Choi Ye-na, better known as YENA, is a popular K-pop idol who just released her newest mini album “LOVE CATCHER.” Within the album, she explores themes of love. While her other many beautiful albums discuss the butterflies of romance, with “LOVE CATCHER,” YENA breaks away from the awkwardness. She launches herself into a story of going after what you want, taking romance by the reins and making it what you desire. The five songs within this mini album haven’t just established themselves in the newest world of K-Pop, it’s also brought fans from the past back. Taking inspiration from second generation groups T-ARA and Orange Caramel, YENA brings back nostalgic synth, beat drops, and most importantly performance.
Catch Catch: The title track, “Catch Catch” is just like its name, catchy. Bringing an experimental instrumental in this day of K-Pop most would consider dangerous is what works for YENA. The song speaks of wanting a love to be reciprocated and ‘catch their heart’. The song is a powerful opening that attracts the audience. As a fan of K-Pop since 2013, I found the song incredibly nostalgic and remembered many performances that brought me to K-Pop in the first place.
Spring Fever (featuring DinDin & Jung Hyung Don): As a 2nd track, “Spring Fever” offers a similar vibe to “Catch Catch” while also remaining entirely new to fans of YENA. The song features rapper DinDin who offers a soothing flow and comedic Jung Hyung Don who offers the playful vibes of love.
Sticker (featuring MRCH): A softer song, “Sticker” reminds me of a love that had been lost but remains as a sticker on your heart forever. Keeping the same theme of second-generation K-Pop, YENA brings the emotional ballads to newer K-Pop fans.
April’s Cat: As a fan of cats, I had high expectations for this song. After listening to this song for the first time, I can assure that they were exceeded. As my favorite song off of the album, “April’s Cat” truly makes me feel ready for the upcoming season.
Question Marks (featuring Paul Kim): After the amazing battle between synth pop and soft ballads, we come to a close with “LOVE CATCHER.” “Question Marks” featuring melodic Paul Kim is a jazz track which uses both voices into a beautiful harmony. Fans of Laufey may find this song indulging.
Overall, as a longtime fan of YENA, I am beyond in love with this album. Everything about it feels like a reminder of everything that made me love K-Pop in the first place. “LOVE CATCHER” brings me to tears (both happy and sad) and so many of her other fans as well.
