CLC sings 'No' to beauty standards in latest album, but really?

CLC members perform “Show” at a press showcase to unveil their eighth mini album “No.1” at Blue Square hall in Seoul, Wednesday. Courtesy of Cube Entertainment

By Kwak Yeon-soo

K-pop girl group CLC dropped its eighth mini album “No.1” fronted by the single “No,” Wednesday, this time revealing a chic, elegant concept full of glam looks.

The album title refers to the group's ambition to rise to No.1 in the K-pop scene and “No” being the first track of the record, according to members.

This is the group's first outing since unveiling “Black Dress” in February 2018. During their one-year hiatus as a group, the members have been busying in a number of individual activities, appearing on various reality shows, drama series, and member Elkie launching a solo career.

“No,” composed by rapper Soyeon of rookie girl group (G)I-DLE, is a dance song with dynamic bass lines, with lyrics talking about rebelling against beauty standards. “Red lip No/ Earrings No/ High heels No/ Handbag No,” CLC members sing.

However, the “self-positivity” theme of the song contradicts the entire album concept, as the members were clad in sexy red and black outfits, wearing high heels, red lipstick and earrings at the press showcase.

Regarding members' sassy looks that contradict the song's message, Yeeun explained “Some verses saying no to beauty standards are meant to deliver a message that staying true to oneself is important.”

She cut short an answer to the question asking if the song was meant to support the “escape the corset” movement, which has gained a wide momentum in Korea.

Four other tracks include a vibrant electro-pop “Show,” R&B pop “Breakdown,” “Like It,” accompanied by powerful, addictive rap beats, and “I Need U,” an all-English song featuring tropical house rhythms.

A teaser image of CLC's new album “No.1” Courtesy of Cube Entertainment

As the group's name derived from an expression “crystal clear” suggests, the seven-member girl group has always put forth clear concepts as they tried different takes on musical genres.

The girls moved away from an initial bubbly concept to pursue a girl crush image, which could be seen in their EDM-trap single “Hobgoblin” from the fifth mini-album “Crystyle” (2017). With the aforementioned single, the group marked its first appearance on the Billboard World Digital Song Sales and World Albums charts.

Making a statement with “No,” the members expressed their wish to show the diverse charms of individual members, demonstrating more charisma than ever.

Seunghee said “We would like to meet both domestic and international fans more often this year. That is why we recorded 'I Need U' in English.”

CLC initially debuted as a five-member group with first album “First Love” in March 2015, with members Yeeun, Seungyeon, Yujin, Seunghee and Sorn. Eunbin and Elkie later joined the group in May 2016.