"Automatic" Review

Background

Red Velvet debuted in August of 2014. While most of us immediately think of the cupcake, the group has already gone on to explain their decision to pick such a food-related name. According to a profile article on kpoplyrics.net: "Red" represents a fierce and attractive color. "Velvet" represents a womanly and soft image. It shows their ambition to marvel the world by their independent and sophisticated image. What an interesting meaning derived from "red velvet"!

I must admit that I wasn't loving their jungle cheerleader concept when they debuted with "Happiness". However, I eventually came to appreciate the infectious cheerfulness when I realized I couldn't get it out of my head. It was a solid enough debut single.

The group's followup single was entitled "Be Natural", which is a remake of their senior group S.E.S's song. It was the polar opposite of "Happiness", delivering a more mature and sophisticated sound that not many K-Pop fans were be able to comprehend. After ending their "Be Natural" promotions, Red Velvet began to prepare for the release of their first mini album entitled "Ice Cream Cake".

The Review

SM Entertainment, the group's label, played a good card in releasing two completely different music videos. It's plain fact that everyone has their own music tastes-- some prefer upbeat songs while others enjoy more easy-listening songs. SM seemed to recognize this and, in order to build up hype for their newest female rookie group and garner attention from various music audiences, made the decision of promoting two genres of songs. Although "Ice Cream Cake" is the flagship song off of the album, I'd like to do a review of their secondary lead song: "Automatic".

Song

"Automatic" is about how a person's feelings come automatically in a relationship.

I love the way, I’m matching my footsteps to yours

It’s already decided, it just comes automatic

I want to continue to stay in the same place as you

It just comes so natural It just comes Automatic

*Read the full lyrics here.

I must say I was not expecting this type of comeback song from Red Velvet! But it was a refreshing style in contrast to the "poppy" songs that are often found in K-Pop. "Automatic" gave off a very chill vibe, taking elements from the 80s and 90s music era.  I also like to think "Automatic" is "Be Natural"'s sister song. "Be Natural" is one of my favorite songs of all time, so it should come as no surprise that I instantly fell in love with this one. I feel like I could write to this without having my focus interrupted, which happens to be what I'm doing right now!

Music Video

I LOVE how this video was done. It was very different compared to most music videos I've seen! There's something eerie about the entire thing. It seems like an actual house, but it was just the placement of the props and furniture that gave the desired effect. The colors seem very old school to me. The furniture and prop choices were reminiscent of the 70s design.

The video is somewhat chilling, if you're someone that scares easily like me! I wasn't scared, per say, but rather mystified by the concept. It made me wonder if there were some sort of underlying story throughout all this. I suppose we'll just have to leave it to imagination.

Costumes

 

The costumes suited the girls and the video perfectly! I love this style from SM. The outfits are simple, but it allows you to focus more on the unique beauty of each of the members. You'll also notice that 4/5 of them are sporting colored lenses, giving them a vastly different image compared to their previous videos. The girls had transformed in my eyes!

The hairstyles and costumes choices confirmed my thoughts on what fashion era SM had decided to use. Coupled with the props, this video definitely screams 70s to me.

Choreography

We're very limited in terms of dance shots, but I was able to see enough of it to determine that the choreography was well done. It's nothing over-the-top, but satisfactory. since it's meant to complement the calm vibe of the song.

Final Thoughts:

I had high expectations for this girl group, given the fact that they come from one of South Korea's top music companies, and they most certainly did not disappoint! I was thoroughly impressed by everything from the concept to the videos to the album itself! Everything was done to perfection. Despite being out on the music charts for quite some time already "Automatic" is still one of my top played songs on my playlist.

People say Red Velvet is a mix of their senior labelmates f(x) and Girls' Generation, but what do you classify that as, really? They've yet to have a set image, and I wonder what concept the girls will go for next! After all, they've dabbed into the cute/cheerful, and showed they can pull off maturer sounds. Hmm... What about a hip hop concept next? We'll just have to wait and see!

Song: 4/5

Music Video: 4/5

Costumes: 5/5

Choreography: 5/5

---------------------------------

Final Score: 18/20

Gee Rating: Ecstatic!!