In a recently released video on her YouTube channel, IU talks about the driving inspiration behind her new mini-album, ‘The Winning’, as well as her outlook on life as she enters her thirties. According to the talented singer, she wants to approach life like a dandelion seed. Essentially, she plans to live life without limitations or constraints while freely pushing toward her aspirations, regardless of whether others believe in her choices or not.
Symbolizing dreams and wishes, the dandelion seed metaphor appears to be a perfect fit for IU, who encourages listeners to pursue their dreams and celebrates the possibilities of what they can achieve together throughout her new mini-album. The upbeat synth-pop track ‘Shopper’ and the cool, refreshing ‘Holssi’ are two examples of this message. In these songs, IU urges us to chase our desires, no matter how impossible they may seem. She invites us to “fill it up to make it burst” and take a “different road” to fly high to the top.
Living life on one’s terms is always a struggle, and ultimately a choice, according to IU. She acknowledges the nature of the road will not always be easy, but she will not complain about it. Love also plays a significant role in IU’s music, as she uses romance to escape the troubles of the world. ‘Love Wins All,’ the compelling ballad that previewed this mini-album, shows how plunging into darkness can still feel like a victory as long as she’s with the one she loves.
As usual with IU records, ‘The Winning’ is a fascinating blend of sounds, ranging from the lowkey groove of ‘Holssi’ to the bluesy grit of ‘Shh…’. The female singers who have left their mark on Korean music history, from Patti Kim to Joe Won Sun and ultimately NewJeans’ Hyein, come together in ‘Shh…’, connecting the dots from the 1950s to the present day.
Finally, the closing track, ‘I Stan U,’ features chugging rock before exploding into a giddy message of encouragement from IU, urging us to embrace self-confidence and wisdom, a theme that encapsulates the entire album. Minor stylistic problems aside, IU’s first mini-album of the new decade hits soaring heights and remains continually victorious
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