aespa – Rich Man (Mini Album Review)

The chart dominating K-Pop quartet release their sixth mini album with their usual abundance of experimental style and swaggering attitude.

When discussing today’s most influential acts in the K-Pop sphere, aespa will no doubt be mentioned. Debuting in November 2020 with an experimental hyperpop music style that perfectly displayed the four members’ impressive vocal and rap capabilities, as well as a penchant for mesmerisingly futuristic visuals in tune with their forward-thinking AI concept, aespa were immediately the talk of the town. Now after five mini albums, a full-length album and several singles that catered to both Korean and international markets, members Karina, Winter, Giselle and NingNing have their eyes trained on world domination with the help of their multifaceted sixth mini album Rich Man.

The album’s title track ‘Rich Man’ launches listeners into an album that proudly takes advantage of each members’ versatility and ability to execute the most daring of concepts. The song ‘Rich Man’ is no exception; thrilling audiences with the girls’ first attempt at a rock-star concept, which is characterised by edgy fast-paced guitars and the girls’ confidently carefree attitude that they pull off so naturally. The song is based upon a reported quote by pop superstar Cher to her mother, “Mom, I am a rich man” in response to being encouraged to marry someone wealthy. aespa cleverly twist this phrase into the members celebrating being ‘rich’ in experiences and empowered by their inner-strength; inspiring lines throughout such as “I’m my own biggest fan and I’m high in demand”. Allowing ample room for both vocalists and rappers to shine by intertwining melodic hooks with powerful raps, ‘Rich Man’ impressively highlights the group’s degree of individual talent while simultaneously presenting these skills within a harmonious group dynamic.

The sleek and sassy ‘Drift’ opens with a minimalistic whistle intro beneath the members’ sultry whispers (“Let’s go, let’s go, Get the drift in”). A stylish ode to the girls’ ability to tune out the haters and unnecessary drama to keep riding high in their careers, ‘Drift’ is at once reminiscent of aespa’s signature futuristic and eccentric sound; this time utilising the stripped back but playful combination of vocal samples and bass to power the song’s suave ambience. Fans will for sure feel at home here amongst this gritty hip-hop style; cementing this track as another banger in the group’s discography.

aespa’s daring edge doesn’t stop here, though, as the third track ‘Bubble’ may very well prove to be one of their boldest tracks to date. Bursting with sugary harmonies and a light-hearted tone, the track sees the members unapologetically celebrate bubblegum-pop with a difference. Lyrically, the girls have fun with teasing, yet still cool deliveries (“Talking nonsense, I just bubble bop it to the beat”) while encouraging fans to let loose with this cheeky number.

The dreamy R&B track ‘Count On Me’ will become an instant hit with fans of the chill and introspective side of aespa’s discography. The lyrics reflect upon the complex feelings that consume someone who returns back to the embrace of a toxic lover (“It doesn’t matter if I’m completely ruined, Be a little selfish baby”). This is brought to life through the singers’ serene vocal runs and pleasant harmonies, which lend the track a tragic and bittersweet edge.

Amongst this sobering and contemplative ambience though, aespa drop their delightful English language dance-pop track ‘Angel #48’. The sweepingly sweet vocal tones of the members help this breezy track take flight with vocalists Winter and NingNing’s enchanting sopranos leading the song’s airy melodies. The lyrics tell of finding a dream-like love as a result of manifesting positivity and love in daily life (“Angel number forty eight, My guardian angel”), which perfectly matches the song’s bubbly instrumental; allowing listeners to drift off into this song’s dreamy soundscape with ease.

The sixth and final track ‘To The Girls’ powerfully encapsulates aespa’s willingness to showcase a confident ‘girl power’ image, while in turn inspiring their female listeners to be the best version of themselves. The members embrace their fans as family in the empowering chorus (“This one goes out to the girls, My sisters all over the world”), backed by a rousing guitar accompaniment. It’s the perfect sentiment on which to end an album highlighting aespa’s musical versatility and inner strength that continues to power them to the top of the K-Pop industry.

Score/Excellent: The group never seem to let fan hype for new music overwhelm them, but instead continue to deliver to an impressively high standard. Rich Man goes above and beyond to give back something new yet still undeniably aespa to their many listeners, and it’s sure to be popular as a result.

[We rank albums, EPs and singles on a scale of Poor, Mediocre, Good, Excellent, Outstanding]

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