Whiplash is the fifth mini album by aespa. It was released on October 21, 2024 with "Whiplash" serving as the album's title track.
The physical versions comes in 19 versions: five Beat versions, five Speed versions, four individual SMini versions, four individual Limited versions, and LP.
Background
On September 23, 2024, a first teaser was released announcing the group's comeback with their fifth mini album, Whiplash, set for release October 21.[1]
Composition
"Whiplash" is described as an EDM-based dance song featuring an intense and fast-paced bass and house beat, and as it is the first techno-style song to challenge themselves since their debut, you can see aespa's limitless musical growth as they constantly challenge themselves.[2]
"Kill It" is a hip-hop dance song with catchy signature synths and gorgeous vocals, expressing a message of warning to those who criticize without a reason with strong raps and vocals, and IMLAY, a DJ and producer of SM Entertainment's dance music label ScreaM Records, participated in the composition and arrangement of the song.[3]
"Pink Hoodie" is described as a hip-hop dance song with a unique synth sound and an energetic bassline, with lyrics that wittily express the message of being confident and loving yourself for who you are.[3]
"Flights, Not Feelings" is a R&B song with a vintage yet mysterious track sound and dreamy vocals. The lyrics is about letting go of negative feelings, living freely and enjoying life.[4]
"Flowers" is described as an alternative R&B song with a sophisticated guitar riff. The lyrics compare the feeling of falling in love to flowers.[4]
"Just Another Girl" is a pop rock song with a rough guitar sound and refreshing vocals. It delivers a warning message while letting go of a betrayed lover with a refreshing heart.[4]
Commercial performance
Whiplash reached #1 on the iTunes Top Albums chart in 17 regions. It also hit #1 on the Chineses QQ Music's and KuGou Music's digital album sales charts, and the Japaneses AWA's realtime rising chart and Mora's daily foreign singles chart.[5]
Whiplash debuted at #50 on the Billboard Top 200 Albums chart.[6]
On December 12, 2024, Whiplash was certified Triple Platinum by the Korean Music Contents Association (KMCA) for reaching 750,000 copies sold via Circle Chart.[7]
On February 2, 2025, the Recording Industry Association of Japan awarded "Whiplash" a gold certification for surpassing 50 million streams in Japan.[8]
Track list
- "Whiplash" - 3:03
- "Kill It" - 3:19
- "Flights, Not Feelings" - 3:01
- "Pink Hoodie" - 2:26
- "Flowers" - 3:10
- "Just Another Girl" - 3:04
Awards
Music show wins
| Song | Music show | Date |
|---|---|---|
| "Whiplash" | Show Champion (MBC M) | October 30, 2024[9] |
| Music Bank (KBS 2TV) | November 1, 2024[10] | |
| Inkigayo (SBS) | November 17, 2024[11] | |
| December 1, 2024[12] | ||
| Show! Music Core (MBC) | November 30, 2024[13] |
Certifications
Circle Chart
| Year | Date | Certification | Units | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | December 12 | Triple Platinum | 750,000 units | [7] |
Gallery
(Beat ver.)
(Speed ver.)
(SMini ver.)
(Whiplash Limited ver.)
References
- ↑ Soompi: Watch: aespa Announces October Comeback Date With Exciting Intro Teaser For "Whiplash"
- ↑ (KR) Naver: '21일 컴백' 에스파, '쇠 맛' EDM 어떨까?…쿨하고 당당한 '위플래시'
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 (KR) Naver: 에스파, '위플래시'로 선보일 힙한 댄스 무드
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 (KR) Hankyung: 에스파, 또 흥행 시동 건다…'위플래시'로 보여줄 다채로움
- ↑ Soompi: aespa Tops iTunes Charts All Over The World With "Whiplash"
- ↑ Soompi: aespa Becomes 1st K-Pop Girl Group In Billboard 200 History To Land 6 Albums In Top 50
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 Circle Chart: Album Sales Certifications
- ↑ Soompi: TWICE, aespa, NewJeans, SEVENTEEN, And BIGBANG Earn RIAJ Platinum And Gold Certifications For Streaming In Japan
- ↑ Soompi: Watch: aespa Takes 1st Win For "Whiplash" On "Show Champion"
- ↑ Soompi: Watch: aespa Takes 2nd Win For "Whiplash" On "Music Bank"; Performances By Kep1er, THE BOYZ, And More
- ↑ Soompi: Watch: aespa Takes 3rd Win For "Whiplash" On "Inkigayo"; Performances By TXT, NCT DREAM, ATEEZ, ENHYPEN, BABYMONSTER, And More
- ↑ Soompi: Watch: aespa Takes 6th Win And Triple Crown For "Whiplash" On "Inkigayo"; Performances By Red Velvet's Irene, MEOVV, ENHYPEN, And More
- ↑ Soompi: Watch: aespa Takes 5th Win For "Whiplash" On "Music Core"; Performances By Red Velvet's Irene, izna, ENHYPEN, And More
Video links
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