CHUNGHA's Alivio EP Review: Why This Comeback Hits Different

Chung Ha's new EP 'Alivio' marks a powerful return to music after nearly stepping away from the industry entirely in 2023. Following her departure from MNH Entertainment and a period of burnout, she found renewed purpose under Jay Park's More Vision label, emerging with an eight-track collection that includes the double title tracks "Stress" and "Thanks for the Memories." The EP showcases her evolution into house music while drawing inspiration from her deep connection to ballroom culture, which she's been involved with since 2017. Featuring collaborations with artists like Sunmi and tracks performed entirely in English, 'Alivio' represents more than just another release - it's a testament to self-acceptance and stress relief through music. As we dive deeper into this February 2025 comeback, we'll explore how Chung Ha's most personal work yet reflects her artistic transformation and resonates with listeners in unexpected ways.

What Makes Alivio Different from Previous EPs

Under More Vision's guidance, Alivio represents a significant shift in artistic approach for Chung Ha. For the first time, she exercises complete creative control over every aspect of the project, from song selection to lyrical content and tracklist arrangement. This newfound autonomy stems from her partnership with Jay Park's label, marking a deliberate move away from conventional K-pop production methods.

New Creative Direction Under More Vision

The creative process behind Alivio differs fundamentally from Chung Ha's previous works. After signing with More Vision in October 2023, she gained unprecedented input in songwriting and production decisions. Rather than following predetermined concepts, she focused on crafting an authentic musical identity. This creative freedom allowed her to explore more personal themes and push beyond her established comfort zone.

Sonic Evolution Since Querencia

Alivio showcases a refined approach to house music, building upon Chung Ha's previous sonic experiments. The EP demonstrates a structured narrative flow across its eight tracks, departing from her earlier style of mixing varied vibes. Furthermore, the project incorporates extensive English-language content, with tracks like "Creepin'," "Salty," "Loyal," and "Thanks for the Memories" performed entirely in English.

The production notably emphasizes house elements throughout the EP, particularly in the title track "STRESS," creating a cohesive sonic landscape. Specifically, this musical direction serves the album's core theme of processing emotions and finding solace. The result blends R&B and dance pop influences in ways that feel both cathartic and intentional.

Track-by-Track Analysis: The Stress Relief Journey

The eight-track journey of Alivio unfolds as a carefully crafted narrative about processing emotions and finding inner peace. Opening with "Creepin'," the EP immediately establishes its emotional core through a strong bassline and R&B elements that convey the struggle of suppressed feelings.

Creepin' to Still a Rose: The Musical Flow

The album's progression mirrors the stages of stress relief, starting with acknowledgment and ending in acceptance. "Creepin'" sets the tone with its sultry vocals and house-influenced production. Subsequently, "Salty" introduces electro-pop elements, leading into "Loyal," which explores trust through synth-pop arrangements. The journey concludes with "Still a Rose," which ingeniously samples Vivaldi's "Spring (La Primavera)".

Standout Production Moments

The production shines through distinctive elements across tracks:

"Beat of My Heart" features an immersive soundscape with compelling bass work
"Even Steven (Happy Ending)" incorporates aggressive production to match its themes of betrayal
"Thanks for the Memories" employs cheerful pop sounds to convey bittersweet emotions

Sunmi Collaboration Impact

The collaboration with Sunmi on "Salty" emerges as a highlight, showcasing perfect vocal chemistry between the two artists. CHUNG HA specifically chose Sunmi for the track's retro, nostalgic vibe. Their partnership elevates the song's emotional depth, with their contrasting vocal tones - Sunmi's airy, dreamy delivery complementing CHUNG HA's clear, powerful voice.

House Music Meets K-pop

Deep within the sonic landscape of Alivio lies a masterful fusion of house music and K-pop sensibilities. The EP's production draws heavily from turn-of-the-millennium Nu-disco and French house influences, featuring polished synths and potent basslines that create a seamless musical tapestry.

Ballroom Culture Influences

The EP's connection to ballroom culture runs deeper than mere aesthetics. Chung Ha's involvement with South Korea's ballroom scene dates back to her collaboration with Love Ran, who organized the country's first ball in 2017. Through her friendship with LGBTQ+ dancers and active participation in events like judging the Love Ball 2022, Chung Ha has authentically immersed herself in this vibrant community.

Dance Elements in STRESS

The title track "STRESS" showcases sophisticated voguing elements, choreographed in partnership with Love Ran, South Korea's leading voguing expert. The dance routine deliberately highlights subtle musical elements, with choreography influencing the final mix - certain sounds were amplified or isolated to enhance the dance performance. This synergy between movement and music creates a dynamic visual and auditory experience.

