Following their impressive run and placing second on Mnet’s “Queendom 2,” LOONA returns with Summer Special [Flip That]. Consisting of 12 members, HeeJin, HyunJin, HaSeul, YeoJin, ViVi, Kim Lip, JinSoul, Choerry, Yves, Chuu, Go Won, and Olivia Hye, Blockberry Creative’s LOONA created a name for themselves starting with their sequential member introductions and three-unit activities back in 2016, their first mini-album, [++], in 2018, and their continual implementation of lively energy and colorful sounds.
Summer Special [Flip That] may come as a new style to recent fans of LOONA, but followers from the beginning can find elements similar to that of the group’s original mellow, vocal heavy sound. On each of the six tracks, the 12 members utilized the chance to highlight their strengths and talents by showcasing their charm and ability to embody a range of emotions.
To set up the album, “The Journey” offers an instrumental track that incorporates airy synths and delicate beats to create an uplifting atmosphere that draws in fans that desire to escape from their repetitive daily lives.
Following the introduction, the album makes a smooth transition into the title track “Flip That.” Consisting of both bass driven instrumentals, flute melody, and bright, floaty vocals, the song provides a light, breezy sound that adds a sense of variety and dimension to their typical high intensity discography. With the desire to flip the world upside down, LOONA incorporates an ever-changing rhythm and colorful composition to show a new side of their persona. With the lyrics, “There will be light again on a road without stars / Come out, make it count,” they describe that despite facing hardship, they can achieve their goals by working hard together. The song offers an accompanied music video full of bright, lively colors and a summer forest clearing blooming with flowers. Complementing the video concept, the members perform a bright choreography dressed in monochrome ensembles. The music video combined with the glittering melody amplifies the track’s luminous aura.
Up next, “Need U,” provides a modern pop, R&B track infused with a sentimental piano and guitar background instrumental. The serene refrain melody emphasized LOONA’s elegant vocals when singing of the gratitude they feel for those around them that strengthen and lift them up. The lines “So you bring the light (Bring the light) / No matter how long it takes / We make it a way,” explains that regardless of the time it takes for help to arrive, they remain appreciative and stand willing to wait forever.
Transitioning into “POSE,” LOONA shows fans their confident, mischievous side. Performed on Mnet’s “Queendom 2” as their final competition song, the members demonstrate their infinite star power and calling to be on stage. With powerful lyrics such as, “Feelin’ like Hollywood / Everyone knows the main character of the scene / Follow my flow, wavy voice,” LOONA commands attention and demands to be known.
A more light hearted track, “Pale Blue Dot” encompasses the idea that our worries, like planet Earth, hold no weight in comparison to the size of the universe. They emphasize their idea of staying in the moment and living a life without regrets with a bright melody and the lyrics, “A problem that only seemed big / If you look at it from afar, it’s smaller than a sand / Now, I know, will you find my answer now?”
Rounding out the album, “Playback,” slows down the energy to embody a warm, cozy night spent watching the sunset with cherished loved ones and the memories that they have forever engraved in their heart. With a mellow, homely melody and the lyrics, “Even if we meet in an unfamiliar orbit / Even if I wander again (remember) / Remember, you are always my center,” the members speak of the extent these memories have taken over.
Overall, Summer Special [Flip That] exhibits LOONA’s ability to create a cohesive album that sheds light on their versatility and artistic capabilities. This album builds off of their impressive run of “Queendom 2,” and catapults them into the second half of the year. Beginning early August, LOONA will embark on their first ever world tour, starting with a two-day concert in Los Angeles at The Wiltern. We are looking forward to seeing LOONA’s future endeavors!