appreciate the new direction.
Music Video Analysis
Visual Aesthetics
The music video for "Off The Record" presents a visually rich narrative, employing symbolism and metaphor to convey deeper meanings. The video is replete with apple imagery, which serves a dual purpose. Apples symbolize forbidden fruit, representing temptation and desire, while also signifying love, drawing from ancient Roman mythology where apples were sacred to Venus, the goddess of love and beauty.
Each member's storyline in the video explores different facets of love and emotional experiences. Wonyoung portrays a shy, geeky character living in isolation, surrounded by boxed or canned apples, symbolizing her reluctance to open up to love. Yujin's narrative unfolds in a mall after closing hours, carrying a heart-shaped apple that diminishes in size, possibly representing the pain of longing for something unattainable.
Choreography Highlights
While the provided information doesn't specifically mention choreography details, the music video appears to focus more on individual member storylines and symbolic representations rather than dance sequences. The visual storytelling takes precedence, with each member embodying a different aspect of love and emotional vulnerability.
Easter Eggs and References
The music video is rich with symbolic elements and references:
Apples: Featured prominently throughout the video, representing both forbidden desires and love.
Earthquake scenes: Possibly symbolizing the overwhelming nature of love, particularly in Wonyoung's storyline.
Leeseo's magical bean: Growing into an apple tree, representing hope and the nurturing of dreams.
Rei's crossbow: A modern twist on Cupid's bow, indicating precision in pursuing desires.
Color symbolism: Purple lighting is used extensively, likely referencing IVE's signature color and the theme of the song.
These visual elements and storylines collectively portray a range of emotions associated with love, from shyness and uncertainty to devotion and hope. The music video effectively complements the song's themes of late-night conversations and hidden emotions, creating a multi-layered viewing experience for fans.
Critical Reviews from Music Experts
Music experts have offered varied opinions on IVE's "Off The Record," highlighting both its strengths and areas for improvement. The song has sparked discussions about IVE's musical direction and its place within the current K-pop landscape.
Positive Feedback
Critics have praised "Off The Record" for its well-crafted production. The song has been described as a pleasant and easy-listening experience, composed in the key of B-flat major with a tempo of 108 beats per minute. Some reviewers have noted that the track equates itself well with the template set by popular songs like Fifty Fifty's "Cupid," featuring a light and unobtrusive groove.
Constructive Criticism
While acknowledging the song's polished production, some experts have pointed out areas for improvement. Critics have suggested that "Off The Record" lacks the melodic heft typically associated with IVE's title tracks. The vocals, while good, have been described as somewhat weightless, with the song not giving the members much to do in terms of showcasing their full abilities.
Comparisons to Previous Releases
In comparison to IVE's previous works, "Off The Record" has been viewed as a departure from their usual style. Critics have noted that it is the group's most lightweight title track yet, describing it as a "slight whisper" compared to the "bang" of their earlier release "I AM". Some reviewers have suggested that while the song is well-made, it feels more like a B-side rather than a title track, especially when considering IVE's capabilities demonstrated in their previous releases.
Chart Performance and Achievements
Domestic Chart Rankings
"Off The Record" made a notable impact on South Korea's music charts. The song debuted at number 106 on the Circle Digital Chart for the week of October 1-7, 2023. It quickly gained traction, reaching number 10 on the Circle Download Chart and number 16 on the Circle BGM Chart. The track's popularity continued to grow, ascending to number 14 on the Circle Digital Chart for the week of October 15-21, 2023. By November 2023, "Off The Record" had achieved its peak position at number 20 on the Circle Digital Chart.
International Chart Positions
IVE's "Off The Record" demonstrated strong performance across various international charts:
Singapore: Debuted at number 17 on the RIAS Top Streaming Chart and number 9 on the RIAS Top Regional Chart.
Malaysia: Entered the Billboard Malaysia Songs chart at number 25.
Hong Kong: Secured the number 11 spot on the Billboard Hong Kong Songs chart.
Taiwan: Debuted at number 13 on the Billboard Taiwan Songs chart.
United States: Reached number 10 on the Billboard World Digital Song Sales chart.
New Zealand: Entered the RMNZ Hot Singles chart at number 38.
Global Charts: Debuted at number 181 on the Billboard Global 200 and number 99 on the Billboard Global Excl. U.S. chart.
Vietnam: Entered the Billboard Vietnam Hot 100 at number 58.
Streaming Platform Statistics
"Off The Record" achieved notable positions across various streaming platforms:
YouTube: Reached number 13 in South Korea and re-entered at number 65 in Nigeria.
Spotify: Peaked at number 75 in Taiwan, 77 in South Korea, and 126 in Hong Kong.
