IVE Empathy

IVE are one of my favourite artists, and while I could write about them for hours, i’ll just talk about one album for now. In particular, their most recent album, the 6-track album titled IVE Empathy. 

The album opens with the track ‘Rebel Heart,’ my personal favourite song from the album. Rebel Heart was the perfect opener to IVE Empathy, encapsulating IVE’s soundscape and message, while still being a release able to stand out from its predecessors. The song itself talks about self love with lyrics such as the iconic “Love me, hate Me, you will never be me.”, and towards the climax begins to extend this love to those like them, other people who are criticised for being themselves, other ‘rebels.’ The music video enhanced this message, showing the members of IVE in situations of isolation and judgement from those around them for simply being themselves, with the 6 members only appearing together towards the end of the song. The video and song together paint a clear picture for Rebel Heart as a release - people around you may judge you for being who you are, but you are perfect as yourself. Don’t let others' lack of empathy change you, as you will find people who empathise with your struggles, and together you will become united, or as IVE put it “we are rebels, we are one”.

‘Flu’ is the second track on IVE Empathy, and upon first listen I felt it didn’t fit the idea I created for IVE Empathy, a seemingly upbeat romance song which was between Rebel Heart and You Wanna Cry, two of the songs I found the most emotional on the album. Upon reading the lyrics, my opinion changed. Flu presented an idea of empathy I never even considered - hyper-empathy. Flu’s upbeat personality is contrasted by lyrics depicting a toxic relationship, with lyrics such as “I’m in pain because of you, I guess this is love” and “You’re sweet, but your tone is so cool” throughout the song. If you have too much love, too much consideration, too much empathy for someone who doesn’t deserve it, it will only hurt you in the end.

Following on from Flu is ‘You Wanna Cry’ - my personal favourite B-side from the album. You Wanna Cry is a modern rock style song which discusses the idea of empathy we all know best, being understanding of others feelings and why they feel the way they do. Lyrics such as “You wanna cry? I’ll stay still,” “You can cry in my small embrace”, and “Cry all you want. You can cry in my arms” paint a clear story of being empathetic towards someone going through a difficult situation. Instead of offering advice or saying to not cry while at your lowest, sometimes people desire the comfort of another person while letting out your emotions without the fear of being seen differently. The bridge is where the song reaches its peak, repeating lyrics such as “You’re not alone forever” and “I’m gonna love forever” like a mantra, repeating comforting words to reassure someone that they won’t be criticised for having difficulties in life, that it’s okay to seek your own comfort when required. 

The fourth track ‘Thank U’ follows, and with lyrics by member Liz for the first time, and was once again an incredible addition to the track list. While initially seeming like a fan song with the lyric “Hope you’ll cherish the six of us forever,” it seems to also be a song towards the IVE members themselves. IVE have had high highs and low lows throughout their 3 year career, and this song seems to discuss letting go of the damage of the lows, saying “I tell myself from yesterday, thank you” and “The current me exists thanks to you.” IVE acknowledge the lack of empathy others had towards them, but instead of looking back on these times in a negative light, they look back and realise this negativity shaped them into the people of today, saying thank you for their growth. IVE empathise with themselves, acknowledging that every part of your life, both positive and negative, helps create the person you are today.

The fifth track is the title track of the album ‘Attitude,’ and is written by member Wonyoung. Attitude follows the message of many IVE songs prior, to love yourself. Attitude exudes confidence, completely disregarding those who dislike them because “I’m that girl, I’m that attitude.” Attitude works perfectly as a title track, not only for being a dance song filled with catchy hooks, but because on an album filled with acknowledging empathy it is important to remember to be empathetic towards yourself first. Lyrics such as “my emotions flow a little differently”, “my messy hair so pretty” and “no matter what anyone says, I like who I am” enforce the idea that, no matter what anyone else deems as different, the only opinion that truly matters is your own. The song being written by Wonyoung is extra impactful as she herself often faces scrutiny - even for eating a strawberry - so lyrics such as “Even if I stumble, luck is always on my side” sells the story of what they’re saying, you believe in their confidence. The music video assists in presenting this idea through a loveless society, where the members defy the expectations and act how they want. Background actors are used to depict others' opinions, but the IVE members simply don’t acknowledge them. Attitude is a quintessential IVE title track, and it does its job perfectly. 

Closing off the album is ‘TKO,’ and what a hell of a final song it is. TKO, to put it simply, is a diss song to the haters. If anyone needed to make this song, it was IVE, especially after their mass hate received during 2022. If ‘Flu’ discusses hyper-empathy, then TKO talks about the lack of empathy they received, and the lack of empathy they will give to those who dislike and harassed them in return. Lyrics such as “Stop being naive, You'll gеt hurt” or “Hello haters, Imma blow you a kiss” are clear clap backs, and presents the apathy not only of the members themselves, but also how they have become this way due to the haters, they are taking a stand against those who unnecessarily criticise them. However, presenting this stand as a TKO sends the message that, just like having too much empathy, having too little empathy can also be harmful. 

IVE Empathy was an incredible first listen sonically, but became much better once I read the lyrics. Since my first listen, the album has only gotten better and better, becoming my favourite IVE album thus far. IVE Empathy is filled with the positives and negatives that come with life, the judgement we face, but also the people we meet and can get comfort in. Above all else, IVE Empathy as a body of work tells us to simply be ourselves, we will eventually find those who will empathise with us.