What is Love? – TWICE
Released in 2018, TWICE’s “What is Love?” is a vibrant and catchy pop anthem that captures the excitement and confusion of young love. As one of the standout tracks from their fifth extended play (EP), the song quickly became a fan favorite, solidifying TWICE’s status as one of the leading girl groups in K-pop. The accompanying music video further amplifies the song’s playful spirit and endearing themes, making it a visual treat for audiences around the world.
Musical Composition
“What is Love?” is characterized by its upbeat tempo and infectious melody, showcasing TWICE’s signature sound. The track combines elements of pop and dance music with a touch of retro flair, making it both contemporary and nostalgic. The song opens with a catchy synth riff that sets an energetic tone, immediately drawing listeners in.
The production is polished, featuring bright instrumentals and a lively beat that invites dancing. Each member’s vocals shine throughout the song, showcasing their individual strengths while harmonizing beautifully. The chorus is particularly memorable, with its catchy hook that repeats the question, “What is love?” This simple yet profound inquiry resonates with listeners, reflecting the universal experience of navigating romantic feelings.
Lyrically, “What is Love?” explores the myriad emotions associated with love, from excitement and curiosity to confusion and longing. The lyrics are relatable, tapping into the innocent feelings of young love and the desire to understand what it truly means. The song’s overall tone is playful and light-hearted, inviting listeners to join in the exploration of love’s complexities.
The Music Video
The official music video for “What is Love?” is a visual feast that complements the song’s themes perfectly. Directed by the talented Naive, the video features colorful sets, whimsical costumes, and delightful choreography that captures the essence of youthful romance. The narrative unfolds in a series of charming vignettes, each showcasing different interpretations of love, inspired by classic films and fairy tales.
From the very beginning, the video immerses viewers in a world filled with imagination and fantasy. TWICE members embody various characters, drawing inspiration from iconic films such as Romeo and Juliet, The Notebook, and Pride and Prejudice. This playful homage to cinematic love stories adds depth to the visual narrative, allowing fans to appreciate both the music and the storytelling.
The choreography is dynamic and engaging, with synchronized dance moves that highlight the group’s chemistry and energy. The dance sequences are expertly crafted, enhancing the song’s lively feel and encouraging fans to join in. The members’ expressive movements convey the joy and excitement of young love, making the performance even more captivating.
Themes of Innocence and Exploration
At its core, “What is Love?” is a celebration of youthful innocence and the journey of discovering romantic feelings. The song encapsulates the curiosity and wonder that often accompany first crushes and infatuations. TWICE’s approach to these themes is refreshing, as they present love as an adventure filled with uncertainty and excitement rather than solely focusing on heartbreak or serious relationships.
The recurring question in the lyrics—”What is love?”—serves as a reminder of the complexities that come with romance. It highlights the idea that love is not just a single emotion but a multifaceted experience that can vary greatly from person to person. By framing the inquiry in a playful manner, TWICE invites listeners to reflect on their own experiences and feelings, making the song relatable on a personal level.
Reception and Impact
Upon its release, “What is Love?” quickly garnered widespread acclaim from fans and critics alike. The song topped charts in South Korea and internationally, and its catchy hook led to numerous covers and dance challenges across social media platforms. The music video also achieved impressive view counts, breaking records and further solidifying TWICE’s place in the K-pop landscape.
Critics praised TWICE for their ability to convey youthful exuberance while addressing the theme of love in a light-hearted manner. The combination of catchy melodies, engaging visuals, and relatable lyrics resonated with a broad audience, appealing to both dedicated fans and newcomers to the genre.
Moreover, “What is Love?” contributed to the ongoing evolution of K-pop, as artists increasingly explored themes of innocence, empowerment, and personal growth. TWICE’s ability to connect with listeners through their music and visuals has helped pave the way for future girl groups in the industry.
Cultural Significance
“What is Love?” holds cultural significance in the context of K-pop and beyond. It reflects a growing trend within the genre to address themes of love and relationships with a sense of playfulness and exploration. By portraying love as a joyful adventure, TWICE encourages fans to embrace their feelings and experiences, fostering a positive narrative around romance.
The song also emphasizes the importance of self-discovery in the journey of love. As listeners navigate their own relationships, TWICE’s exploration of the complexities of love serves as a comforting reminder that it’s okay to be curious and uncertain about romantic feelings.
Conclusion
TWICE’s “What is Love?” is a delightful exploration of the emotions surrounding young love, encapsulated in a catchy pop anthem that resonates with listeners of all ages. With its infectious melody, engaging choreography, and whimsical music video, the song invites fans to join in the fun of discovering what love truly means. As TWICE continues to push boundaries and create music that connects with their audience, “What is Love?” stands out as a memorable and impactful addition to their discography. In a world where love can often feel complicated, TWICE reminds us to embrace the joy, excitement, and curiosity that comes with it.
TWICE
What is love?
매일같이 영화 속에서나
책 속에서나 드라마 속에서 사랑을 느껴
Mm 사랑을 배워
내 일처럼 자꾸 가슴이 뛰어, 두근두근거려
설레임에 부풀어 올라
Mm 궁금해서 미칠 것만 같아
Ooh 언젠간 내게도
이런 일이 실제로 일어날까?
(Ooh-ooh-ooh)
그게 언제쯤일까? 어떤 사람일까?
I wanna know 사탕처럼 달콤하다는데
I wanna know 하늘을 나는 것 같다는데
I wanna know, know, know, know
What is love? 사랑이 어떤 느낌인지
I wanna know 하루 종일 웃고 있다는데
I wanna know 세상이 다 아름답다는데
I wanna know, know, know, know
What is love? 언젠간 나에게도 사랑이 올까?
지금 이런 상상만으로도
떠올려만 봐도 가슴이 터질 것 같은데
Mm 이렇게 좋은데
만일 언젠가 진짜로 내게
사랑이 올 때 난 울어버릴지도 몰라
Mm 정말 궁금해 미칠 것만 같아
Ooh 언젠간 내게도
이런 일이 실제로 일어날까?
(Ooh-ooh-ooh)
그게 언제쯤일까? 어떤 사람일까?
I wanna know 사탕처럼 달콤하다는데
I wanna know 하늘을 나는 것 같다는데
I wanna know, know, know, know
What is love? 사랑이 어떤 느낌인지
I wanna know 하루 종일 웃고 있다는데
I wanna know 세상이 다 아름답다는데
I wanna know, know, know, know
What is love? 언젠간 나에게도 사랑이 올까?
지금 세상 어느 곳에 살고 있는지
도대체 언제쯤 나와 만나게 될런지
언제, 어떻게 우리의 인연은
시작될런지 모르지만 느낌이 어쩐지
진, 진, 진짜 좋을 것 같아 왠지
영화, 드라마보다도 더 멋진
사랑이 올 거야, 내 예감 언제나 맞지
어서 나타나봐, 나는 다 준비가 됐지 ready
찾아낼 거야
(어디 있을까?) 보고 싶어 죽겠어
더 이상 참을 수 없을 것만 같아
사탕처럼 달콤하다는데
하늘을 나는 것 같다는데
I wanna know, know, know, know
What is love? 사랑이 어떤 느낌인지
하루 종일 웃고 있다는데
세상이 다 아름답다는데
I wanna know, know, know, know
What is love? 언젠간 나에게도 사랑이 올까?
I wanna know (ooh)
I wanna know (what is love?)
(I wanna know) I wanna know, know, know, know
What is love? (I wanna know, I wanna know)
(What is love?) I wanna know
I wanna know
I wanna know, know, know, know
What is love?
I wanna know