KARD's 'Where To Now (Part.1 Yellow Light)'

KARD's 'Where To Now (Part.1  Yellow Light)'

Discover KARD's 'Where To Now? (Part.1 : Yellow Light)' Mini Album

KARD, the dynamic co-ed K-pop group, has released their highly anticipated mini album "Where To Now? (Part.1 : Yellow Light)," marking a significant milestone in their musical journey. This new project showcases KARD's evolution as artists, blending their signature sound with fresh elements to create a captivating listening experience. The mini album has generated buzz among fans and critics alike, promising to solidify KARD's position in the competitive K-pop landscape.

The tracklist features an array of styles, from the energetic title track to mellow B-sides, demonstrating KARD's versatility as musicians. With a modern style that incorporates various musical genres, the group has crafted a cohesive body of work that reflects their growth and artistic vision. From the catchy "Shimmy Shimmy" to the introspective "Waste My Time," each song offers a unique flavor, inviting listeners to explore KARD's musical world. The accompanying music videos, photocards, and other visual elements further enhance the album's appeal, providing fans with a complete audiovisual experience.

Where To Now? (Part.1 : Yellow Light)

Type
Mini

Artist
KARD

Released
August 13, 2024

Format(s)
CD, download, streaming

Recorded
2024

Genre
Dance, tropical pop, electro pop, hip-hop, reggae, R&B

Length
21:59

Label(s)
DSP Media

Distributor(s)
Kakao Entertainment

Producer(s)
DSPmedia Kim Jinwoo (executive producer)
Lim Sook Hyun (supervisor)
Kim Joohyun (project director)

Track list
"Waste My Time" - 3:04
"Tell My Momma" - 3:35
"Boombox" - 3:19
"Shimmy Shimmy" - 2:43
"Spin" - 2:24
"Tell My Momma (Inst.)" - 3:35
"Boombox (Inst.)" - 3:19

KARD's 'Where To Now (Part.1  Yellow Light)'

KARD's Comeback: A New Musical Direction

KARD's latest mini-album, "Where To Now? (Part.1 : Yellow Light)," signals a bold new direction for the group. The co-ed K-pop ensemble has embraced a "less is more" approach, focusing on simplicity to bring out a new color in their music. This shift has allowed KARD to move beyond their previous concept and rediscover their diverse strengths.

The concept behind 'Where To Now?'

The album represents a point of expansion for KARD, with a focus on easy-listening for fans. BM, 31, explains, "Whether it comes to choreography and music, letting each instrument, each member and each aspect shine on its own, without too much decorations around it was something we tried to do". This approach showcases KARD's maturity in their music and their willingness to trust their team and members' vision.

Blending 80s vintage with modern style

Visually, KARD has adopted a sophisticated reinterpretation of 1980s American fashion, blending nostalgic elements with their modern style. The members sport striking blonde hairstyles and embrace colorful outfits with distinctive freckle makeup, complemented by a kitschy sensibility that enhances their overall look. This visual concept has generated significant excitement among fans both locally and internationally.

A departure from previous releases

"Where To Now?" represents a departure from KARD's previous focus on creating successful albums. Jiwoo shares, "Physically, mentally, I felt very comfortable working on this album, which allowed us to be more happy and relaxed on the overall process". This new approach has resulted in a unique musical and performance style that sets them apart from their earlier works.

KARD's 'Where To Now (Part.1  Yellow Light)'

Album Details and Release Information

KARD's seventh mini album, "Where To Now? (Part.1 : Yellow Light)," was released on August 13, 2024). The album's announcement came on August 1, following reports of the group's comeback on July 25. "Tell My Momma" serves as the title track, running for 3:35 minutes, with an instrumental version included.

Release date and format

The mini album format allows KARD to showcase their musical evolution while maintaining their signature style. It includes multiple tracks, offering fans a diverse listening experience.

Title track: 'Tell My Momma'

"Tell My Momma" stands out as KARD's most subdued and soft title track to date. Surprisingly, it's mostly in English, demonstrating the group's versatility. The song's laid-back summer vibe makes it perfect for evening listening, complemented by stunning visuals in the music video.

Album packaging and inclusions

While specific details about the album's packaging are not provided, K-pop albums typically come with various inclusions such as photobooks, photo cards, and posters. These elements enhance the overall fan experience and collectibility of the release.

