What makes Like Water by Wendy notable?

Like Water received positive critical acclaim, charting well in South Korea and solidifying Wendy's position as a promising solo artist. The EP's lead single, 'Like Water', further showcased her vocal prowess and emotional delivery, resonating with fans and critics alike. Released on April 5, 2021, Like Water marks Wendy's first solo project following her recovery from a serious injury in late 2019. This EP arrives after her successful tenure with Red Velvet, showcasing her individual artistry while maintaining the emotional depth associated with her group work.

How many songs are on Like Water?

Like Water has 5 tracks, running approximately 18 minutes.

Like Water

Wendy · 2021

18 min · 5 tracks · K-pop

A fluid blend of introspective lyrics and airy melodies that navigate themes of love and self-discovery.

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Top tracks — play these first

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When This Rain Stops — This opening track sets the tone for the EP with its soothing instrumentals and poignant reflections on yearning, establishing Wendy's lyrical depth.
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Like Water — 'Like Water' serves as both the title track and a centerpiece of the album, blending ethereal production with Wendy's emotive vocals that explore vulnerability and resilience.
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Why Can’t You Love Me? — This song stands out for its raw exploration of unrequited love, featuring an entrancing melody that complements the emotional weight of the lyrics.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

63 /100

Treeline

Higher than 74% of albums we've rated

Wendy's debut EP showcases strong vocal performances and cohesive songwriting, making it a notable entry in K-pop.

What we noticed

The first track opens with a soft piano melody that gradually layers in strings, creating a gentle build-up.
Each song features Wendy's vocals prominently, often layered with harmonies that enhance the emotional weight of the lyrics.
The EP maintains a consistent mid-tempo pace, with only slight variations in energy across the five tracks.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 8/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 When This Rain Stops 4:04
2 Like Water 4:21
3 Why Can’t You Love Me? 2:48
4 초행길 (The Road) 4:15
5 Best Friend 3:30

What to play next

Listen next

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Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata