[Review] HWASA’s “I Love My Body”
“I Love My Body” serves as a jazzy reminder that you are perfect just the way you are!
Hwasa introduces her new single to fans styled out head to toe in baby pink. Image: PNation.
MAMAMOO member, HWASA, has drawn fans to her performances with her powerful dance moves and killer stare. Since her decision to leave RBW after 10 years, although bittersweet, even more opportunities have opened up for the soloist.
HWASA’s solo career has allowed her to become her true self whilst also racking up a few awards along the way, such as Artist of the Year at the Golden Disk Awards in 2019. With “I Love My Body” being her first single released under her new company P NATION, the track acts as a fresh start for her. HWASA has expressed her excitement over being able to make a comeback after a lengthy hiatus: “It’s been a very long time. It seems like I cannot even remember what thoughts have been blocking me until now. One thing is certain, that I am truly happy and thankful”.
Her first single under P NATION, “I Love My Body” starts a new chapter for Hwasa. Image: PNation.
From her debut in MAMAMOO as their captivating maknae to her branching out in her solo career with “TWIT”, HWASA has never followed trends and prefers to create her own identity. “I Love My Body” expresses these same sentiments just with the addition of a funky background. With South Korea’s clear set of beauty standards, many artists, including HWASA, have begun to attempt to break down these barriers with their music. HWASA has frequently been vocal about caring for her fans’ health and reminding them that they don’t need to look like their idols to be worthy.
“I Love My Body” is a self-love anthem for anyone struggling with their body image. Even though many of the lyrics are very on the nose, the track’s message is still a hugely important one: “I love my body and my hair be so shiny / Head to toe be my body (Yeah, that’s my body) / Yeah, that’s my body, check out my lovely tummy / My arms, my legs so unique”. HWASA acts as a role model for her young fans by telling them to not listen to unwarranted criticism about their looks.
The lyrics are backed with instrumentals that are constantly changing throughout the song, keeping listeners engaged. The first chorus takes on a retro feel with a deep bassline, brass instruments, and hip backing vocals. HWASA’s subdued beehive hairstyle and dusky pink outfit adds to the vintage energy. The jazzy piano introduced in the pre-chorus creates the perfect build up to the beat drop that allows the track to transition into a more modern RnB song.
Hwasa’s concept photos demonstrate her femininity and maturity. Image: PNation.
The minimalist sound to the chorus matched with HWASA’s unique vocal colour makes the song feel like a highly addictive daily affirmation. The shiny silver outfits and sleek choreography further emphasise the more modern energy that the track takes on. The introduction of a trap beat to the original retro instrumental makes “I Love My Body” an unusual but exciting listen.
Of course, no track is complete without a dance break and HWASA’s is striking. The music video sees HWASA with a huge group of dancers projecting the attitude we need to feel confident in ourselves. It’s hard not to crack a smile when HWASA is reminding us that we’re perfect the way we are.
“I Love My Body” leaves fans excited for Hwasa’s further solo career. Image: PNation.
“I Love My Body” is the perfect song for HWASA to make her P NATION debut with and really sets the tone for her future solo career. Whilst serving looks and impeccable dance moves, Hwasa is teaching her fans about self-love and provides them a backing track to give them a confidence boost any time they need it.
Edited by Abby White.
