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A3Day Extended Commentary: CL “ALPHA” (2021)

DISCLAIMER - An Album a Day is my exploration into the Korean music scene. This blog, just like my podcast, will cover mainstream, indie and some underground artists within the scene and provide both factual and opinionated commentary. The biggest benefit to sharing my thoughts this way is that it will hopefully expose you to more great music and exploration of your own.

I have – WE… we have waited, Blackjacks and GZBs.

Arguably one of the most long-anticipated solo returns in all of K-pop, multi-hyphenate artist Lee Chaelin (CL) globally released a full-bodied, 35-minute album entitled “ALPHA” on October 20, 2021 from her own label, Very Cherry, in conjunction with Sony. And y’all, it sounds like nothing we have ever heard from CL before.

Let me fangirl for a minute. MY BITCH IS BACK. LONG LIVE THE QUEEN, PEASANTS!!! WHEW!!! *Gross sobs* WHEWWWW BABY WE WAAAAAAITED UGGGGGGHHHHHH. We ain’t know what the hell to expect, CL? Eh? Not a damn clue? Tracks been all over the place for years, not a damn clue of what to expect was really revealed! HOW’D YOU HOLD THE HAND FOR SO LONG?! THAT’S ALPHA SHIT, I’M GONNA VOMIT FROM ENTHUSIASM~~~

*Clears throat.*

Distance was made fully from idoldom. This is undeniable. She is not under the thumb of the machine (that once was and is now reorganized), that of the Big Three. She is not on the fence between artistic representation. She is 30 years old, and anyone who’s lived long enough to get into and/or surpass this decade of life knows that you step into your cu- I mean your self awareness, in new ways. If you missed the memo when she did “Hello Bitches” and “Doctor Pepper” (both in 2015); and if you missed per-my-last-email reminders with everything that was done from then until now, well… mama’s letting you know for damn sure that she’s grown-grown.

The track list, as listed from Wikipedia, is still updating credits at the time of this blog post. I believe it’s always important to give a nod to the team behind the vocals, ya know? The song lyrics, the rap verses, are nothing without a composition to suit it and talented ears to engineer the sound to perfection.

In context of sound, “ALPHA” is warm and structured nicely. There are production choices that are boomy (big on low end sounds) and boxy (big on midrange tone) but this album moves, bish. You’ve heard me talk about musical movement before but for the unacclimated: each performance – both CL and music on its own – emotes. There is a feeling that ebbs and flows appropriately from one track to another. Structuring an album to ride from start to finish without skips is already an art as it is, so you can’t fail the artist and the listener by tossing any ol’ shit together, especially pieces of work from an artist notoriously known for using her mother tongue (Korean) with her second language, English. “ALPHA” wins in this area.

As far as the artist goes, CL doesn’t depend much on low octave vocal stacking, as she maintains the same level of vocal power and tone through most tracks we’ve heard her on over the course of her 14-year-long career. However, there are moments of nice effects on the vocals. So let’s get into these tracks, non-Korean speakers. I won’t talk too-too long, I don’t want to impede upon your own vibes.

1. Spicy – fun to nod your head along to and say the bits of relevant English

Albeit that this is the first single consumers received from this album, it’s the third we’re familiar with. Much like its sibling “Hwa,” it was a choice. Truth be told, this song ain’t for Us (a…every song isn’t for the majority or other minority groups in other countries, lol) and I respect the hell out of that. It’s for the Asian community, specifically South Koreans, to feel that swag, that drip, and all the other pop culture terms for instilling cultural pride within oneself. Bringing in Baauer to handle the production gives it that dance bass/bounce that is needed.

2. Lover Like Me – the song on the soundtrack of your life post-breakup that you’ll later hear and memories won’t hurt as deeply

See my review here.

3. Chuck – the track that you won’t understand until you read the lyrics in your own language and then go, “Ohhhh. Hmm. Okay.”

