[Album Review] DRIP (1st Studio Album) – BABYMONSTER

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Less than a year since their debut, BABYMONSTER released their 1st studio album, DRIP, in November 2024. And more than a year later, I am finally reviewing it. DRIP featured two title tracks: one sharing the same name as the album and CLIK CLAK. The album also features the pre-release track FOREVER (released in July 2024), a remix of their debut single BATTER UP, and 5 side tracks. There are some terrific songs on the album, and others that were questionable. But I was nonetheless excited for their first studio album and satisfied with how far they had come in the first year of their career.

Since the release of DRIP, BABYMONSTER embarked on their first world tour, released the single HOT SAUCE (which I have yet to review) and returned with their second mini-album, WE GO UP, featuring the title track of the same name.

1. CLIK CLAK(Title Track) – Click here for my full review of CLIK CLAK. (5/10)

2. DRIP (Title Track) – DRIP has definitely grown on me since its release. Thus, I am willing to bump the song rating by 0.5. Click here for my full review of DRIP. (8/10)

3. Love, Maybe – Following the two title tracks, I did not expect to hear an intimate ballad. But that is what Love, Maybe is. BABYMONSTER puts their stunningly emotional vocals over a minimalistic guitar-led instrumental to make a beautiful track. I don’t have much to say aside from that BABYMONSTER nailed it. (9/10)

4. Really Like You – I quite like the old school hip-hop vibe that Really Like You gives off. The track is softer than the title tracks, serving as a nice bridge between the ballad preceding it and the rest every time I listened to Really Like You. The same goes for the music video that I forgot to review. (8/10)

5. Billionaire– Billionaire was quite a surprise for me. R&B kicks off the song, and I really enjoyed the guitar work in the track. It gives off a distinct Latin flair that feels very unique and mature. I also really enjoyed the vocal work in this one, with the members keeping their voices low. It adds to those mature vibes already mentioned. The rapping gives Billionaire its edge and reminds us of BABYMONSTER’s hip-hop roots. The deep vibrating synth during this part and the bridge was spectacular. (9/10)

6. Love in My Heart – Click here for my review of Love in My Heart. (7/10)

7. Woke Up in Tokyo (Ruka & Asa duet) – The rappers of BABYMONSTER come together to give the album, and us, an English/Japanese track. With RUKA and ASA at the helm, I expected something powerful. What I didn’t expect was a hip-hop rendition of a nursery rhyme. Safe to say, Woke Up In Tokyo is not my cup of tea, and I’m not sure the album needed this track. But here we are. (5/10)

8. FOREVER – Click here for my review of FOREVER. (8/10)

9. BATTER UP (Remix) – Per usual, I don’t review remixes and include a rating for them on album reviews. But I would like to point out how much 2010s nostalgia the remix instrumental brings to me. For my thoughts on BATTER UP, click here for my review of BATTER UP.