Why Red Velvet's Dual Concept works |

[@pandapaw64]

reasons why rv's dual concepts work: 1)they warned from debut that they're doing dual concepts 2)their concepts are visually executed well 3)rv is from big3

[@vixxexo6855]

Most groups suits just one side’s of their concepts like CLC. They only suited girl crush, and their other songs were so bad. Only Pepe was a good non girl crush song from CLC. Also Red Velvet’s softer concepts were not beyond childish and they still sang in their real voices and not fake baby voices.

[@Zpdpn]

@@vixxexo6855 clc where are you ate

[@yoitsphulla5686]

I think another point is that the girls themselves understanding of who they are as a group and being able to fits not just visually but character and vocally too..that itself paired with the wel thought and detailed of their comebacks make every comeback interesting

[@___hey_jooon]

Being from big 3 doesn't guarantee their success.

[@loztbwoi1358]

Real 1: the duality in their music is distinct and most importantly consistently high quality

[@bdzmru8489]

An overlooked but important point is that all five members themselves take great pride in being the pioneer of duality. It shows in their variety content, their understanding of how to bring out bright or darker tones in recordings as well as proves it isn’t just an order from upper management but something near and dear to them. Can’t fake this stuff else it looks confusing

[@da-sa8022]

I absolutely agree. The girls understands what and who they are as a group.

[@serendiclipses6851]

one point i think was missing here is that even when they do a more “colorful” red title, there’s still always something dark/unsettling about it, like with russian roulette that’s all pastel and cute while they’re literally killing each other lol same thing with peek-a-boo being a pretty upbeat danceable song while the concept was much darker etc is like their red and velvet sides are bit like yin-yang, there’s always a bit of the one in the other

[@skyhideaway]

i agree. similarly, chill kill also has a brighter vibe, especially in the chorus, even though the concept is velvet.

[@RiswjyV]

Some other factors I'd like to add are : - all the members execute both the conceptst to a tee even if they don't vibe with the song itself, for example Irene didn't like rookie but you'd never guess that seeing her perform it; they so gracefully handled the mature concepts (be natural, automatic) thrown at them right at their debut, even Yeri being just a 15-year old. - the domestic audience's favourite is the Red side, the international audience's favourite is the velvet side unlike most other groups whose all audiences kinda prefer the same sound and concepts from them. - in the latter years after like 2017, they learnt to blend both their sides seamlessly, seen even in the recent comeback chill kill. - they actually don't follow the Kpop trends in sound/aesthetics/concepts etc. just to gain a bigger fandom or more clout like most other groups. They stick to their own thing even if no one else is doing that in the industry at the time, so the core fandom stays intact and music nerds like their boldness and versatility. - I would say having Wendy in the group helps a lot since their main focus is vocals and Wendy is not only is a very skilled vocalist but she's also truly a vocal chameleon. I know many think her voice ain't "unique" or "special" but I think that's her uniqueness and charm that she blends with her members seamlessly without overpowering them. She's all the producers' favourite for this reason that she not only knows what she's doing in the recording studio but also understands the assignment, be it any kind of song or genre. Her members blindly rely on her for this as well and she pretty much guides them in the recordings. - I feel like the producers use all their strengths (vocally) in their songs quite nicely, so everyone stands out at some point without getting completely overshadowed. Edit : wow that was long af.

[@bdzmru8489]

Red velvet is made up of 4 vocal pillars to hold up high a girl who dances like her life depends on it + sings like her soul is on fire: that girl is Wendy😆

[@RiswjyV]

@@bdzmru8489 lol perfect description. 🤣

[@94mp99]

I think by releasing Ice Cream Cake and Automatic at almost the same time, it help general audiences to understand more on their main concept. In their debut era, when they released Be Natural, people were still confuse in what direction they'll go as they switched from colorful, cheerful and fun of Happiness to softer, sophisticated, and mysterious Be Natural. But with Ice Cream Cake and Automatic, it helped get people to understand Red Velvet's dual concept a lot. Which gave the girls advantage to not being criticized when they switch their concept back and forth.

