Yesterday, MAMAMOO returned with their 10th mini-album titled TRAVEL, and I’m super excited about this comeback. I enjoyed their pre-release single, “Dingga”. It was a fun/refreshing song + an excellent dance number. Now, this new album has five songs, including the title track “AYA”. The teasers looked spooky and fierce, so I am ready to have a good time with this review. 

(Please note – this is a real-time review, meaning I am typing down my exact thoughts while listening to each song.)

Reaction to Title Track/MV:

• The intro instruments are giving me Arabian vibes.
• I adore the colour scheme for this music video. It looks very grand.
• Whoever styles Mamamoo is a beast. They always look good!!! + each member has a nice touch of their individuality in all outfits.
• Vocals are on point, as expected. I love the growling effect they used at specific points in the song.
• I am enjoying the rhythmic guitar and deep drumbeats in the background. Once again, all these elements add to the majestic vibe of this song.
• The production on this track is superb, and the MV is beautiful, but I’m still not fully into the song.
• The choreography is good, and they’re really in sync with the dancers.
• Moonbyul’s flow always gives me life. She is bae.
• Wheein with that bedazzled Fedora hat is a whole queen vibe. The outfits in this music video are stunning.
• Okay, I certainly was not expecting such a switch up at the end, but that section was still fire.
• Overall, “AYA” is a good song because the production is incredible. However, I can’t confidently say that I love it. I need more time with this song.

Album Review:

Highlight medley –

1. Travel – Oh, I wasn’t expecting such a pop-ish sound. The deep drumbeats and their voices make such a smooth/beautiful blend. I was skeptical at first, but I love this song. Once again, Moonbyul is blessing my ears with her exceptional rapping skills, + she’s also singing. “Travel” is a groove, such a great dance track. They all sound so good; I LOVE IT!!! Once again, beautiful production.
2. AYA – Third time listening, let’s see if it grows on me. Okay, it does pack a better punch this time around, so I will come to enjoy it even more with each replay.
3. Chuck – Wow, I adore the instrumental on this song. I don’t know the technical terms for the beats or instruments used, but this track sounds super funky. I love the melody + the vocal mix is excellent. The one constant thing that keeps impressing on this album is the production. I’m living for every second of this quality. I think “Chuck” might be my favourite so far. Mamamoo is blessing me with smooth vocals and raps. This song is A CERTIFIED BOP!
4. Diamond – Wait a minute, this record keeps getting better towards the end. I foresee another bop. The instrumental on this one is entrancing, + the sultry vocals are so soothing. Yessss!!! This song is a whole vibe, and I am enjoying every second of it. Moonbyul keeps coming for my neck this era, and I’m not complaining because sis is serving. “Diamond” is on a superb sultry goddess level.
5. Good Night – I love the cricket sounds for the intro. It gives off a nice serene feeling. This song also starts with some keys, and by now, most people know that the piano is one of my favourite instruments. “Good Night” is a sweet soft song to close things off. It still has a faint upbeat rhythm to it, which blends well with the album’s theme. The vocal runs and layering on this track are lovely.

Here is the album on Spotify:

Final Thoughts:

I admit that after listening to “AYA”, I wasn’t too confident, but I stand corrected now. I should have remembered that MAMAMOO always comes correct. I love this record, and I came to appreciate the title track more after hearing the full body of work. THE PRODUCTION ON THIS RECORD!!! THE QUALITY, I LOVE IT. The vocals, instruments, down to the beats and layering, each element came together so perfectly. The music video for “AYA” is also very visually pleasing, + the ladies looked beautiful in every shot.

MAMAMOO’s 10th mini-album – TRAVEL, gets a solid 10/10 from me. I genuinely enjoyed reviewing this album.