Face (Solar EP) explained

Face
Type:EP
Artist:Solar
Cover:Solar-容:FACE.jpg
Alt:Solar Face Album Cover
Genre:K-pop
Length:13:35
Language:Korean
Label:RBW
Prev Title:Spit It Out
Prev Year:2020
Next Title:Colours
Next Year:2024

Face (stylized as Korean: : FACE) is the debut extended play (EP) by South Korean singer-songwriter Solar, the leader and main vocalist of Mamamoo, released on March 16, 2022, by RBW.[1]

Background and release

On February 22, 2022, the first teaser for Face was released.[2] It shows a face motion logo of Solar's new EP Face. The EP title was inspired by the hanja 容, pronouncing yong, from the singer's real name Kim Yong-sun. She described the concept of Face as her true and sincere self, as well as an appreciation towards self-love, uniqueness, and beauty, "just as the faces of people living in the world are all different, each and every one of them is precious." In particular, as her face reflects emotions and the path that person has walked, Solar plans to show various colors of music by comparing her sincere thoughts, feelings, and values.[3]

The lead single "Honey" was written and composed by Solar, Kim Do-hoon, and Seo Young-bae. An accompanying music video for "Honey" was released simultaneously with the single. "Honey" is a witty and kitsch song about how people tempt her sweetly, just like bees bring honey to the queen bee.[4]

Critical reception

容 : Face has been met with positive critical acclaim from reviews. NME critic Rhian Daly gave the album a 4 out of 5 score, and stated "‘容 : FACE’ captures Solar's energetic, bright and breezy personality well. The rap verse on ‘Honey’ is a particular highlight that showcases her dynamism, while the mini-album as a whole pops with little vocal details that subtly elevate the songs."[5] In addition, Honey has been listed as one of the 'Best K-pop Track of 2022' by British magazine Dazed. Dazed stated "Solar often changes the sense of speed and atmosphere in the song, which further emphasizes the meaning of the lyrics written by Solar herself, doubling the feeling of challenge. It is a sweet yet bright and bold song."[6]

Year-end lists

Charts

Weekly charts

Chart (2022)! scope="col"
Peak
position
South Korean Albums (Gaon)[8] 7

Monthly charts

Chart (2022)! scope="col"
Peak
position
South Korean Albums (Gaon)[9] 20

Release history

Release history for Face! Region! Date! Format! Label
<-- Do not change to "Worldwide", as no music platform is available in every country -->VariousMarch 16, 2022RBW

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Seon. Mikyung. ko: 마마무 솔라, 3월 16일 솔로 컴백 확정..'容 : FACE' 발표[공식]. https://n.news.naver.com/entertain/article/109/0004563624. October 28, 2022. Korean. February 25, 2022. Naver.
  2. Web site: Seon. Mikyung. ko:마마무 솔라, 1년 11개월 만에 솔로 컴백…3월 '容:FACE' 발매[공식]. https://n.news.naver.com/entertain/article/109/0004561886. October 28, 2022. Korean. February 22, 2022. naver.
  3. Web site: Lee. Dakyeom. ko: 마솔라, 오늘(16일) 신곡 ‘꿀’ 컴백...키치 사운드 예고. https://www.mk.co.kr/star/musics/view/2022/03/242526/. October 28, 2022. Korean. March 16, 2022. MK.
  4. Web site: Park. Soyeon. ko: 마마무 솔라, 신곡 '꿀' MV 티저 공개..꿀 보이스+키치한 사운드. https://n.news.naver.com/entertain/article/112/0003539337. October 28, 2022. Korean. March 10, 2022. naver.
  5. Web site: Solar – '容 : FACE' review: an unpredictable and bright debut mini-album. NME. Rhian Daly. March 21, 2022. December 25, 2022.
  6. Web site: 마마무 솔라·원어스·퍼플키스, 英 데이즈드 '2022년 최고의 K-팝 트랙' 선정. Solar, ONEUS, Purple Kiss (Mamamoo) selected as 'Best K-Pop Track of 2022' by Dazed UK. Naver. Osen. Ji Min Kyung. December 22, 2022. December 25, 2022.
  7. Web site: December 14, 2022. The best K-pop tracks of 2022. ko:2022년 최고의 K팝 트랙. The best K-pop tracks of 2022. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20221214091917/https://www.dazeddigital.com/music/article/57774/1/the-best-k-pop-tracks-of-2022-billlie-ive-ateez. December 14, 2022. December 14, 2022. Dazed. en.
  8. Web site: Gaon Album Chart – Week 12, 2022. Gaon Music Chart. ko. October 28, 2022.
  9. Web site: Gaon Album Chart – March 2022 . . October 28, 2022 . ko.