Is María a good place to start with Hwasa?

Yes, María is recommended as a starting point for new Hwasa listeners. A bold blend of sultry pop and hip-hop infused with emotional depth and intricate production layers. Released on June 25, 2020, María marks Hwasa's first solo EP following her success with MAMAMOO. At this point in her career, she was transitioning from group dynamics to a more personal exploration of her artistry, showcasing her distinct voice and unique style.

María works well if you're into bold expressions of personal identity, quick bursts of energetic tracks and introspective moments with jazzy undertones.

How many songs are on María?

María has 7 tracks, running approximately 21 minutes.

María

Hwasa · 2020

21 min · 7 tracks · K-pop

A bold blend of sultry pop and hip-hop infused with emotional depth and intricate production layers.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
마리아 (Maria) Start here — The title track stands out for its powerful lyrics about self-identity and empowerment, coupled with a catchy melody that showcases Hwasa's vocal prowess.
→
I’m bad too — This track combines playful lyrics with an infectious beat, reflecting Hwasa's unapologetic attitude and reinforcing her position as a bold artist in K-pop.
→
Kidding — With its jazzy undertones and laid-back vibe, 'Kidding' showcases Hwasa's versatility and adds a unique flavor to the overall EP, highlighting her artistic range.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

64 /100

Treeline

Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

The EP showcases strong songwriting and production, blending genres while maintaining a cohesive theme.

What we noticed

The EP opens with a spoken intro that sets a reflective tone, followed by tracks that blend K-pop melodies with hip-hop rhythms.
Each song features varied arrangements, incorporating jazzy elements and layered vocal harmonies that highlight Hwasa's range.
The lyrics across the tracks engage with themes of self-identity and empowerment, often contrasting upbeat instrumentals with introspective messages.

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: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. 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.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

bold expressions of personal identity
quick bursts of energetic tracks
introspective moments with jazzy undertones
playful irreverence in lyrical themes

Maybe skip if you

prefer lengthy, immersive albums
seek instant gratification tracks

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — First solo EP that established Hwasa's reputation outside Mamamoo.
Themes: self-identity exploration· K-pop authenticity· vulnerability in fame
Moods: Introspective· Energetic
Career context: Released on June 25, 2020, María marks Hwasa's first solo EP following her success with MAMAMOO. At this point in her career, she was transitioning from group dynamics to a more personal exploration of her artistry, showcasing her distinct voice and unique style.
Stylistic neighbors: Sunmi· Somi· Dua Lipa