It'z Me

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It'z Me
Digital cover
EP by
Itzy
ReleasedMarch 9, 2020 (2020-03-09)
Recorded2019–2020
StudioJYPE Studios
Genre
Length21:27
Language
  • Korean
  • English
Label
Itzy chronology
It'z Icy
(2019) 		It'z Me
(2020) 		Not Shy
(2020)
Singles from It'z Me
  1. "Wannabe"
    Released: March 9, 2020
Physical edition cover
Versions 1–3, left to right

It'z Me (stylized as IT'z ME) is the second Korean extended play by the South Korean girl group Itzy released on March 9, 2020, by JYP Entertainment. It features 7 tracks, including "Wannabe", the lead single from the EP. The physical release is available in three versions: IT'z, ME and WANNABE.[1] It is their first Korean material since the release of It'z Icy in July 2019. It'z Me features a collaboration with Dutch DJ and electronic music producer Oliver Heldens. It was produced by Galactika, Oak Felder, Oliver Heldens, earattack, Shim Eunji, Collapsedone, Jin by Jin, SOPHIE and KASS. Musically, it is a K-pop record that contains influences of dance, hip hop[2] and rock.[3]

It'z Me debuted at number one on the Gaon Album Chart, moving 126,000 units in its first month. It also debuted at number five on the US Billboard World Albums chart. The album received generally positive reviews from critics, who commended Itzy's overall sound becoming harder and featuring more electronic productions.

Background and release[edit]

"ITZY finished filming the music video for their comeback ahead of their showcase tour in the United States. The exact timing of their comeback is undecided."

— JYP Entertainment shared to Xportsnews.[4]

On January 28, 2020, it was reported that Itzy had finished filming their music video for a new song and are in the final stages of comeback preparations.[5] It was also revealed that Itzy will return with new music in spring. On February 13, News1 reported that ITZY are in the final stages of preparation to make a comeback on March 9. In the response to the article, JYP Entertainment commented: “It is true that they are preparing to make a comeback with March 9 in mind. The date will be announced once it is confirmed.”[6] It'z Me is Itzy's third 'It'z' series following It'z Different and It'z Icy. The EP was released on March 9, 2020, through several music portals including iTunes.

Music and composition[edit]

At seven tracks, It'z Me is the longest EP in Itzy's catalogue. The album's overall sound becomes harder and it features also more electronic productions.[7] Musically, It'z Me is a K-pop record that contains influences of dance, hip hop and rock and continues to show the girl group exploring new areas in the K-pop scene and carving out their own musical identity.

The lead single from the album, "Wannabe", employs a churning combo of house and hip-hop/pop production for the girls to mix in a bubblegum-pop melodies and proclaim create a confident beat for the girls to get down to.[2] It was written and produced by Galactika, who also helmed their debut track "Dalla Dalla". Itzy's collaboration with Heldens, “Ting Ting Ting” is a "rowdy-yet-fierce EDM cut" that sends forth swarming determination and courage. "That's a No No" has the loudest beat which complements the powerful raps and vocals of the members. "Nobody Like You" is a rock song, is about someone who establishes an admiration for someone. "You Make Me" clamors curiosity for someone whom she developed feelings with and made her speechless. "I Don't Wanna Dance" is a song with EDM elements. The song possesses party vibe with a distinguishable repetitive lyrics. "24Hrs" is a "quirky-pop stomper" that indicates the girls’ full existence for “24 Hrs”. The song also claims their freedom and self-determination to what comes their way.[3]

Man smiling
Oliver Heldens co-produced "Ting Ting Ting".

Promotion[edit]

On February 18, the first group teaser was released.[8] The next day the second group teaser was revealed.[9] Itzy then unveiled the third group teaser photo on February 20.[10] On February 23, Yeji's teaser posters were revealed.[11] On the following day, individual teaser photos of Lia were dropped.[12] Ryujin's teaser posters were revealed on February 25.[13] Chaeryeong’'s teaser posters were revealed the next day.[14] Yuna's teaser posters were finally revealed on February 27.[15] On the first day of March, the official tracklist of the album was revealed.[16] The music video teasers were released on March 4 and March 5.[17][18]

Singles[edit]

