Weeekly's Bliss: A K-pop Fan's Complete Track-by-Track Review

Weeekly's latest EP "Bliss" arrived on July 9, 2024, marking their return to a consistent release schedule without compromising their musical quality.

The 15-minute collection features five distinct tracks, ranging from the dance-pop energy of "LIGHTS ON" to the refreshing acoustic warmth of "Page." While the production style remains notably sparse throughout the EP, the group's soft, delicate vocals take center stage.

However, not everything hits the mark perfectly - the EP currently holds a 2.69 out of 5.0 rating based on 140 fan reviews, ranking #720 for 2024 on Rate Your Music. The inclusion of certain forced rap sections has particularly divided listener opinions.

From the ethereal qualities of "Dance Dance Dance!" to the catchy dance-pop elements in "LIGHTS ON," this track-by-track review explores what makes "Bliss" a significant milestone in Weeekly's musical journey.

What Makes Bliss Different from After School

The sonic evolution from Weeekly's early releases to "Bliss" showcases a deliberate shift in their musical identity. Initially known for their bubblegum pop sound in tracks like "Tag Me" and "After School," the group has matured alongside their growing fanbase.

Weeekly's Musical Evolution

The transformation from teenage performers to young adults has significantly influenced their artistic direction. Soojin reflects on this journey, noting how their initial releases centered around school life experiences and teenage narratives. As the members entered their twenties, their musical approach evolved to capture more sophisticated themes while maintaining their signature energy.

"Bliss" represents this maturation process, specifically designed to portray the vibrant experiences of youth in their twenties. Monday, one of the group's lead vocalists, emphasizes their intention to move beyond the teenage narratives toward more nuanced storytelling that resonates with their current age group.

New Production Style

The production approach in "Bliss" marks a significant departure from their earlier works. Unlike the carnival-like qualities and toy-drum percussion that characterized songs like "After School", "Bliss" introduces more sophisticated arrangements. The EP showcases a broader range of musical elements, from groovy rhythms to dynamic arrangements.

Each track on "Bliss" demonstrates distinct production characteristics:

"LIGHTS ON" incorporates synth and brass sounds blended with groovy beats
"Classic" features bouncy strings and drum beats with unexpected compositional changes
"Dance Dance Dance" emphasizes refreshing beats and fresh melodies

The vocal arrangements additionally reflect this evolution, with focused group practices aimed at highlighting individual member characteristics while maintaining cohesive harmonies. This attention to vocal detail allows each member to express their unique color within the songs' framework.

The production team, including Jake K, MCK, and Maria Marcus, has crafted a summer-oriented sound that differs substantially from their previous releases. Furthermore, the collaboration with "VROOM VROOM" lyricist Baek Saeim and composers like Stella Jones brings fresh perspectives to their musical direction.

This transformation extends beyond just sound - it encompasses their entire artistic presentation. Zoa notes that while their debut focused on creating bright and cute images, their current approach centers on finding concepts that authentically match Weeekly's evolving identity. This careful balance between maintaining their core appeal and showcasing their growth demonstrates the group's commitment to authentic artistic development.

Track-by-Track Sound Analysis

Opening with a fresh sonic palette, "Bliss" presents five distinct tracks that showcase Weeekly's musical range. Each song carries its own unique identity yet maintains a cohesive thread throughout the EP.

Twenties: Opening Impact

The EP begins with "Twenties," a melodic guitar-driven track complemented by dreamy synth pads. The song captures the essence of a coming-of-age movie soundtrack, crafted by "VROOM VROOM" lyricist Baek Saeim alongside composers Stella Jones and PAPERMAKER producers. Through its wistful, retro-sounding arrangement, the track effectively portrays the growing pains of youth with hopeful energy.

LIGHTS ON: Title Track Deep Dive

As the lead single, "LIGHTS ON" introduces prominent brass and synth elements paired with powerful drum beats. The track's "oh my, oh my" segments effectively capture a euphoric summer sound. Nevertheless, certain rap portions appear somewhat disconnected from the overall composition. The production team, consisting of Jake K, MCK, and Maria Marcus from ARTiffect Music, structured the song with exuberant, brassy synths framing a propulsive beat.

Dance Dance Dance: Production Breakdown

Moving into "Dance Dance Dance," the track surprisingly deviates from typical tropical summer sounds. The song incorporates elements from Richard Wagner's "Bridal Chorus" (commonly known as "Here Comes the Bride") into its melody. Despite this unconventional choice, the track maintains a refreshing beat that effectively conveys the romance and energy of youth.

Classic: Vocal Arrangements

"Classic" emerges as a striking departure, featuring bouncy strings and drum beats. Produced by Ryan Jhun alongside Louise Udin, Chris Wahle, and Andrea Rocha, the track showcases more assertive vocals with members chanting phrases like "I'm a classic" and "I run the show". The rhythmically changing beats complement Weeekly's diverse vocal expressions throughout the song.

Page: Closing Statement

The EP concludes with "Page (A Story That Reached Me)," marking member Soeun's debut as a lyricist. This medium-tempo track combines warm acoustic guitar with clear melodies, moreover incorporating string instruments and synth elements to create a magnificent yet intimate sound. Though the transition from "Classic" to this sweet ballad might seem abrupt, the song stands as a touching listening experience.

