Yves' ‘I DID’ - A Vulnerable Confession
by Sophia Madrid | January 5th, 2025
With LOOP Yves from Loona talked about being stuck in a constant loop of being unsatisfied with life but not doing anything to confront these challenges. With this new release I DID, Yves confronts these feelings and breaks the loop, while exploring new sounds along the way.
I DID follows Yves’ critically acclaimed spring EP LOOP, which was named No. 18 on Billboard’s Best K-pop Albums of 2024 So Far. Her new EP, a natural extension of her previous work, delves deeper into themes of peace, self-discovery, and personal growth. The five-track project includes the hyper-pop anthem “Viola,” R&B-infused tracks like “Hashtag” and “Tik Tok,” as well as catchy pop cuts “Gone Girl” and “Dim.” The EP is her exploration of the range of emotions she encountered while searching for tranquility.
From the start, the song presents an aura of confusion and vulnerability, with Yves singing about needing a place to hide, a metaphor for her internal struggle. “Viola” serves as the centerpiece of I DID, encapsulating the very essence of Yves’ search for inner peace. Yves has described the track as a journey through emotional chaos toward serenity, and its sonic landscape mirrors this bending atmospheric production with haunting, minimalistic instrumentation. The track's underlying message is clear that sometimes, we need to step back, find our own space, and embrace stillness in the midst of the noise. This track, much like the work of artists associated with the label such as A.G. Cook and the late SOPHIE, combines synthetic textures and hyper-real production to craft a sound that is both alien and deeply human. The track's frenetic pace and sonic intensity are in direct dialogue with SOPHIE’s “Ponyboy” or A.G. Cook’s “Beautiful”, where the pop form is warped and distorted into something almost unrecognizable, yet still profoundly catchy.
Next we turn to “Hashtag” a blend of Yves’ signature R&B style with introspective lyrics, exploring the pressures of modern life and the desire for authentic connection in an increasingly digital world. The track feels like an emotional release, as Yves navigates the overwhelming nature of social media and the constant need for validation. Her voice, delicate yet powerful, conveys a sense of longing and frustration with the superficiality of online interactions. As Yves sings, she reflects on the pressure to curate a life that fits within the constraints of hashtags and likes, reminding listeners of the importance of authenticity amidst the noise.he chorus, with its repetitive, rhythmic hook, underscores the feeling of being caught in a cycle, while the verses provide a more personal glimpse into Yves’ internal dialogue.
Then continuing this theme into ‘Tik Tok” which was the prerelease single for this EP. It takes on the theme of time and how it slips away, how fleeting moments can feel both significant and trivial. This track is another R&B-influenced song, with a slightly faster tempo compared to creating a more playful yet reflective atmosphere. Yves’ vocal delivery is punchy and engaging, and the track’s smooth, rhythmic beats pair with the theme of time slipping through our fingers, mirroring the urgent and fleeting nature of life. The lyrics delve into the paradox of trying to hold onto something that is inherently transient. Despite its upbeat energy, “Tik Tok” carries a bittersweet undercurrent, questioning whether we are making the most of our time or letting it slip away unnoticed.
“Gone Girl” takes a sharp turn into a blend of danceable, energetic rhythm with Yves’ emotionally charged vocals. This track plays with the idea of leaving behind the versions of oneself that no longer fit, embracing a form of emotional liberation that is both empowering and liberating. Of how tiring it is pretending and catering to someone else’s expectations. Reclaiming freedom and sense of self that can become lost in relationships. Exploring themes of shedding old skin and embracing the freedom that comes with letting go. The song is an anthem for anyone who has ever wanted to walk away from something that no longer serves them that being a situation, a mindset, or a part of their own identity.
Closing out the EP with “Dim”, Yves returns to a softer, more melancholic sound, delving into feelings of uncertainty and self-doubt. The title itself hints at a sense of obscurity where things aren’t clear, and the path forward seems uncertain. Yves explores the complexities of self-perception and the emotional struggle of reconciling one's inner darkness with the desire for personal growth. There’s a vulnerability in her delivery that captures the internal conflict of wanting to evolve while grappling with lingering fears and insecurities. The outro of "Dim" is the emotional crux of the song, and in many ways, it’s the song’s most powerful moment. As the track builds to its conclusion, the music becomes more spacious and layered, mirroring Yves’ growing introspection.
With I DID, Yves has firmly established herself as an artist unafraid to chart her path, blending experimental sounds and deeply personal themes to create a unique body of work. The album is not just a musical evolution but a reflection of her journey toward self-discovery, peace, and
creative liberation. I DID was a testament to Yves' resilience and her commitment to creating music that resonates on a personal level.
