Back in 2019, ITZY’s debut ushered in a wave of confident, attitude-forward girl group tracks. They’ve since shifted their style in a number of ways, which was evident on the couldn’t-be-more-different-from-each-other Gold and Imaginary Friend last year. It feels like they’ve only struck the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the genres they might tackle and new single Girls Will Be Girls paints another way forward.
In some ways, this song’s big energy hearkens back to ITZY’s debut year. However, it’s bolstered by a more confrontational tone. There are moments where the track goes full-on club banger, which is a style I’d love to hear more from girl groups in general. The production is fluid but intense, taking elements from the trendy drum and bass genre and tying them to more robust beats. There’s a lot going on here, and it’s a bit overwhelming the first time through — especially with all the sound effects in the music video.
Further listens smooth out the experience but also reveal some of Girls Will Be Girls‘ struggles. The song is quite repetitive, most evidently during its chorus. The vocal layering here makes for an exciting centerpiece, but a little of the chanted hook goes a long way. The producers likely know this, as they offer a standout dance break in place of a second chorus. The verses have a fragmented feel that’s more sing-talk than I’d like, but the percolating instrumental compensates with a very cool arrangement. On the whole, I think the song works in spite of its worst instincts, but it feels like a stepping stone to something even greater in the future.
Hooks
8
Production
9
Longevity
8
Bias
8
RATING
8.25