Dear I DOT M,
I don't actually know what to say. OVERDRIVE is honestly so iconic, I am speechless.
When I first heard it, I was sleepy because I stayed up waiting for your YouTube live then for the album to go live on Apple Music.
Here's the salty part, since the album was due to drop at 1pm KST on June 23rd, that's 11pm CST so that means it was still technically June 22nd here. So I had to
wait until midnight for the album to go live.
By the time midnight hit, I was so sleepy, I really didn't know what I was hearing. So finally the next day, I could really listen to the album and I fell in love!!!
I couldn't stop playing it. I looped it for hours on end. And I went to a concert on Friday! While waiting in line, I zoned out and just listened to OVERDRIVE on repeat.
Let's go song by song, shall we?
OVERDRIVE - This song has so much damn swag. The beat is so fresh!!! And there's so many iconic lyrics. "Heat my engine harder till I die." "I ain't pop champagne to make it rain." "I cannot contain what's in my brain." "Spinning down my lane go OVERDRIVE."
Oh and the music video?! Idk what it is about but I am in love. It's somewhere between thriller, mystery and action. Again, I don't understand anything but it's very artistic.
Blame: Once again another vibe. The melody is escaping me off the top of my head (because the album is still too new). But I love that line, "You're the reason why I blame in your name."
Your lyrics are like abstract art in music. It's like you just take random lines, throw them into the song and match it to the beat. It's weird but it works for you.
Dumb - Are you dumb, dumb, dumb, baby you're so numb. Again, it makes no real sense but somehow I.M makes it work. I just love it.
Habit - Oohhh Habit is so jazzy and fresh. I really hope to see you perform it with a live band. A back track will not do!!!
More - This one has a smooth R&B vibe. I can dig it.
Not Sorry - I.M experimented with AfroPop. Let's get you on a track with Ayra Starr & Amaarae. No seriously, let's.
Anyway, you are probably the only K-Pop artist who can successfully incorporate AfroPop into your music. It was so natural too. It doesn't feel forced or unnecessary.
I still need more time to get used to the album. New music takes time to really grow on you and sink in. I've always said albums should be listened to on repeat at different times of day, and in different formats before you review it. Because you'll often feel differently based on your environment.
But so far so good. Thanks for creating this beautiful work of art.
Stay safe & healthy!
You've got the crown now take the throne. ⬛👑💜