The Best Twice Mini-Albums & Their Amazing Tracks

Since the start of their contract in 2015, TWICE has consistently been one of the most successful South Korean girl groups, spawning singles like "The Feels," which reached #83 on the Billboard Global 200 Chart, and sold an incredible 10 million records (and counting) overseas. 

Despite their enormous success, their seven-year contract was about to expire, and many of their admirers were anxiously awaiting news of either a contract extension or a dissolution. 

To everyone's relief, JYP Entertainment renewed the contracts of all nine members of Twice in July. Two weeks after launching their brand-new Japanese album, "Celebrate," Twice wasted no time in promising new songs for ONCE, the term they use to adoringly refer to their fanbase. 

In what seemed like a whirlwind following the releases of their eldest member Nayeon's solo debut, "Im Nayeon," and "Celebrate," advertisements for "BETWEEN 1 & 2" began as early as August 4. Members of Twice left ONCE guessing what their future mini-album will consist of in a humorous, futuristic, yet mature concept clip. Although TWICE is famous for its incredibly sweet, bubble gum pop sound, they have typically moved past their early cutesy phases in recent years. 

However, this trailer gave off the impression of a well-balanced mix of a young, fashionable design and an age-appropriate, even sensual, notion. As a result, JYP spent no expense in creating various collections of members dressed in Y2K-inspired attire. They also looked adorable in contrastingly somber yet attractive photographs as the countdown to August 26 began. 

Because of the anticipation surrounding back-to-back Twice albums and the contract extension, ONCE has supported Twice, making "BETWEEN 1 & 2" the most pre-ordered Twice release ever, per Apple Music. Thankfully, their most recent album did not let them down.

Talk That Talk

The eagerly anticipated title tune has a summery feel to it. The upbeat and slightly nostalgic melody is simple to listen to and definitely has "earworm" potential, with members Sana and Momo singing "song lyrics" in the refrain. 

Twice albums frequently use their roots in bubble gum pop, which is clear in the chorus, where we hear the distinctive Twice "sound." As an unexpected bonus, they make a "yes or yes?" reference to their November 2018 single "YES or YES." With such a catchy track, it's easy to find yourself singing along to the song.

Basics

On this tune, Member Chaeyoung is given credit as the lyricist, and she does a fantastic job of putting together original lyrics that fit the upbeat and contemporary tone of the song of Twice albums. 

The beat, style, and harmonization of "Basics" seem like a faster-paced version of Ariana Grande's "thank you, next" era, though a friend and fellow ONCE member could only describe it as something that "feels good on the brain." This may or may not be a coincidence given what Chaeyoung said when asked about who she'd like to collaborate with: "Ariana Grande, I really love her." At our show, Jihyo, Nayeon, and I sang a cover.

When We Were Kids

The words of this endearing tribute to childhood were written by member Dahyun. This track has a thoughtful vibe to it as the members sing about going back in time: "I wish that I could meet / Could meet the younger me." It is one of the only slower and more somber tracks on the mini-Twice albums. 

Despite the song's very straightforward structure and meaning, Nayeon and Jihyo, the lead vocalists, added gorgeous and dreamy swells to the music in the chorus. 

Despite only discussing three of the mini-seven album's songs, there are still plenty of topics to discuss. Twice has once again lived up to listeners' expectations. While it's always encouraging when musicians experiment with new techniques, this mini-album includes several key elements that contribute to the characteristic "Twice" sound without being too constrained. 

All of this is to suggest that it will be extremely interesting to see what Twice chooses to do with the time that their new deal has given them.

Conclusion

Twice has just made history by being the first female K-pop act to spend three weeks at No. 1 on Billboard's World Albums chart with more than one album, adding to their impressive list of accomplishments on the American charts. If you have not listened to their albums yet, this is a sign to do it.