User:ReVeluv02/sandbox/Queendom (Red Velvet song)

"Queendom" is a song recorded by South Korean girl group Red Velvet for their sixth Korean extended play of the same name. Composed by minGtion, Anne Judith Stokke Wik, Moa "Cazzi Opeia" Carlebecker, and Ellen Berg with Korean lyrics adapted by Jo Yoon-kyung, the dance-pop song was released as the group's single from the EP on August 16, 2021 by SM Entertainment.

Background and release
After a year and eight months, SM Entertainment confirmed through Newsen on June 9, 2021, that Red Velvet will preparing a new album with the aim of making a comeback in August. Previously, the group released their repackaged album The ReVe Festival: Finale last December 2019 accompanied by the title track "Psycho", followed by the unit debut of Irene and Seulgi, with Wendy and Joy making their debut as solo singers. Moreover, Yeri had also built her acting career by appearing in tvN's Drama Stage 2021 - Mint Condition and the web drama, Blue Birthday. Prior to the official release of "Queendom", Red Velvet shared a snippet of their new song, alongside a preview of its choreography. The song had its official digital release on August 16, 2021, along with the extended play.

Composition
"Queendom" was composed by minGtion, Anne Judith Stokke Wik, Moa "Cazzi Opeia" Carlebecker, and Ellen Berg, while the Korean lyrics were written by Jo Yoon-kyung. Musically, "Queendom" was characterized as pop dance song. Kim Na-yeon of Single List noted the rhythmical combination of flute and brass riffs on a "colorful" synth base, adding to the fun of listening to "addictive hooks", with "bright and colorful" vocals from Red Velvet. Tamar Herman of South China Morning Post recognized the "lusher synth styling" on which it balanced a "catchy, magical spell-like" chorus, "That' sour queendom yeah/Ladida-do Ba-badida). It is composed in the key of F major, with a tempo of 120 beats per minute. Lyrically, the song conveys a message of positivity, highlighting that everyone's "unique differences" is what makes the world "so beautiful". It renders "feminist-centric" message, while also focusing on the co-existence of sisterhood and individuality.

Reception
Following its initial release, "Queendom" was met with mixed reviews from music critics. Anton Holmes of CNN Philippines labelled the track as a "definitive Red song", while calling it a "contender" as one of the songs of 2021. Madison Murray of Genius Korea complimented the song's "bubbly, feel-good exception" that suggests to Red Velvet's "prowess as musical powerhouses", while allowing the group exhibit their "velvety vocals". If it weren't for COVID-19, she claimed that it would be the "perfect soundtrack" to a night on the town with friends. Tamar Herman of South China Morning Post described the track as "bright, bubbly pop song of summer", praising Red Velvet's "empowering verses" that bounce between the group's tonality, with a welcome return to Wendy's "power vocals". Han Su-jin of IZE magazine commented on the track's promotion of "freshness", adding that the emotions in the melody are close to subtlety. Lee Deok-haeng outlined the "high expectations" to the song as the group had previously released "summer unbeaten hit streaks" such as, "Red Flavor" (2017), "Power Up" (2018), and "Umpah Umpah" (2019). Ana Clara Ribeiro of PopMatters praised the song for being "positive in sound and message", stating: "It doesn’t fail in its attempt to be empowering, but (thankfully) it doesn’t go out of its way to be, even if the lyrics sometimes verge on cliche". Joshua Minsoo Kim of Pitchfork commented on how the track rarely offers the quintet the chance to flaunt their vocal prowess. Rhian Daly of NME called the song as the "weakest in Red Velvet's career so far", further explaining that it is "neither bad nor bold" with mention of "incredible awkward raps" that each member delivers as the verses progresses, and concluded that there's something about the song that feels a "little hollow".

Background
On August 13, 2021, a 27-second video teaser for "Queendom" was uploaded on the official SM Town channel, with the official video being released three days later. The visual was released on SM Entertainment's official YouTube channel on August 16, 2021 to coincide with the digital release of Queendom.

Synopsis and reception
The music video for "Queendom" is set in a "blindingly vibrant" Alice In Wonderland-esque world with a series of magical corridors taking Red Velvet across different realms. It starts on a magic-like pattern carved manhole cover, where a man passing over suddenly drops his AirPods into the group's world. It placed the four oldest members of the group in a general store selling props, while showing their youngest member, Yeri, how to cast spells. The group later left the shop to have a garden tea party and dance on a light-up stage complete with fireworks. The visual concluded with the group in a celestial setting against a starry backdrop for their final message of "unity in diversity". Following the visual's release, writer Gladys Yeo of NME described it as a "whimsical, colourful new" music video. Divyansha Dongre of Rolling Stone India noted the visual for its "vivid, animated" cinematography. Michele Mendez of Elite Daily mentioned the "bright and colorful" scene of the visual, along with its "mesmerizing" choreography. Natasha Ho of South China Morning Post's Young Post pointed out the music video's modern take of Alice in Wonderland that meets Harry Potter. Rappler labelled the visual concept as "whimsical" highlighting Red Velvet's "refreshing vocals".

Promotion
On August 12, 2021, Red Velvet appeared on the YouTube channel, Civilization Express - MMTG, for their comeback special along with MC Jaejae, where they performed "Queendom" for the first time.

Credits and personnel
Credits adapted from the liner notes of Queendom.

Studio


 * Recorded and engineered for mix at SM Big Shot Studio
 * Recorded at SM Yellow Tail Studio
 * Mixed at SM Blue Cup Studio

Personnel


 * Red Velvet (Irene, Seulgi, Wendy, Joy, Yeri) –vocals, background vocals
 * Jo Yoon-kyung –Korean lyrics
 * minGtion –composition, arrangement, directing, bass, piano, synthesizer, digital editing


 * Anne Judith Stokke Wik –composition, background vocals
 * Moa "Cazzi Opeia" Carlebecker –composition, background vocals
 * Ellen Berg –composition, background vocals
 * Lee Min-kyu –recording, mixing engineer
 * Noh Min-ji –recording
 * Jeong Eui-seok –mixing