Aespa – Armageddon Casual Listener’s Review by AC Chilling

Aespa has finally dropped their long anticipated new come back and first ever full-length album titled: Armageddon – 1st Album.
Join me as I do a laid-back dive into these tracks (in order) after multiple listens from each track and very minimal outside research. HEADPHONE LISTENING RECOMMENDED!!!

Track 1: Supernova

I have already covered my thoughts on ‘Supernova’ on my previous post where it was the number 1 song I recommend to check out if you haven’t already! Although you probably already did. But long story short, this song is extremely catchy with its chorus and ‘ah oh-ayy’ parts. All members of Aespa compliment each other’s voices incredibly well and here you have a song that somehow feels both very fast but also longer than it actually is (you’re going to hear the ladder frequently in this review).

It is also produced by Dem Jointz, who recently also did ‘HEYA’ by IVE, explaining it’s tough albeit this time simple beat.
9/10

Track 2: Armageddon

The second title track is ‘Armageddon’ which like ‘Supernova’ pretty much defines what Aespa’s identity as a girl group is and why they are so appealing and distinct. This gritty song with a rocky but consistent flow, mixed with it’s chants that get stuck in your head are effective in making your head bop back in forth no matter where you are. I feel like the English parts add so much to the strength of this song, and similar to ‘Supernova’ it feels like it goes on much longer than it actually is.

I really can’t decide between which title track I like more since both accomplish what Aespa aims to do very well with the only differences being that this song is more complex and that it touches more hip-hop sounds.
9/10

Track 3: Set the Tone

A more aggressive and loud song compared to the two title tracks right before it, very similar beat to that of ‘Armageddon’ in the sense that it utilizes a generous amount of hip-hop sounds but does also have a lot more electronic in it too. It’s definitely more linear than ‘Armageddon’ as well which keeps its weight down, but is a solid club dance song.
7.8/10

Track 4: Mine

It’s a good song, yes, but nothing too special. The rapping is great and the dreamy vocals ensure that it keeps that elegant K-Pop vibe to it (like a 2020 or earlier type of girl group song). It does fall victim to feeling repetitive especially since it comes after the first three songs of this album which I have all rated positively, but it’s distinctions help keep it fresh.
7.5/10

Track 5: Licorice

I am all for the rock/alternative instrumentals on this song, it suits Aespa as a group very well and they capitalized on this effectively. The only thing that brings this song down for me is the repetitive chorus chants.

This song’s chorus in particular just does not hit as hard as previous songs on this album, leaving it to be just a slightly above average but still typical B-side you could find in any K-Pop album.
7/10

Track 6: BAHAMA

This song is quite cute and is the start of the softer half of this album. The “Bahama” chants can get old at times especially if your mood isn’t welcoming for it, but other than that, this song is a decent chill background song.
7.5/10

Track 7: 에스파 ‘Long Chat (#♥)’ Universe

This both elegant and gritty song follows up with the sweet vibes of ‘BAHAMA’ while also adding elements from other previous B-sides. Most notably, ‘Set the Tone’ with its slight mixture of dubstep/hip-hop added. It gives me a lot of serotonin, reminding me of something like a BLACKPINK Rose song.
8/10

Track 8: Prologue

A song that goes into full pop mode. Simply simple, relaxing, but still keeps you awake. Standard for a B-side, however.

7.5/10

Track 9: 에스파 ‘Live My Life’ Universe

Solid alternative song, the backing vocals help elevate and separate it from most underground alternative songs. I could see this being a song for teens/young adults going through phase (just like me fr fr) like what Paramore/Linkin Park did for a lot of people I know. Still feels very shallow compared to all of Aespa’s title tracks.

8/10

Track 10: Melody

Sounds magical, like you’re about to head to bed for a big next day, but also need to exhaust some more energy somehow. Or maybe completely unwind after an intense day too. Would it be too far if I said it sounded like a Disney musical song?

Anyways, not bad. But also not that memorable.

6.5/10