New Kids: Continue
New Kids: Continue | ||||
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EP by iKON | ||||
Released | August 2, 2018 | |||
Recorded | 2018 | |||
Genre | ||||
Length | 17:18 | |||
Language | Korean | |||
Label | ||||
Producer | B.I | |||
iKON chronology | ||||
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Singles from New Kids: Continue | ||||
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New Kids: Continue is the first extended play of South Korean boy band iKON. It is the second of the group's three-part album series following the single album New Kids: Begin and later followed by their second extended play New Kids: The Final.[2] It was released by YG Entertainment on August 2, 2018.[3] The mini-album includes a total of five tracks.[4] The production of the album was handled by iKON leader B.I and YG producers.[5]
Composition
The lead single of the album, "Killing Me", was released with a music video on August 2, 2018.[6] It is described as a trap-dance track driven by wailing synths and a riotous beat.[6] The song describes the feelings after a "painful breakup". The title is inspired from the frequently used phrase "This is killing me".[7] The music video relayed the devastation described in the song lyrics through the use of flames, darkness and brightly hued sets; as well as expressive dance movements.[6]
"Freedom" was released as the second single (referred to as "sub title") of the album on August 2.[8] It is described as a rock-infused song.[9]
Promotion
iKON held a dance cover contest for the song "Killing Me", from August 20 to September 30, 2018. 3 winners were announced at the end of the contest.[10]
Reception
Commercial
In South Korea, New Kids: Continue debuted at 2 on the Gaon Album Chart.[11] In the United States, the album at No. 4 on on Billboard World Albums with about 1,000 copies sold.[12]
In South Korea, "Killing Me" debuted at 9 on the Gaon Weekly Chart.[13] The song debuted at No. 2 on Billboard's World Digital Song Chart, marking the group's best sales to date.[12]
Critical
South China Morning Post praised the diversity and wild genre shift of the album, but criticized it for following a predictable and standard pop formula.[14]
Billboard praised the title song "Killing Me", saying that “unlike most K-pop songs, it forgoes a titular earworm hook, choosing instead a more dramatic declaration.”[15]
Track listing
No. | Title | Lyrics | Music | Arrangement | Length |
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1. | "Killing Me" (죽겠다) | B.I |
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| 3:13 |
2. | "Freedom" (바람) |
|
| Millennium | 3:21 |
3. | "Only You" |
|
| Uk Jin-kang | 3:32 |
4. | "Cocktail" (칵테일) |
|
| Millennium | 3:46 |
5. | "Just for You" (줄게) | B.I |
|
| 3:21 |
Total length: | 17:00 |
Charts
Chart (2018) | Peak position |
---|---|
Japan Weekly Albums (Oricon) | 25 |
Japan Hot Albums (Billboard Japan) | 22 |
South Korean Albums (Gaon) | 2 |
United States Billboard Top Heatseekers | 15 |
United States Billboard World Albums | 4 |
Awards and nominations
Music program awards
Song | Program | Date | Ref. |
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"Killing Me" | M Countdown (Mnet) | August 9, 2018 | [16] |
Release history
Country | Date | Label(s) | Format | Ref. |
---|---|---|---|---|
Various | January 25, 2018 | YG Entertainment, Genie Music | Digital download, CD | [3] |
References
- ↑ "NEW KIDS : CONTINUE". itunes.
- ↑ "iKON completes its trilogy project : 'New Kids:Continue' is third EP for the popular boy band in 15 months". Korea JoongAng Daily. August 6, 2018.
- 1 2 "iKON to return with new album next month". Kpop Herald. July 17, 2018.
- ↑ "iKON Releases Official Tracklist for Upcoming Album "New Kids Continue"". Mwave. July 23, 2018.
- ↑ "iKON – 'NEW KIDS:CONTINUE' TRACKLIST". YG Life. July 27, 2018.
- 1 2 3 "iKON Makes a Dramatic Return With Haunting New Single 'Killing Me'". Billboard. August 2, 2018.
- ↑ "iKon explains meaning behind new single 'Killing Me'". Kpop Herald. August 2, 2018.
- ↑ "'Comeback D-7' iKON Reveals Teaser Poster for Sub Title Song 'FREEDOM'". YG Life. July 26, 2018.
- ↑ "iKON aims to repeat viral success with new album". Yonhap News. August 2, 2018.
- ↑ "3 winners announced for iKON dance cover contest". Kpop Herald. October 4, 2018.
- ↑ "2018년 32주차 Album Chart" [Album Chart – Week 32 of 2018 (New Kids: Continue] (in Korean). Gaon Music Chart. Retrieved October 5, 2018.
- 1 2 "iKON Hit New Peak on World Digital Song Sales Chart With 'Killing Me'". Billboard. August 9, 2018.
- ↑ "2018년 32주차 Digital Chart" (in Korean). Gaon Music Chart.
- ↑ "'New Kids: Continue' by iKon is underbaked, but worth a listen [Review]". South China Morning Post. August 12, 2018.
- ↑ "iKON's 'Killing Me' earns Billboard's praise, tops iTunes charts in 24 countries". Kpop Herald. August 3, 2018.
- ↑ "iKON Tops 'M Countdown' with the Song 'KILLING ME'… 'Overwhelming Performance in Music Charts'". YG Life. August 10, 2018.