Nothing like calling out fakers. The word “Chuck” is the sound of the Korean word for “pretend” [Romanized: Cheok] and she’s being playful with the liars and fakers trying to reach her. If you’re not a person who believes err’body has at least one hater, then it might not resonate too much. When you’re 76+ listens into the album, this might be the one you’ll skip over regularly. Might.

4. Xai – the song that CL decided to snap about grown folk activities

This is the standout track of the entire album. It’s foreplay, without an over-saturation of sex. It sounds airy and her tone is commanding but vulnerable. The vocal arrangement is relaxing and I will be replaying this until my ears bleed, thank yew.

5. Let It – Another life soundtrack song. Insert the appropriate scene in your head from the film, TV show, or M/V you exist within

“Don’t worry! I can just flow away, always do what I feel like.” Refreshing, and about as youthful as CL sounds anywhere on this album, it has the capacity to take you back to 2NE1′s “Happy” or “Gotta Be You” (both in 2014) with the cadence of her rap, the song structure, and the live instrumentation.

6. Tie a Cherry – the track where she’s reminding y’all WTF she is

Endurance is essential in the entertainment industry and CL’s letting you know that “no one can see what [she] can see,” as it comes to this next phase in her career. You know what? I have to agree with her from that Owen Meyer’s piece for Billboard from earlier this year, where she said, “I know exactly where I’m going, what I want to do. Of course it’s not going to be the same.” This doesn’t sound like 2NE1, past features, nor does it sound like the other singles she’s released just a few weeks before this album. This track is placed perfectly in the middle and creates a good transition for the remainder of the ride.

7. Paradise – trap, trap, throwaway Rihanna track

Could’ve gone to Ri and it would’ve worked just as well. Could’ve gone to Migos, Desiigner, or Future and I wouldn’t have complained. As a Westerner, the production style of trap music is immediately identifiable. I’m not mad at this song at all, I can only hope that you have the proper headphones to hear this in its full glory. It bangs. The vocal refrain and the ad libs is it. “My God, that’s a paradise!”

8. My Way – the song that she tells you off-rip that she’s doing things her way

This genuinely could’ve been named “Alpha” and I’m not unconvinced that it wasn’t the name at some point. It feels like the personification of the album’s title. This shit is gritty, features a rumbling bass, and accents the vocal effects with traditional Korean instruments. It belongs on a/your workout playlist for the days you need the adrenaline boost, truly.

9. Siren – you think you’ve heard this song before and that’s intentional

The VOCAL ARRANGEMENT!!!! Listen. No, really listen, at least this time it’ll be easy because the song’s fully in English. You hear that piano over a gurgle? You hear how it sounds like the end of her lines travels around you? What about those programmed strings? Oh oh, that little construction sound in the back? This song was crafted to sound like indie pop tracks that you catch a snippet of in a commercial or promo video and you’re clawing to find it again. It’s beautiful, the construction of it. She’s trying to salvage a relationship but I’m telling you this is your guilty singing pleasure playlist entry.

10. Hwa – South Korean flexing for South Koreans.

We don’t/won’t touch songs that will hit different for the core demographic.

11. 5 Star – the unexpected summer love bop

Chile, just tell us when you and That Man are marrying and let us join via Zoom. Thank you, Tablo, for lending your pen on this one.

My Official Ranking

K-pop fans, on a scale of 1 to 5 where 5′s essential listening and 1′s not worth mentioning, the A3Day ranking on CL’s debut album is 5. While hoping there would’ve been more to the writing, the album is an impressive return that delivered nothing expected to an audience well-aware of who she is.

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“Take it from me When the siren goes off That’s when the lies will stop When the siren goes off I know you’re ready to love Don’t you dare walk away from me I know you got something to say to me”

— CL - Siren

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Rolling Stone Korea interview with CL

Link here

“Revered as K-POP’s Supreme, CL

There’s a hashtag I made.

It’s “#choose_love_over_fear.”