Genre-Blending Approach

The production seamlessly integrates house music elements with contemporary K-pop structures. Initially uncertain about this musical direction, Chung Ha discovered an unexpected affinity for house music that has become integral to her artistic identity. The tracks feature Daft Punk-inspired vocoder effects alongside traditional pop elements, creating an innovative sound that maintains its accessibility. This careful balance between experimental and familiar elements demonstrates Chung Ha's evolving artistry, primarily focused on crafting music that resonates authentically with both herself and her audience.

Breaking Down the Double Title Strategy

The strategic decision to release "STRESS" and "Thanks for the Memories" as double title tracks showcases Chung Ha's artistic range and storytelling abilities. These contrasting songs serve distinct purposes within Alivio's narrative arc, each highlighting different facets of her musical evolution.

STRESS vs Thanks for the Memories

"STRESS" emerges as an uptempo dance track built on house music foundations, delivering an energetic message about embracing life's positive moments. The song's lyrics, partially penned by Chungha herself, encourage listeners to break free from daily pressures and find joy in the present moment. In contrast, "Thanks for the Memories" takes a more introspective approach, delicately exploring the complex emotions that surface at a relationship's end.

The musical distinction between these tracks becomes evident through their core elements:

"STRESS" features powerful rhythms and high-energy production
"Thanks for the Memories" employs softer, more contemplative arrangements
Both tracks showcase different aspects of vocal versatility

Marketing Effectiveness

The dual-title strategy effectively captures two distinct moods within Alivio. "STRESS" functions as a turning point in the album's narrative, whereas "Thanks for the Memories" provides emotional closure. This approach resonates particularly well with fans, as evidenced by the positive reception to both tracks' music videos and promotional content.

Moreover, the contrasting nature of these songs allows Chungha to demonstrate her artistic growth. "STRESS" represents her first venture into house music territory, responding directly to fan requests while maintaining her authentic style. Meanwhile, "Thanks for the Memories" showcases her ability to craft meaningful, emotionally resonant ballads that connect with listeners on a personal level.

Commercial Performance and Reception

Early sales figures reveal Alivio's performance on various music charts, with the EP reaching number 28 on the Korean charts. The album has achieved sales of 4,104 copies in its initial release period, demonstrating a steady start in the competitive K-pop market.

Chart Performance

The lead single "Stress" debuted at position 178 on the Korean charts, primarily driven by streaming numbers and digital sales. Additionally, the EP's performance reflects a shift in Chung Ha's market positioning under More Vision, marking her first major release since leaving MNH Entertainment.

Fan Response

Listeners have connected deeply with Alivio's message of stress relief and self-acceptance. The EP's upbeat nature, coupled with Chung Ha's signature vocals, has provided fans with a refreshing musical experience. Indeed, the choreography for "Stress" has resonated particularly well, with audiences embracing its therapeutic, stress-releasing movements.

Critical Reception

Music critics have praised Alivio for its authentic approach to personal storytelling. The EP has earned recognition for:

Compelling blend of R&B and dance pop elements
Structured narrative progression across eight tracks
Effective portrayal of emotional journey from stress to relief

Overall, reviewers have highlighted how the album successfully processes complex emotions while maintaining its accessibility. Essentially, Alivio has been acknowledged as everything Chung Ha promised - a safe space for listeners to process their feelings and find solace.

FAQS

Fans frequently seek clarity about various aspects of CHUNGHA's latest musical venture. Here are the most common questions answered:

What inspired CHUNGHA to join More Vision? Jay Park's persistent communication and vision for her career primarily influenced her decision. He consistently texted her about potential opportunities, emphasizing concerts and tours that she hadn't yet explored.

How does the creative process differ at More Vision compared to her previous label? Unlike the traditional Korean trainee system where answers were provided to artists, More Vision actively seeks CHUNGHA's input. The label maintains open communication channels, allowing her to feel more stable as an artist.

What's the story behind her connection to ballroom culture? CHUNGHA naturally became involved through her dancer friends who practice voguing and waacking. She has maintained close ties with Love Ran, who organized Korea's first ball in 2017, and has actively participated in events like judging the 2022 Love Ball.

Will there be a collaboration with Jay Park? Though nothing specific is currently planned, CHUNGHA has expressed interest in collaborating with her label mate. Fans have shown enthusiasm for this potential partnership.

How does CHUNGHA approach character portrayal in her songs? Her process depends entirely on the music itself. After hearing a track, she decides whether to share personal experiences or create a character, based on her current state of mind and the song's emotional resonance.

What's next for CHUNGHA? She continues hosting her daily radio show while creating new music. Though a full album release date isn't confirmed for 2025, she assures fans it's definitely on the horizon.