Apple Music: Achieved number 67 in Taiwan and 106 in Hong Kong.
iTunes: Reached number 38 in Botswana.
Shazam: Peaked at number 37 in Sweden and 147 in South Korea.
The song's performance on these platforms demonstrates its global appeal and the growing international fanbase of IVE.
Member Spotlight: Vocal and Performance Analysis
Standout Moments
The vocal performance in "Off The Record" showcases IVE's abilities, albeit in a somewhat restrained manner. The song's production doesn't provide extensive opportunities for the members to fully demonstrate their vocal prowess. However, a notable exception occurs during the brief bridge, where the track hints at an intriguing musical direction, almost resembling an interpolation of The Cardigans' "Lovefool".
Line Distribution
While specific line distribution details are not provided, the overall vocal performance in "Off The Record" appears to be balanced among the members. The song features sweet and charming vocals from the group, complementing the groovy yet heavy bass guitar sounds and rhythmic beats.
Individual Growth
Each member of IVE brings a unique element to the performance, reflecting their individual growth and artistic interpretation:
Leeseo's concept symbolizes hope and potential for growth, represented by a magical bean that grows into an apple tree.
Gaeul portrays the complexities of unreciprocated love, showcasing emotional depth in her performance.
Liz embodies a naive, light-hearted side of love, presenting a joyful yet potentially unrealistic perception.
Yujin's performance conveys a troubled and skeptical view of love, relying on logic rather than emotion.
Rei takes on a modern Cupid-like role, demonstrating focus and determination in her portrayal.
Wonyoung embodies uncertainty and shyness, representing the overwhelming nature of emotions.
These individual performances, while not explicitly vocal-focused, demonstrate the members' ability to convey complex emotions and concepts through their artistic expressions in the music video.
Impact on IVE's Discography
Evolution of Sound
"Off The Record" represents a shift in IVE's musical direction. The song features a rhythmic beat characterized by groovy and heavy bass guitar, showcasing a more subdued sound compared to their previous releases. This change in style demonstrates IVE's willingness to explore different genres and expand their musical repertoire.
Comparison to Previous Tracks
When compared to IVE's earlier works, "Off The Record" stands out as their most lightweight title track to date. While "I AM" was described as a "bang," this new release is considered more of a "slight whisper". The song's production is well-crafted but lacks the melodic heft typically associated with IVE's title tracks. This departure from their usual style has sparked discussions among fans and critics alike.
Fan Favorite Status
The reception of "Off The Record" among fans has been mixed. Some appreciate the song's pleasant and easy-listening quality, viewing it as a good effort for a softer, Cupid-like track. Others, however, express disappointment, noting that it doesn't match the upbeat energy they've come to expect from IVE. Despite this, many fans still find value in the song's creative music video and meaningful lyrics.
The impact of "Off The Record" on IVE's discography is significant, as it showcases the group's versatility and willingness to experiment with different sounds. While it may not have achieved the same level of impact as some of their previous hits, it has certainly contributed to the ongoing evolution of IVE's musical identity.
IVE 아이브 'Off The Record' MV
Off The Record Lyrics
[Romanized:]
Sigani dwaesseo It's 2 A.M.
Moksoril natchugo deo soksangnyeo jullae
I bami jom deo gipeojimyeon
Mwonga deo soljikaedo doel geot gateun gibuni deureo
Itjana gakkeum nan mucheok
Balchikan sangsangeul hae
Namdeureun jeoldae moreul geol
Ijen bigonggae modeuya
Off the record night
This late night conversation
Meomchuji ana
No more time, no more kill my vibe
This late night conversation
Jamdeulji ana
Yeah bimilseureopge jamgyeojin mun
Geu mameul uriege saljjak yeoreo jwo
Tteona Forbidden island
Chaja Forbidden fruit
Gakkeumeun waenji geumjidoen ge gunggeumhageodeun Yeah
Sunjinhan gamyeoneul beotgo
Heuksimeul deureonae bwa
Geureon ge eopseul ri eopseo
Ijen bigonggae modeuya
Off the record night
This late night conversation
Meomchuji ana
No more time, no more kill my vibe
This late night conversation
Jamdeulji ana
Make it round on the ground, yeah
Deo gakkai moyeo anja
Ja modeun geol teoreonwa
Off the record night
This late night conversation
Meomchuji ana
We're talkin' 'bout the
Late n-n-n-n-night conversation
Late night conversation
Mot sara naega jeongmal michyeo jinjja geuraeseo tto mwonde
Nan geunyang Restaurant, cafe yeonghwa
Geureon sarang malgo jogeum deo teukbyeolhan
Eunmilhago ajjilhan geol wonhae nan
So this is my time, it's my time
Summakineun Trailer
Tto eomcheongnan banjeondo isseoyaji
Romaentikan Psycho
Nal tamhamyeon modeun geol gyeondyeoyaji
Love me, love me
Eoseo nal Leave me, leave me
Nalmada Killing healing
Tto oechyeo nan Stay
Off the record night
This late night conversation
Meomchuji ana
No more time, no more kill my vibe
This late night conversation
Jamdeulji ana
Moon is setting tonight, yeah (eodumi jogeum deo jiteojyeo ga)
Deo banjjakgeorineun Your eyes (Lookin' it, lookin' it deep in the eyes)
Nan haneurui byeoreul bwa
Off the record night
This late night conversation
Jamdeulji ana
[Korean:]
시간이 됐어 It's 2 A.M.