How do we even begin to describe this bold, confident artist? First, we must start with 2NE1, the legendary K-pop group that debuted in 2009 and is still respected to this day. CL’s performance and attitude were entirely different from the other existing K-pop artists. She became the embodiment of “confidence” and established herself as an icon of popular music. It may be said that she’s the closest thing to a true “idol.” She is revered instead of just being another “doll.” Korean pop music had some of its brightest moments when she was an idol. When 2NE1 ended and disbanded in early 2017, this celebrated group was eventually honored in K-pop’s hall of fame. K-pop welcomed a new generation.

Because CL was a successful solo artist after 2NE1 disbanded, people could not help but pay attention to her projects. In 2016, she released “Lifted” under Scooter Braun, but the album went by without much recognition. After her long hiatus in 2019, she released “In The Name of Love.” The release came after some much-needed time to focus on her music activities. The following year she released a string of full-length albums and singles starting with “+HWA+,” showing off her exceptional musicality and character.

As an extraordinary artist, a leading fashion celebrity, and a person who never loses confidence, she was able to take on the big world of K-pop. CL doesn’t talk about humility, but her messages never come off as arrogant. CL has come this far doing the best only she could do, instead of catering to the public’s expectations. She has established her own following with her power and identity. When CL’s career briefly came to a halt during those few years, numerous “girl crush” celebrities took the challenge to take her throne. But in the end, CL has all eyes on her.

Now, CL is wrapping up the year in style with her studio album “ALPHA.” This full-length album has 11 tracks and is full of her musical ambitions. There is no title track, which shows how every piece is a work of art. She is still the undisputed ruler of the K-pop world. But now, her journey in this world is no longer about majesty and power but more about freedom and delight. This is because the music and her fans exist in the imaginary kingdom founded by CL.

Hello CL, it’s an honor to have you here with Rolling Stone Korea. Before our interview, please introduce yourself, and say hello.

Hello, this is CL. I recently released my first full-length album, “ALPHA,” following my debut.

“ALPHA” is your first full-length album. It took quite some time for the release. What was going through your mind while preparing this album?

I wanted to get off to a good start. I wanted to show my versatility and what I had learned from my experiences between being CL and Lee Chae-rin.

Having a look into the music you’ve produced and the path you’ve taken, we have seen you express your interest in creating an environment for artists, especially female artists, in which they can have independence with their work. Is there a reason you’ve started doing these things?

It’s not just limited to women, but anyone who may feel different from the others. When I saw these people go their own ways and express themselves, I was inspired. It gave me strength. I spent my childhood in various countries. So, I’ve always thought that I was different from other people. But, I’ve realized that everyone is extraordinary in their own ways. I just want unique people to be able to express themselves freely.

In 2016, “LIFTED” reached 94th on Billboard’s Hot 100. You became the first Korean female solo artist to do so. Now, seeing a Korean artist on the Billboard’s chart isn’t something new. We think that this was a big challenge for you and an incredible feat. How do you feel about this accomplishment?

At that time, I wanted to put more meaning into the fact that I had challenged the U.S. music scene. This was the music I had been born into and listened to. It was more about that rather than the accomplishment. Because of this experience, I think I was able to muster the courage to start working as the independent artist I am now.

What new side of yourself did you discover while working in the U.S.?

Not just in the U.S., but whenever I try something new, I find different sides to myself. While working on “ALPHA,” I found a new voice with myself that I didn’t know I had.

Throughout your career, what has inspired you the most to become the CL you are today?

CL is the persona of the Lee Chae-rin, created character. I think that I can be most like CL when Lee Chae-rin’s life is balanced and whole. “ALPHA” came out right when the balance between Lee Chae-rin and CL was perfectly matched.

We believe that there must have been times of great happiness to become who you are today. But, there must have also been times of hardship and anxiety. What would you want to say to yourself as the one who managed to pull you through it all?

There’s a hashtag I made. It’s “#choose_love_over_fear.”

