On May, 8 2023, the four member K-Pop group, Aespa released their third mini album: “MY WORLD.” This mini album was originally set to release in February, but was pushed back due to countless internal disagreements within the group. The six track mini album breaks the group’s 10 month hiatus of new music.

Before releasing the full mini album, the quartet, which consists of Karina, Giselle, Winter and Ningning, put out a single called “Welcome To MY World (feat. nævis),” which became the first track on the mini album. In all honesty, this song creeps me out, but in the best way possible. “Welcome To MY World” feels almost dystopian, and it makes me reevaluate the tone and theme of the mini album. This song is a complete 10/10.

Aespa’s music videos contain a fictional AI character named Nævis. When Asapa’s fans, found out that Nævis would be leaving the screen and entering the recording studio to join in on vocals on “Welcome To MY World,” there were mixed reactions. Some compared her robotic nature to Hatsune Miku, a virtual Japanese pop idol, but others were disappointed because Nævis only quietly chimes in towards the middle of the song.

The title track, “Spicy,” is a take it or leave it kind of song. The music video is really nice, but a little boring. That being said, Aespa always delivers with their instrumentals and choreography, so there’s no doubt in my mind that “Spicy” will be a hit in the future. However, I think other songs on “MY WORLD” outplay “Spicy.” The song isn’t groundbreaking, but it’s extremely far from being a bad song. I’m sure “Spicy” will grow on me, but I didn’t have the same connection to it like I did with “I’m Unhappy” or “Salty & Sweet.”

When Winter leaked a clip of the track “Salty & Sweet” on Twitter, I knew it was going to be a huge win in my book. It’s a masterpiece. The lyrics, instrumental and choreography were all expertly done, and even the visual teaser was a slam dunk. I hope “Salty & Sweet” gets promoted just as much as “Spicy” is because I would kill to see Aespa perform that song on stage or during an award show.

“Thirsty” is another favorite for me. I honestly think Aespa could get by just releasing it’s instrumentals, because listening to this song is heavenly. Aespa is made up of four incredible vocalists, two of them being exceptional rappers. “Thirsty” is one of those songs that makes you feel magical, and it reminds me of past Aespa tracks, like “Dreams Come True” and “Lucid Dream.”

Despite being called “I’m Unhappy,” I’m overjoyed listening to this song. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: Aespa’s instrumentals are top notch. The simplistic electric-pop beat accompanied by smooth, velvety vocals is a downright religious experience. I have the same feelings about “‘Til We Meet Again,” the album’s final ballad. In the K-Pop community, I don’t think Aespa’s vocals get enough praise, and it’s almost criminal their vocals are overshadowed. Aespa knocked it out of the park with this one.

Aespa put out a true no-skip album. It’s a 10/10 with no hesitation. I can only hope SM Entertainment gives Aespa more opportunities to release music in a more timely manner, however, if waiting months means perfect quality music, I might just be willing to wait.