"Wannabe" was released on March 9, 2020, as the lead single from the album.[2] On the same day, the music video of the song was released on YouTube.[19] The music video was directed by the Naive Creative Production. Within 24 hours, the music video accumulated over 11 million views and has, as of April 2020, accumulated more than 100 million views on the platform making their fastest music video to reach that. Commercially, the single reached the charts in eight countries, peaking at number six in South Korea. The song also debuted at number 4 on the US World Digital Song Sales chart. It also became the group's first top-five entry since "Dalla Dalla" and their third top-ten entry overall, respectively.[20] In New Zealand the song peaked at number 22 on the Hot Singles chart.[21] In Japan "Wannabe" debuted and peaked at number 23, making it their highest peak on that chart.[22] "Wannabe" also marks the group's debut on the Canadian Hot 100 at number 92, becoming only the seventh K-pop female act to appear on the chart (after CL, Red Velvet and Twice). The song topped the charts in Malaysia and Singapore, becoming their first number-one song on both charts.[23][24]

Live performances[edit]

Itzy promoted the album and its songs on several live performances. On March 12, 2020, the group made the debut performance of 'Wannabe" on M Countdown.[25] On March 13, they performed the song on Music Bank.[26] Itzy performed the song again on Show! Music Core on March 14.[27] On March 15, Itzy performed the song on Inkigayo.[28] On March 20, the song was again performed on Music Bank.[29] On April 4, Itzy performed the song on Show! Music Core.[30] On April 6, they performed "Wannabe" once again on Inkigayo.[31]

Critical reception[edit]

Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
IZM[32]
Billboardfavorable[33]

Writing for IZM Kim Do-heon was mixed in his review, praising "The five members of Yeji, Lia, Ryujin, Chaeryeong, and Yuna in Wannabe's refrain, I don't wanna be somebody / Just wanna be me Exclaim. Contrary to intention, however, there are traces of numerous' Wannabe 'like the song title at this point where the members' voices are gathered together. JYP's unique and vibrant image is gathered in a combination of two-one-one melody and refrain of metal guitar riff, five-member composition and vocal operation overlapping Blackpink and Red Velvet, and inherited from Miss A and Twice."[32]

Writing for Billboard, Jeff Benjamin said that "Itzy continue their string of empowering and confident singles with the most striking difference in It'z Me coming from the group's overall sound becoming harder and featuring more electronic productions."

Commercial performance[edit]

"Wannabe" debuted at number 6 on the Gaon Digital Chart, giving the group their third top ten song.[34] The song debuted at number 4 on the US World Digital Song Sales chart. It also became the group's first top-five entry since "Dalla Dalla" and their third top-ten entry overall, respectively.[20] In New Zealand the song peaked at number 22 on the Hot Singles chart.[21] In Japan "Wannabe" debuted and peaked at number 23, making it their highest peak on that chart.[22] "Wannabe" also marks the group's debut on the Canadian Hot 100 at number 92, becoming only the fifth K-pop female act to appear on the chart. The song topped the charts in Malaysia and Singapore, becoming their first number-one song on both charts.[23][24]

On March 21, It'z Me debuted and peaked at number 5 on the US Billboard World Albums chart, but did not make an impact on the Billboard Heatseekers Albums.[35] According to Hanteo, the album went on to sell over 34,000 physical copies on the first day of availability, selling twice as many copies as It'z Icy.[citation needed] The extended play also debuted atop the Gaon Weekly Album Chart, becoming their first number one album in the country.[36] It has also debuted and peaked at number 27 in Poland, marking it their first ever appearance on a European chart.

Track listing[edit]

It'z Me track listing
No.TitleLyricsMusicArrangementLength
1."Wannabe"GalactikaGalactikaTeam Galactika3:12
2."Ting Ting Ting" (with Oliver Heldens)
  • Oak Felder
  • Oliver Heldens[37]
3:39
3."That's a No No"
  • Shim Eunji
  • KASS
3:00
4."Nobody Like You"
  • Lee Woo-min ‘Collapsedone’
  • Josh Record
  • Andrew Bullimore
Lee Woo-min ‘Collapsedone’[39]3:17
5."You Make Me"
  • Lee Seu-ran
  • earattack
  • Miranda Glory Inzunza
  • earattack
  • Miranda Glory Inzunza
  • Matthew Ferree
3:03
6."I Don't Wanna Dance"
  • JQ (제이큐)
  • makeumine works (정세희)
Jin by Jin[41]3:09
7."24Hrs"Penomeco
SOPHIE[42]2:07
Total length:21:27

Charts[edit]

