Kwon Eunbi's return to the music scene with her latest album, 'SABOTAGE,' marks a significant moment in the world of pop. This eagerly anticipated release showcases her growth as a solo artist, emphasizing her mature charm and exceptional vocal range. Through 'SABOTAGE', Kwon Eunbi continues to solidify her position within the industry, offering a diverse tracklist that promises to captivate both new listeners and long-time fans. Her ability to blend intense performances with deeply personal lyrics speaks to the insecurities and triumphs that resonate with her audience, making this album a noteworthy addition to her discography.

Kwon Eunbi's 'SABOTAGE' album, providing a complete review and breakdown of each track, the production process, and the creative journey behind the release. From the infectious house beats of the title track to the emotional depth of 'Bad Blood', we explore the musical and lyratical landscape that Kwon Eunbi navigates. Additionally, we examine the visual elements, from the striking photobook to the dynamic music video highlights, that complement the album's themes. Through a detailed analysis of fan reactions and critical acclaim, this review offers an in-depth look at how 'SABOTAGE' reflects.

Artist

B-side

"Unnatural"

"Bad Blood"

Released

June 18, 2024

Format(s)

CD, download, streaming

Recorded

2024

Genre

Dance, euro-house, disco, afrobeat, Latin pop, urban R&B

Length

10:02

Label(s)

Woollim Entertainment

Distributor(s)

Kakao Entertainment

Writer(s)

JJean (NUMBER K), Noday, Youra (Full8loom), Bay (153/Joombas) (track 1)

Jinli (Full8loom) (track 2)

JENCI (track 3)

Composer(s)

JJean (NUMBER K), Phil Schwan (NUMBER K), Justin Reinstein (track 1)

Yeonggwangui Eolguldeul (Full8loom), Jinli (Full8loom), Bang Gun-woo (Full8loom) (track 2)

iKaY (adeMade), PanDa (adeMade), MarkAlong (adeMade), Isa Guerra (NUMBER K), Charlotte Wilson (NUMBER K), Tanelsha Jackson, adeMade (track 3)

Arranger(s)

Phil Schwan (NUMBER K), Justin Reinstein (track 1)

Yeonggwangui Eolguldeul (Full8loom), Bang Gun-woo (Full8loom) (track 2)

iKaY (adeMade), PanDa (adeMade), MarkAlong (adeMade) (track 3)

Track list

"Sabotage" - 3:15

"Unnatural" - 3:26

"Bad Blood" - 3:21

Kwon Eunbi's highly anticipated second single album "SABOTAGE" was officially released on June 19, 2024. Initially, STARNEWS reported on May 10, 2024, that she was in the process of selecting songs for this album, with a targeted release in mid-June. The release date was later confirmed by Kwon Eunbi herself on June 3, stating the album would be available on June 18. However, the final release was set for June 19, 2024, as detailed in the announcements from both Kakao Entertainment and additional press releases.

"SABOTAGE" is a Euro-House genre album, drawing inspiration from the 80's Disco-Sound, characterized by a dynamic vocal range over a robust house beat. This album marks her continued evolution as a solo artist under the label Kakao Entertainment, which is known for supporting artists in exploring new musical landscapes and reaching global audiences. The album consists of a single CD, packaged in brand new, factory-sealed conditions to ensure the highest quality for consumers.

"SABOTAGE," the title track of Kwon Eunbi's album, embodies the Euro-House genre with an 80's Disco-Sound influence. It features a dynamic vocal range set to a robust house beat. The song narrates the challenges of growing up and overcoming insecurities, depicted through a compelling chair performance that complements the lyrical depth.

The track "Unnatural" explores urban R&B with a relaxed mood, adding a unique charm to the album. "Bad Blood," on the other hand, delves into Afrobeat-based Latin pop. Its acoustic verses build up to a catchy chorus, creating a vibrant and engaging auditory experience. Despite some criticisms of its post-chorus and energy levels in "Bad Blood," the overall composition maintains its appeal with a solid dance-pop foundation.

Kwon Eunbi's music video for "SABOTAGE" is visually striking, showcasing her stunning beauty and a compelling narrative. The video features a story where Kwon Eunbi navigates complex romantic dynamics within a group of friends, adding depth to the visual experience. One scene particularly stands out where she discovers two of her friends kissing, leading to potential fallout among the group. This narrative layer complements the song's themes of personal turmoil and emotional resilience.

The choreography in "SABOTAGE" is creatively executed, with a notable use of a chair in the routine. Kwon Eunbi does not use the chair conventionally; instead, it becomes a central element of the performance, adding an innovative twist to the dance. The choreography concludes with Kwon Eunbi being lifted up as the chair continues to spin, symbolizing ongoing turmoil even after the music stops. This performance not only highlights her skills as a dancer but also enhances the overall impact of the music video.

Kwon Eunbi's journey through the music industry has been marked by significant shifts, particularly in her musical style and artistic delivery. Her transition into EDM and club-oriented tracks has set a new direction in her career, establishing her as a versatile artist capable of handling a range of musical genres.

Previously known for her K-pop roots, Kwon Eunbi's recent works, such as "The Flash" and "SABOTAGE," showcase a stark evolution from her earlier music. "The Flash" was celebrated for its club banger qualities, which continued to evolve into a more refined EDM sound in "SABOTAGE". This shift is not just a change in musical style but also a strategic adaptation to global music trends, aiming to capture a broader audience.

Kwon Eunbi's artistic growth is evident in her willingness to experiment with complex production techniques and diverse musical elements. Her latest single, "SABOTAGE," integrates a high-energy EDM sound with a dynamic vocal performance, though it has faced mixed reviews regarding its vocal pitch and production choices. Despite these challenges, she continues to push the boundaries of her musical expression, which speaks to her growth as an artist committed to evolving her sound and engaging with her listeners on a deeper level.

The release of Kwon Eunbi's 'SABOTAGE' has elicited a wide range of reactions from fans and casual listeners alike. Some fans expressed immediate captivation by the album, highlighting the energy and appeal of the high tones in tracks like 'SABOTAGE' despite its vocal challenges. However, others noted a disconnect, feeling that the vocals were pitched too high for comfort, which detracted from their overall enjoyment of the music. A particular point of contention was the shift in the second verse of 'SABOTAGE', which was seen as a momentum disruptor. Additionally, the inclusion of more English lyrics than usual in Kwon Eunbi's discography received mixed reviews, with some listeners feeling that it did not suit her style.

Critics have offered varied perspectives on 'SABOTAGE'. While some tracks like 'Unnatural' were praised for their smooth R&B vibes, others like 'Bad Blood' received lower scores for not resonating as well with the audience. The overall sentiment from several reviews suggests that while the album contains strong elements, it might not consistently capture the essence of what fans have come to expect from Kwon Eunbi. The repetitive use of the word "sabotage" and some production choices were also highlighted as areas that could have been better executed to enhance the listening experience.