This is my single album review of Le Sserafim’s latest work.
Le Sserafim made on October 24th their very first single album comeback! We’ve got two singles that mirror each other, both have the typical Le Sserafim south and contain a deeper meaning. The two tracks complete is the answer to 2024 when the group found themselves in the middle of an ugly storm. Honestly there were too many things happening all at once, what stood out was the HYBE-ADOR feud that broke out. Le Sserafim was dragged into the narrative and had to exist under a microscope. Hate started to snowball in ways that were so incredibly big that the group turned off the comment section on most platforms. Only well over a year later they turned it back on.
Taking control
This single album is a powerful comeback that contains the sound of artists who’ve moved past grief, past defense, and into their own peace. With “Spaghetti” reflecting the chaos of being consumed by the public and “Pearlies” reflecting gratitude for the ones who stayed. The mini-album “HOT” was made when the heat was still on, but “Spaghetti” is what they serve now, bon appétit!
During multiple interviews Yunjin mentioned that this single album, in particular the song “Spaghetti”, was her idea. While Le Sserafim was still deep into their promotions for their last mini-album “HOT” Yunjin was already thinking about what’s next. She started developing the idea and presenting it to the company.
“Spaghetti” is for sure the start of a new phase in Le Sserafim’s career since they are the ones who are slowly gaining more control of their artistry. The members have always been involved with producing and writing, but this time around they are taking control of everything.
“Spaghetti”
For the music video opener we’re at a studio perfection set design that leans into satire. After multiple angles of the studio a food truck comes crashing in that signals: We’re not waiting for permission. We serve whenever and wherever we want. The disruption isn’t edgy for the sake of it, it’s practical. When a room is closed off, make cracks and holes so you can air out whatever needs to be let out and get new stuff in. Basically saying: You can’t get enough.
“Spaghetti” stuck between your teeth is a funny image, but it’s also exactly how attention works. A hater is the one who talks the most trash, reacts and hates watches, but at the end of the day it’s all consumption. In other words, they’re still poking at the last noodle.
The group plays with the idea that taste and memory are linked. Even if you try a dish once, you will start comparing everything else to it and still go back for seconds.
Instead of clapping back, Le Sserafim framed the whole situation as goofy. You want to be a food critic? Cool, then also lick the plate. The song sidesteps moral lecturers and shows the loop. This creates a balance of being pointed but unserious at the same time.
Whatever I’m cookin’, I’m like a star
I’ll cook any course you want
I’m the main character in your kind of drama
Your guilty pleasure, your high-calorie Hershey chocolate
A tarot that shakes you, the flavor you savor
Okay now, from hater to believer, brr
J-Hope’s verse flips the perspective. In general people are going to write fictional versions of you anyway, and you can lean in and headline their plot. Because while they are out building narratives, Le Ssserafim might as well run the genre. One day the Fimmies will be the hero, the next day the villain before going back to the redemption arc. So the girls are cooking any genre you want, but it doesn’t mean they are whatever you say.
The kitchen metaphor is perfect because it turns criticism into appetite. Whatever you say or ask for courses, Le Sserafim keeps serving and your request is proof you’re still here. However, it are the Fimmies who control the menu, they serve what they want. The song says with this: Let’s get real here, you will like it anyway.
The result is a track that is goofy, but said with a smirk and no care for defense. Basically, “Spaghetti” is a diss track without debris.
Pearlies (My Oyster Is the World)
The second track switches the audience. It isn’t for everyone watching, it’s for the community that stayed. The tempo relaxes and even the language use changes. Where “Spaghetti” is a public statement, “Pearlies” is an inside conversation.
What is real?, is the wellknown, by fans at least, question Yunjin asked staff during the storm of 2024. They even sing about the specific storm that truly shook the Fimmies.
Hurt like a bitch but baby, we’re alive
Rocks on my neck and they’re one of a kind
Pearls in my mind, worth more than diamonds
What is part of the performance and what is real? Le Sserafim chose to get rid of the strong posture because surviving isn’t glamorous. It’s just waking up and doing the reps. Again and again. They don’t overshare neither is there martyr energy. They have found their calmness.
‘The world is my oyster’ started out as the Fimmies debut slogan. It is about going out and taking things on. After three and half years with the girls we got the update ‘my oyster is the world’. They way how Le Sserafim sees themselves and how they want to show up changed, it’s a result of time and pressure.
As time goes by, I finally understand
Pearls were never meant to be owned
They’re like wisdom, building within
I’ma be real, I think you’re all I need
No matter what waves crash in again
Don’t forget, we are the sea itself
Every moment was real, all of it
Me and my girlies, gettin’ our pearlies
As the sea itself, waves are expected, but we are going to make pearls out of it. And that is how the oyster is now their world. The songs on this single album compliment each other while being mirrors at the same time, one can’t go without the other one. The lyrics read like acceptance, the last stage of grief. They won’t forget what happened, but instead of living in spite, they are busy building their world.
Love,
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