Weekly sales chart performance for It'z Me
Chart (2020) Peak
position
Japanese Albums (Oricon)[43] 13
Japan Hot Albums (Billboard Japan)[44] 37
Polish Albums (ZPAV)[45] 27
South Korean Albums (Gaon)[36] 1
US World Albums (Billboard)[35] 5
Monthly sales chart performance for It'z Me
Chart (2020) Peak
position
South Korea (Gaon Album Chart)[46] 4

Certifications and sales figures[edit]

Sales certifiations and figures for It'z Me
Region Certification Certified units/sales
Japan — 10,386[47]
South Korea — 198,251[48]
United States — 2,000[7]

Release history[edit]

Release formats for It'z Me
Region Date Format Label Ref.
South Korea March 9, 2020
Various Digital download, streaming [49]

See also[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^ "ITZY RELEASES TEASERS FOR UPCOMING ALBUM "IT'Z ME"". myx.abs-cbn. Retrieved March 7, 2019.
  2. ^ a b c "Itzy Embrace Who They Really 'Wannabe' in New Self-Love Video: Watch". Billboard. Retrieved 2020-03-09.
  3. ^ a b "K-Pop Comeback Spotlight: ITZY's 2nd Mini Album "IT'z ME"". Hellokpop. Retrieved 2020-03-09.
  4. ^ Kim, Ye-na. "JYP 측 "ITZY 신곡 뮤비 촬영 완료, 컴백 시기는 미정" [공식입장]". Xports News (in Korean). Retrieved March 11, 2019 – via Naver.
  5. ^ Jung, Ji-won. "[단독]ITZY, 올 봄 가요계 컴백…신곡 MV 촬영 완료". JoyNews24 (in Korean). Retrieved March 11, 2019.
  6. ^ Hwang, Mi-hyun (February 13, 2020). "[단독] 있지(ITZY), 3월9일 컴백 확정…괴물 신인 출격". News1 (in Korean). Retrieved April 24, 2020 – via Naver.
  7. ^ a b "ITZY Score First Top 5 on World Albums Chart With 'It'z Me'". Billboard. Retrieved 2020-03-19.
  8. ^ "ITZY <IT'z ME> TEASER IMAGE". Itzy. February 18, 2020. Retrieved March 10, 2020 – via Twitter.
  9. ^ "ITZY <IT'z ME> TEASER IMAGE". Itzy. February 19, 2020. Retrieved March 10, 2020 – via Twitter.
  10. ^ "ITZY <IT'z ME> TEASER IMAGE". Itzy. February 20, 2020. Retrieved March 10, 2020 – via Twitter.
  11. ^ "ITZY <IT'z ME> TEASER IMAGE". Itzy. February 23, 2020. Retrieved March 10, 2020 – via Twitter.
  12. ^ "ITZY <IT'z ME> TEASER IMAGE". Itzy. February 23, 2020. Retrieved March 10, 2020 – via Twitter.
  13. ^ "ITZY <IT'z ME> TEASER IMAGE". Itzy. February 25, 2020. Retrieved March 10, 2020 – via Twitter.
  14. ^ "ITZY <IT'z ME> TEASER IMAGE". Itzy. February 26, 2020. Retrieved March 10, 2020 – via Twitter.
  15. ^ "ITZY <IT'z ME> TEASER IMAGE". Itzy. February 27, 2020. Retrieved March 10, 2020 – via Twitter.
  16. ^ "ITZY <IT'z ME> TRACK LIST". Itzy. March 1, 2020. Retrieved March 10, 2020 – via Twitter.
  17. ^ "ITZY "WANNABE" M/V TEASER". Itzy. March 4, 2020. Retrieved March 10, 2020 – via Twitter.
  18. ^ "ITZY "WANNABE" M/V TEASER". Itzy. March 5, 2020. Retrieved March 10, 2020 – via Twitter.
  19. ^ "ITZY "WANNABE" M/V". JYP Entertainment. March 9, 2020. Retrieved April 2, 2020 – via YouTube.
  20. ^ a b "World Digital Song Sales". Billboard. March 21, 2020. Retrieved March 17, 2020.
  21. ^ a b "NZ Hot Singles Chart". Recorded Music NZ. Retrieved March 17, 2020.
  22. ^ a b "Hot 100 (2020/03/23 付け)". Billboard Japan (in Japanese). Retrieved March 19, 2020.
  23. ^ a b "Top 20 Most Streamed International & Domestic Singles In Malaysia". Recording Industry Association of Malaysia. Recording Industry Association of Malaysia. Retrieved March 30, 2020.
