Smiley
Choi Ye-na · 2022
16 min · 5 tracks · K-pop
A vibrant blend of catchy melodies and playful lyrics that encapsulate youthful exuberance and self-discovery.
Top tracks — play these first
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SMILEY — The title track perfectly captures the album's overall theme of positivity and self-acceptance, featuring an upbeat melody and engaging choreography.
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Before Anyone Else — This track stands out with its heartfelt lyrics about prioritizing love and connection, showcasing Ye-na's vocal ability and emotional delivery.
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VACAY — With its carefree vibe, this song embodies the spirit of relaxation and fun, making it a perfect anthem for summer escapades.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The EP showcases catchy melodies and playful lyrics, but lacks depth for long-term engagement.
What we noticed
- The first track opens with a soft vocal introduction that builds into a more upbeat tempo by the second track.
- Each song features layered harmonies and prominent hooks, often repeating key phrases for emphasis.
- The EP maintains a consistent mid-tempo pace, with the final track introducing a slightly slower groove to close out the project.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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5/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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5/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- bright and cheerful energy
- short bursts of joy
- for casual listening
- feel-good vibes for gatherings
Maybe skip if you
- prefer lengthy, immersive albums
- seek deep emotional introspection
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released on January 17, 2022, 'Smiley' is Choi Ye-na's debut EP following her time as a member of the successful group IZ*ONE. This project marked her transition into a solo artist and showcased her versatility and charm in the K-pop landscape.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Before Anyone Else 3:29
- 2 SMILEY 2:54
- 3 Lxxk 2 U 3:04
- 4 PRETTY BOYS 3:27
- 5 VACAY 3:46
What to play next
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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