Check out the 2nd Special Edition issue of Rolling Stone Korea for more of CL’s photos and interview session.

Photographs by Mok Jungwook”

sugar-petals

so you are telling me. that out of all possible people. taeyong and CL, who already have a huge and horny lgbt following, will be judges on a dance show where wild and sexy girls basically grind on them? lesbian and bisexual win

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CL on The Kelly Clarkson Show

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About CL

Birth Name: Lee Chae-rin (이채린) / Faith Lee

Stage Name: CL (씨엘)/li>

Birthday: May 2, 1992

HOMETOWN: Seoul, South Korea

Zodiac Sign: Pisces

Height: 162 cm (5 ft 3¾ in)

Weight: 48 kg (106 lbs)

Nationally: Korean

Real Instagram: @chaelincl

– She was born in Seoul, South Korea. – She has a little sister named Harin. – Her nicknames are: Cl-roo, Pig Rabbit – She used to be a JYP trainee. – She signed her first music contract with YG Entertainment in 2007. – Her specialties are Rap, Dance, Song-writing – She admires Lil Kim and dreams to be a rapper like her. – She spent much of her early life in Japan and France. – She speaks Korean, Japanese, English, French. – She’s a “clean freak” and she’s responsible for cleaning 2ne1’s dorm. – Her favorite colors are Black, White, Brown. – Her favorite accessories are the sunglasses. – Her favorite type of flowers are red roses. – Her favorite type of books are comic books. – Her favorite place to see art is Instagram. – She doesn’t know how to use a computer, but knows how to use iTunes. – She grew up listening to Lauryn Hill. – Influences: 1TYM, Teddy Park, Madonna, Queen, Lauryn Hill – One of her favorite artists is Kanye West. – She explained that the hardest part of her job is ‘loving it too much’. – She likes to sleep. – She said she can draw well, but only when she’s drawing lion-bear, pig-rabbit, and duck-snake. – In Japan, she’s called “Pig-Rabbit”. – She can dance Jazz and Ballet. – Her father is a physics professor that build robots – She traveled to many places due to her father’s profession. – She is Christian (Catholic) – She describes her outfit style as ‘everyday mood’. – She has three cats; Pudding, Doughnut, and Showball Whitey. – She was featured in many songs, such as BIGBANG’s “Hot issue” (2007), G-Dragon’ 2009 single “The Leaders“, etc. – In 2011 she was a guest judge on “Project Runway Korea” (Onstyle) with designer Jeremy Scott. – On October 2014, CL had her US debut, since then she has mostly focused on her solo activities in the US. In 2016, she kicked off her first ever solo tour in the US. – In her solo career, her fanbase is called the ‘GZB’s. (73 Questions with CL from Vogue) – She invented a dance move called ‘The roll dab’. – CL was in the American movie “Mile 22” (2018), where she played the character Queen. – She loves spraying perfume, even Justin Bieber likes her perfume. – She’s the muse of Jeremy Scott and Alexander Wang. – A director of the fashion brand, Celine, is her friend. – She dated a British model before. – She has three tattoos. – She calls Sandara Park as ‘ahjumma’. – CL and Kanye West attends the same church. – She considers Sandara Park as her best friend. – She has recorded 200+ songs already. – CL wrote 2NE1’s final single, ‘Goodbye‘ for only 10 minutes. – She owns a platinum credit card. – She’s a Chanel muse. – CL studied rapping under the mentor-ship of P-Type. – She left YG Entertainment in late 2019. She’s now signed under SuneV & Schoolboy Records. – On December 17, 2019, she released her album named “In The Name of Love“. The numbers in the song title are dates when the song was supposed to be released, this is a fan-made theory. – CL’s ideal type: “I like a man who is in his own world. While others may think he’s crazy, I like a man with individuality.” (Special thanks to natalie, ohhchaerin on wordpress, Emmie, MrsPotatoHead, Helen Nguyen, MFD, euphoricpig, Ayik)