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Read morePhoto Source: Koreaboo
After over a year of absence from the Kpop scene, solo artist Sunmi has recently come back with her eighth digital single, “STRANGER.” Co-written by Sunmi, the single delves into her 17-year career (10 year solo career) through self-reflection and being genuine to herself.
Sunmi first debuted in 2007 as a member of the girl group, Wonder Girls. She also debuted as a solo artist in 2013. Since then, she has established her own unique music style, “Sunmi-pop,” which incorporates electro-pop and retro elements with addictive melodies and powerful performances. While staying true to her colours and sounds, she also explored many new ventures as an artist, including becoming a singer-songwriter.
In “STRANGER,” Sunmi becomes a stranger. The track opens with a dark and mysterious tone – with an abrupt, chanted chorus. The track moves away from her classic sound to reggae rhythms and a spoken-word chanted chorus. Her empowering vocals throughout the song present another dimension to the track.
Aside from “STRANGER,” the digital single also includes the songs “Calm Myself” and “Call My Name.” Narcissism is a common theme seen through all three songs.
“Calm Myself” is an English-lyric track that opens the album. The song highlights the process of letting go and finding inner peace after a past relationship. The song demonstrates the process of self-healing and moving on from a failed romance. The last song, “Call My Name,” is a track inspired by her fans. Her voice and instrumentals contribute to a calming track about self-love sung from a fan’s perspective.