KARD's 'Where To Now (Part.1  Yellow Light)'
KARD's 'Where To Now (Part.1  Yellow Light)'

Track-by-Track Breakdown

'Waste My Time': An English language opener

"Waste My Time" opens KARD's mini-album with an electronic, fast-paced track. The song explores the complexities of a situationship, blending upbeat production with emotional lyrics. Its chorus invites the listener to "Go ahead and waste my time," showcasing KARD's ability to merge catchy hooks with relatable themes.

'Tell My Momma': The lead single

As KARD's softest title track to date, "Tell My Momma" marks a departure from their usual intense style. Mostly in English, it offers a laid-back summer vibe perfect for evening listening. However, some critics find it subdued and generic, lacking the group's signature energy.

B-sides: 'Boombox', 'SHIMMY SHIMMY', and 'SPIN'

While specific details about these B-sides are not provided, they likely showcase KARD's versatility across different musical styles. The group's ability to blend hip-hop elements with pop sensibilities suggests these tracks may offer a mix of upbeat rhythms and catchy melodies, continuing KARD's exploration of various genres within the K-pop landscape.

KARD's 'Where To Now (Part.1  Yellow Light)'

Musical Styles and Genres Explored

KARD's "Where To Now? (Part.1 : Yellow Light)" showcases a diverse range of musical styles, blending their signature sound with new elements. The album opens with "Waste My Time," which brings back KARD's tropical sound, featuring smooth vocals and a trendy EDM mix. The title track, "Tell My Momma," marks a departure from their usual intense style, offering a catchy synth-pop number with a lighter, more accessible sound.

Vintage 80s influences

The group incorporates a vintage retro feel from the '80s into their visual concept, complementing their musical evolution. This nostalgic influence adds depth to their overall artistic presentation.

Modern pop elements

KARD explores various genres throughout the album, including tropical pop, electro-pop, and hip-hop dance. "Boombox" showcases old-school hip-hop vibes with incredible mixing, while "SHIMMY SHIMMY" highlights the group's hip-hop side with a fantastic bounce and fun rhythm.

KARD's signature sound evolution

While experimenting with new styles, KARD maintains elements of their signature energy and charisma. The album demonstrates their ability to blend soft vocals with muted tropical house beats and seamlessly incorporate heavier hip-hop bass, a mainstay in their music.

KARD's 'Where To Now (Part.1  Yellow Light)'

Visual Concepts and Aesthetics

Album artwork analysis

KARD's "Where To Now? (Part.1 : Yellow Light)" album artwork reflects a sophisticated reinterpretation of 1980s American fashion, blending nostalgic elements with their modern style. The members sport striking blonde hairstyles, embracing colorful outfits complemented by distinctive freckle makeup. This visual concept has generated significant excitement among fans both locally and internationally.

Music video themes

The music video for "Tell My Momma" showcases KARD's charismatic performances in a sophisticated setting, filmed in Milan. While some critics found it generic, offering only closeups and choreography scenes, others appreciated its polished aesthetic. The video's visually appealing shots, especially of JIWOO and the building's exterior, enhance the track's appeal, creating a full sensory experience that complements the album's theme of blending past and present influences.

Photoshoot concepts

KARD's concept photos for "Where To Now? (Part.1 : Yellow Light)" feature the members in various stylish outfits, maintaining their individual looks while adhering to an all-blonde concept. The photoshoots showcase the group's versatility, with each member bringing their unique charm to the visual narrative. These images serve to build anticipation for the album release and reinforce KARD's evolving aesthetic as they explore new musical directions.

KARD (카드) - ‘Tell My Momma’ M/V

Conclusion: KARD's Artistic Growth and Future Direction

KARD's latest mini-album, "Where To Now? (Part.1: Yellow Light)," marks a significant milestone in the group's artistic journey. Released on August 13, 2024, this seven-track album coincides with KARD's seventh anniversary, showcasing their growth and transformation. The album breaks new ground for the group, featuring innovative musical ideas and a bright, shimmering production.

KARD's evolution is evident in their diverse musical styles, ranging from power pop ballads to hip-hop dance beats. Their commitment to artistic growth has allowed them to expand K-pop's reach with forward-thinking sounds and tight harmony. The group's innovative musical expression and English lyrics offer listeners surprises and a playful sense of humor.

Looking ahead, KARD's future direction seems promising. With a world tour in the works and their recent signing with UTA, one of the major agencies in the United States, KARD is poised to make a significant impact on the global music scene. Their ability to connect with fans worldwide through their YouTube KARDist series and international tours demonstrates their growing influence in the K-pop industry.

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