Vocal Performances by Weeekly Members

Vocal dynamics shine throughout "Bliss," with each member contributing distinct tonal qualities that blend seamlessly across the EP's five tracks. The group's commitment to vocal excellence manifests through intensive practice sessions focused on individual expression.

Monday's Standout Moments

Monday's vocal prowess anchors several key moments across the album, particularly in "LIGHTS ON" where her clear, powerful delivery cuts through the brass-heavy arrangement. Her technical control allows her to navigate between the track's dynamic shifts while maintaining the refreshing summer essence the group aimed to capture.

Beyond the title track, Monday's contributions to the group's evolving sound reflect their transition from teenage performers to mature artists. Her vocal approach demonstrates remarkable versatility, adapting to each song's unique requirements without losing her signature tone.

Group Harmony Analysis

The collective vocal arrangements on "Bliss" showcase meticulous attention to balance and blend. Through focused group practice sessions, Weeekly developed distinct vocal expressions for each track while maintaining cohesive harmonies. This approach particularly shines in "Page," where the members' sweet vocals create a warm, inviting atmosphere.

The EP demonstrates sophisticated vocal layering techniques:

Zoa's refreshing tone complements the summer-themed tracks
Soeun's clear delivery enhances the album's youthful energy
Lee Jaehee's vocals effectively convey the unparalleled happiness of youth

The group's harmonization reaches its peak in "Classic," where their voices weave through the bouncy strings and drum beats with precision. Subsequently, in "Dance Dance Dance," their diverse vocal colors blend seamlessly with the rhythmically changing beats, creating a dynamic sonic tapestry.

Their vocal synergy extends beyond technical proficiency - the members' close relationship, which Monday describes as evolving from friendship to family, translates into natural chemistry in their performances. This connection allows them to maintain individual vocal characteristics while creating a unified sound that defines Weeekly's musical identity.

Production Quality Assessment

Technical aspects of "Bliss" reveal both strengths and areas for improvement across its five-track lineup. The production team's approach to mixing and instrumental arrangements shapes the EP's sonic identity in distinct ways.

Mixing Techniques

Sound engineering choices on "Bliss" demonstrate a sparse production style that yields mixed results. The mixing quality varies noticeably between tracks, with "Dance Dance Dance!" facing particular scrutiny for its audio balance. Certain instrumental elements clash rather than complement each other, creating a somewhat cluttered soundscape that detracts from the song's core melody.

The title track "LIGHTS ON" also exhibits mixing inconsistencies between its music video version and the album release. These technical challenges affect the overall listening experience, occasionally pulling listeners out of otherwise engaging performances.

Instrumental Layering

The EP's instrumental arrangements showcase both innovative choices and occasional missteps. "Dance Dance Dance!" exemplifies this duality - its incorporation of the wedding march melody appears disconnected from the song's thematic elements. The track's dense instrumental layering creates a complex sonic texture that some listeners find overwhelming rather than engaging.

Across other tracks, the production team employs various instrumental combinations:

Synth and brass elements drive the uptempo sections
String instruments blend with electronic elements
Drum beats provide rhythmic foundation

The production approach favors simplicity over complexity, occasionally resulting in arrangements that lack the dynamic punch characteristic of contemporary K-pop releases. This minimalist strategy allows Weeekly's vocals to take center stage, yet simultaneously limits the songs' potential impact.

The instrumental choices throughout "Bliss" reflect a deliberate shift toward maturity in sound. Nonetheless, certain production elements miss the mark in terms of punch and snap, particularly as the EP progresses through its track list. This technical assessment suggests room for growth in future releases, especially regarding the balance between vocal prominence and instrumental complexity.

Commercial Performance and Reception

Following their fifth mini-album "ColoRise" and digital single "Stranger," Weeekly's sixth mini-album "Bliss" demonstrates mixed commercial success across various metrics.

Chart Rankings

The EP secured impressive positions on international platforms immediately after release, climbing into the top 10 of iTunes Top Album Chart across five countries. On domestic platforms, "LIGHTS ON" made its way onto the Melon HOT100 chart.

Sales data reveals steady growth throughout the initial release period:

First-day sales reached 11,100 copies
Week one cumulative sales totaled 18,800 units
Monthly sales for July peaked at 23,600 copies

The group's music show performances spanned multiple weeks, with notable appearances on:

The Show - Comeback stage
Show Champion
M Countdown - Reaching 16th position
Music Bank
Show! Music Core - Securing 23rd place

Fan Response

"Bliss" generated diverse reactions from the fanbase, known as "Daileee." Through their agency, Weeekly expressed gratitude toward fans who supported them during their first week of activities, acknowledging how the enthusiastic cheers provided strength despite challenging weather conditions.

Critical reception among listeners remains mixed. Several tracks garnered specific attention:

"Twenties" emerged as a standout favorite for its dreamy atmosphere
"Dance Dance Dance" faced scrutiny regarding its mixing quality
"Classic" sparked debate over its experimental beat changes

Longtime supporters drew comparisons to the group's previous release "ColoRise," with some noting that while "Bliss" presents fresh ideas, certain elements needed refinement. The album's production choices, particularly in tracks like "Dance Dance Dance" and "Classic," generated extensive discussion within the fan community regarding the group's musical direction.

The EP's promotional activities included extensive media appearances, ranging from variety shows to radio broadcasts, featuring different member combinations to maximize exposure. This strategic approach helped maintain steady engagement throughout the promotional period, though some fans expressed concern regarding the music video's view count performance.