  24. ^ a b "RIAS International Top Charts Week 12". Recording Industry Association (Singapore). Archived from the original on March 28, 2020.
  25. ^ "[ITZY - WANNABE] Comeback Stage M COUNTDOWN 200312 EP.656". Mnet K-pop. March 12, 2020. Retrieved March 17, 2020 – via YouTube.
  26. ^ "WANNABE(워너비) - ITZY(있지) [뮤직뱅크/Music Bank] 20200313". Kbs K-pop. March 13, 2020. Retrieved March 19, 2020 – via YouTube.
  27. ^ "[쇼! 음악중심] 있지 -WANNABE (ITZY -WANNABE) 20200314". MBCkpop. March 14, 2020. Retrieved March 17, 2020 – via YouTube.
  28. ^ "ITZY - WANNABE [SBS Inkigayo Ep 1039]". Inkigayo. March 19, 2020. Retrieved March 19, 2020 – via YouTube.
  29. ^ "ITZY - WANNABE [Music Bank / 2020.03.20]". Music Bank. March 20, 2020. Retrieved April 26, 2020 – via YouTube.
  30. ^ "[쇼! 음악중심] 있지 -워너비 (ITZY -WANNABE) 20200404". Show Music Core. April 4, 2020. Retrieved April 26, 2020 – via YouTube.
  31. ^ "ITZY - WANNABE [SBS Inkigayo Ep 1042]". Show Music Core. April 6, 2020. Retrieved April 26, 2020 – via YouTube.
  32. ^ a b Kim Do-heon. "It'z Me". IZM (in Korean). Retrieved April 21, 2020.
  33. ^ Benjamin, Jeff (March 18, 2020). "ITZY Score First Top 5 on World Albums Chart With 'It'z Me'". Billboard. Retrieved April 21, 2020.
  34. ^ "Digital Chart – Week 11 of 2020". Gaon Chart (in Korean). Retrieved March 19, 2020.
  35. ^ a b "World Albums – March 21, 2019". Billboard. Retrieved March 17, 2020.
  36. ^ a b "Gaon Album Chart – Week 11, 2020". Gaon Chart (in Korean). Retrieved March 19, 2020.
  37. ^ "ITZY – Ting Ting Ting (with Oliver Heldens) Lyrics". iLyricsBuz. Retrieved March 13, 2019.
  38. ^ "'ITZY – THAT'S A NO NO Lyrics'". iLyricsBuz. Retrieved March 13, 2019.
  39. ^ "ITZY – NOBODY LIKE YOU Lyrics". iLyricsBuz. Retrieved March 13, 2019.
  40. ^ "ITZY – You Make Me Lyrics". iLyricsBuz. Retrieved March 13, 2019.
  41. ^ "ITZY – You Make Me Lyrics". iLyricsBuz. Retrieved March 13, 2019.
  42. ^ "ITZY – 24Hrs Lyrics". iLyricsBuz. Retrieved March 13, 2019.
  43. ^ "Oricon Top 50 Albums: 2020-03-23" (in Japanese). Oricon. Retrieved March 18, 2020.
  44. ^ "Hot Albums (2020/03/23)". Billboard Japan (in Japanese). Retrieved March 18, 2020.
  45. ^ "Oficjalna lista sprzedaży :: OLiS - Official Retail Sales Chart". OLiS. Polish Society of the Phonographic Industry. Retrieved April 9, 2020.
  46. ^ "2020년 03월 Digital Chart" [Digital Chart – March 2020] (in Korean). Gaon Digital Chart. Retrieved April 21, 2020.
  47. ^ 月間 アルバムランキング 2020年03月度 [Monthly Album Chart 2020/03]. Oricon (in Japanese). Archived from the original on April 8, 2020. Retrieved May 2, 2020.
  48. ^ Total sales for It'z Me: 153,037 (2020) + 30,189 (2021) + 15,025 (2022)
    • 2020년 Album Chart [2020 Album Chart]. Gaon Music Chart (in Korean). Korea Music Content Association. Archived from the original on January 8, 2021. Retrieved February 10, 2021.
    • 2021년 12월 Album Chart [December 2021 Album Chart]. Gaon Music Chart (in Korean). Korea Music Content Association. Archived from the original on January 6, 2022. Retrieved January 6, 2022.
    • "2022.06 Album Chart". Circle Music Chart. Korea Music Content Association. Archived from the original on July 7, 2022. Retrieved July 7, 2022.
  49. ^ "It'z Me". iTunes. Apple Inc. Archived from the original on March 9, 2020. Retrieved March 9, 2020.
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