목소릴 낮추고 더 속삭여 줄래
이 밤이 좀 더 깊어지면
뭔가 더 솔직해도 될 것 같은 기분이 들어
있잖아 가끔 난 무척
발칙한 상상을 해
남들은 절대 모를 걸
이젠 비공개 모드야
Off the record night
This late night conversation
멈추지 않아
No more time, no more kill my vibe
This late night conversation
잠들지 않아
Yeah 비밀스럽게 잠겨진 문
그 맘을 우리에게 살짝 열어 줘
떠나 Forbidden island
찾아 Forbidden fruit
가끔은 왠지 금지된 게 궁금하거든 Yeah
순진한 가면을 벗고
흑심을 드러내 봐
그런 게 없을 리 없어
이젠 비공개 모드야
Off the record night
This late night conversation
멈추지 않아
No more time, no more kill my vibe
This late night conversation
잠들지 않아
Make it round on the ground, yeah
더 가까이 모여 앉아
자 모든 걸 털어놔
Off the record night
This late night conversation
멈추지 않아
We're talkin' 'bout the
Late n-n-n-n-night conversation
Late night conversation
못 살아 내가 정말 미쳐 진짜 그래서 또 뭔데
난 그냥 Restaurant, cafe 영화
그런 사랑 말고 조금 더 특별한
은밀하고 아찔한 걸 원해 난
So this is my time, it's my time
숨막히는 Trailer
또 엄청난 반전도 있어야지
로맨틱한 Psycho
날 탐하면 모든 걸 견뎌야지
Love me, love me
어서 날 Leave me, leave me
날마다 Killing healing
또 외쳐 난 Stay
Off the record night
This late night conversation
멈추지 않아
No more time, no more kill my vibe
This late night conversation
잠들지 않아
Moon is setting tonight, yeah (어둠이 조금 더 짙어져 가)
더 반짝거리는 Your eyes (Lookin' it, lookin' it deep in the eyes)
난 하늘의 별을 봐
Off the record night
This late night conversation
잠들지 않아
[English translation:]
It's time, it's 2AM
Lower your voice to a whisper
As the night sets deeper
I feel like we can be more honest
You know
Sometimes, I have ridiculous thoughts
Others won't even be able to guess
Now, we're in private mode
Off the record night
This late night conversation
Won't come to an end
No more time
No more "kill my vibe"
This late night conversation
Won't go to sleep
Yeah, behind the locked doors
Give us a little peek into your heart
Go to the forbidden island
Look for the forbidden fruit
Sometimes, forbidden things are the most tempting, yeah
Take off your innocent mask
Reveal your darkest desires
There's no way you don't have any
Now, we're in private mode
Off the record night
This late night conversation
Won't come to an end
No more time, no more "kill my vibe"
This late night conversation
Won't go to sleep
Make it round on the ground, yeah
Come in closer
Now, let's open up
Off the record night
This late night conversation
Won't come to an end
We're talkin' 'bout the
Late n-n-n-n-night conversation
Late night conversation
OMG! For real? And now what?
Restaurant, café, movies
I want our relationship to be more than that
Something more secretive and thrilling
So this is my time, it's my time
A breathtaking trailer
With a huge plot twist
Romantic psycho
Endure through it all if you want me (Oh)
Love me, love me
Hurry, go leave me, leave me (Ooh)
Day by day, killing healing
But, just stay
Off the record night (Yeah)
This late night conversation
Won't come to an end (No more time)
No more time, no more "kill my vibe"
This late night conversation (This late night conversation)
Won't go to sleep
Moon is setting tonight yeah (The night sets deeper)
The sparkle in your eyes (Lookin' it, lookin' it deep in the eyes)
I look at the stars in the sky
Off the record night
This late night conversation
Won't go to sleep
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