[Review] It’s Me – ILLIT

Last week also saw the return of ILLIT, who made their comeback with the single It’s Me, and the mini-album Mamihlapinatapai. This is their first comeback since last November’s NOT SO CUTE anymore.

In terms of sound profiles, It’s Me really stood out among last week’s releases. I think there is potential for It’s Me to be one of the more memorable wackier tracks (think Orange Caramel). However, the track’s short-term effect might derail that potential long-term outlook. The techno nature of the backing was definitely attention-grabbing, while the clangy texture, fast-paced tempo and hefty bass of the instrumental (particularly during the chorus) made It’s Me very dynamic. It is unique, fun, and memorable. I personally enjoyed this aspect of the song, even if it does limit what ILLIT could have done with the delivery of It’s Me. On that front, I am not exactly thrilled with where it landed. I am impressed by the pre-choruses, which have a pretty melody and vocal line. Definitely one of the better parts of It’s Me. As for the rest of the song, their vocals and delivery were definitely energetic and leaned into that cutesy side that ILLIT is known for. But the spoken motif for the rapping comes off as monotonous, and the “Who is your bias?” repetitive hook, whilst catchy upfront, has nowhere to go but to end up annoying. I already feel that endpoint becoming reality whilst having It’s Me on repeat for the purposes of this review.

I do bring up the reference to Orange Caramel deliberately, as part of ILLIT’s music video is set in a Chinese-style restaurant that gives me flashbacks to the Shanghai Romance music video. I liked that little throwback. Elsewhere in the video, I enjoyed the start where the members randomly come together from different places ahead of It’s Me chorus. I found the stop-motion funny, and how the other people in the neighbourhood were trying to avoid the members at one point. This leads into a taekwondo-style scene, which is a nice way to represent their Korean culture and identity in the music video.

That idea of It’s Me being potentially wackier releases in KPOP definitely comes through strongly in this comeback’s performance. I am loving that twist just before the chorus, as well as the foot-tapping, bouncy nature and sharp arm positions of the chorus. If it hasn’t already, I can totally see the routine becoming viral and dominating social media. I would be disappointed if it didn’t.

Song – 6.5/10
Music Video – 8.5/10
Performance – 10/10
Overall Rating – 7.8/10