Earlier this week, Seulgi of the iconic K-pop girl group Red Velvet released her second solo EP Accidentally On Purpose. The album starts off with the punchy lead single “Baby, Not Baby”. Her silky voice carries the lyrics across an instrumental driven by a combination of a funky bass riff and dreamy synths. Produced by GRAMMY-nominated Erick Serna, who worked on Olivia Rodrigo’s Guts album, this track exudes confidence and defiance and fits into Seulgi’s discography perfectly.
The music video creates a dark and campy narrative about the character Seulgi is playing. She begins as the star of a television show and becomes increasingly more unhinged due to pressure, from meltdowns in the public eye to dancing on the fruit display she thoroughly destroyed. Lyrics from the track (penned by the legendary KENZIE) allow Seulgi to declare her power, telling the story of someone who refuses to be infantilized by her lover or be reduced to a one-dimensional idea. “I’m your Baby, Not Baby / Look at the strength beyond that,” and “I’m innocent and so perfect / No, never once / Considered these things,” illustrate a rejection of the image that’s been projected onto her.
“Baby, Not Baby” is just the warm up for the album, though. “Better Dayz” is one of the idol’s most interesting tracks so far. The song leans heavily into an alternative sound, with a sultry and hypnotic beat (at times feeling reminiscent of the Nine Inch Nails classic “Closer”) and a softer vocal performance from the singer. Following that is “Rollin’ (With My Homies)”, a bright and bouncy switch-up from the earlier tracks that sounds like it was crafted to be the soundtrack for a summer drive with your friends. The carefree atmosphere bleeds into the next song, “Whatever”. Seulgi gives a light and airy performance, singing about letting go and rolling with the punches. “Praying” is a beautiful and ethereal display of the soloist’s talent as a vocalist. Her sophomore project lands on a soft note with “Weakness”, ending on sweet lyrics and a dreamy sound.
Accidentally On Purpose is the idol’s first major solo release since her successful debut EP 28 Reasons, which was released in 2022 and peaked at #3 on South Korea’s Circle Chart. Seulgi’s solo music is the perfect mix of fun and edgy, and this album is no exception. The combination of her unique vocals and the playful attitude that shines through when she sings is perfectly suited for the persona she’s crafted for herself as an artist. This summer, Seulgi is set to join fellow Red Velvet members Irene and Joy on stage in the UK to perform at SMTOWN Live in London at Allianz Twickenham Stadium on June 28.
Listen to Seulgi’s new album Accidentally On Purpose here!