I SWAY

Known as a “self-producing” idol group for the active role they play in writing their own songs, (G)I-DLE makes hits that hit a bit different. Seventh mini album *I SWAY* is no exception. Though the EP is slim at only four tracks, the members were active in writing all of them. Soyeon, the group’s rapper-leader and most prolific producer, oversees lead single “Klaxon,” a summer bop explicitly designed to be played in the car with the windows down: “How about driving in an open car?/Play ‘Wannabe’ by Spice Girls and say okay?” Opening with laughter and horns, the track builds on the execution of its “So hit the klaxon/Hon, hon, hon, hon, hon, honk” hook, bringing the feel-good song to a layered, liberatory climax. *I SWAY* is the first (G)I-DLE album that doesn’t have Soyeon credited on multiple songs. Instead, vocalist Minnie led composition on “Bloom,” a dreamy synth-pop love song (“Feelin’ them butterflies/When you look into my eyes/Only you can make me bloom”). And Yuqi, the group’s Chinese dancer and vocalist, penned sentimental pop tracks “Last Forever” and, along with member Miyeon, “Neverland.” While the latter is a fan song (named after the group’s fandom), the former is perhaps better at communicating the group’s commitment to their art, six years after their debut and in the lead-up to contract negotiations: “Stay here/Don\'t sway, seek dreams/I wanna make my passion last forever.”