[Review] Girls Will Be Girls – ITZY

ITZY also returned on Monday with their 10th mini-album, Girls Will Be Girls, and the title track of the same name. It follows on from their yet-to-be-reviewed 9th mini-album, GOLD, and the also same-named title track and Imaginary Friend released in October last year.

I’ve listened to Girls Will Be Girls a few times now, and it’s a pretty solid track—definitely likeable. I really enjoyed the confident energy the members bring, which they’ve always done well in their title tracks. The dynamic instrumentation lends Girls Will Be Girls a great deal of power, intensity and momentum, and the textures are to die for. A great example of textures can be heard in the instrumental break before the second chorus – it’s so cool. That said, I do feel like Girls Will Be Girls could’ve gone harder. There are moments where Girls Will Be Girls feels like it’s about to hit that next level, but the song holds itself back. The instrumental behind the vocals could’ve been pushed more—it’s already good, but it’s missing that final punch. Girls Will Be Girls‘ chorus also initially felt a bit flat for me; the repetition, follow-through and delivery didn’t quite land, though I will admit it’s starting to grow on me.

The message behind Girls Will Be Girls is about being stronger when together as one (taken from Soompi), and we see that being portrayed in this very cool music video. We see the members come under attack from flying crows in what feels like a dystopian future. At the start, LIA is running away from the attack, and the other members band together to rescue her. From then on, the members stick together to overcome this crisis. In the end, the members face off against the big boss – the giant flying eyeball. I am sure the eyeball itself represents something. I am just not sure what.

The routine that accompanies this comeback hits hard. I really enjoyed the intensity and power of the choreography. The dance break is a definite highlight, with both the song and routine peaking. I also liked the slowdown movement, where the members have their arms/hands behind their backs and are leaning forward, just before the first chorus and dance break. Something is striking about it amid such an intense routine.

Song – 8/10
Music Video – 9/10
Performance – 10/10
Overall Rating – 8.7/10