[@finnlinnsone]

i think the music itself plays a huge role, bc i remember tons of criticism being thrown when they released The Velvet (nowadays it's become a fan favorite). i think SM really took advantage of the constructive criticism and found ways to play around with each end of the spectrum by mixing in small elements of red into their later velvet releases visually and sonically speaking (Bad Boy, Psycho). and i think i have to slightly disagree about the maturity part, bc i feel like for RV's red concepts there was alot of figuring out how to level it up from something almost childlike, bright and playful as Rookie or Level Up to something more refined like Zimzalabim or Queendom

[@finnlinnsone]

also that highnote at the end of the video was godlike 😩

[@yoitsphulla5686]

I mean if we look at their newly released killing voice..they sang their older songs like it would came out yesterday..it proves that its not just the song but how they carry themselves and image they potray as a group to their older songs..if we ask other groups whove done cute concepts before they wouldnt want to do it again because they cringe to their own songs..but as for red velvet their versatility allow them to go back and forth without worrying about their image since its still them and they true to themselves

[@finnlinnsone]

@@yoitsphulla5686 for sure! each member has good tone. doesn't hurt that they were able to use SM's resources post debut to continue developing themselves both as a group and individually. they must have been very involved in their work from early on, they clearly have a great sense of pride in their discography and legacy. it is an advantage being able to put out music that's balancing between being fit for them as a group and all members approve of while also being considerate of selling points, as opposed to doing anything the label wants

[@reveluvharu0506]

I think because Red Velvet established their duality from the beginning of their career, they were able to also have not only a loyal fan base that supported them even through their numerous changes but also gain respect from critics who would have criticized other groups for not being consistent, which is another issue that can happen when groups are not able to successfully switch from one concept to another. I think if CLC had a better marketing strategy, and a better company bc let's be real this is cube ent we’re talking about, they would have been able to have more success with their respective concept changes beyond the international fans like myself who love them.

[@londonmellow]

the harmonization at the end, I dont know red velvet. I only know nabi velvet

[@zephfyre5167]

One thing amazing about Red Velvet's dual concept is its flexibility. The sky's the limit when it comes to exploring the possibilities and the variety that comes with it will always be a surprise to the listeners. Many of their years' old songs still sound fresh or amazing to me. If the producers continue to work hard, they'll never run out of ideas with Red Velvet's dual concepts.

[@ImTheKillaMonster]

CLC Hobgoblin i was obsessed with!!

[@turquoise2332]

Also because people have given Red Velvet enough time to look back and see what they have accomplished as a group and how their discography has evolved. If a rookie group these days made their debut with a song like Happiness and immediately switched it up to a song like Automatic, we would most definitely be seeing video essays on how this group doesn't know what they are doing even if they say they are going to try different things conceptually.

[@ishathakor]

1. had a dual concept since debut and it was explained at debut 2. consistently switching between red and velvet or blending the two sides together so they're consistently reinforcing that it is their concept 3. generally speaking their creative team makes sure that they're releasing good music. in a sense of the songs being well written and produced 4. similarly, their creative team tries to make each comeback interesting in some way, especially with mv storylines and the aesthetics 5. theyre a big 3 group so they can afford to have more or less popular comebacks without the company panicking about its future and scrambling to change their sound 6. they dont try to follow trends with regards to style of music or concept 7. the members commit to the concept

[@Luna-rl5wu]

I think Red Velvet's concept changes work because, eventually, they stopped working with a binary in mind and went with more of a spectrum. From Russian Roulette forwards, every comeback is Red Velvet, not exclusively Red or Velvet - but they feature more elements from either sides, and place themselves in a spectrum. Russian Roulette is a very fun, 8bit bright sound with colors as bright as the music, but there's darkness in the MV from start to finish. While Chill Kill makes a perfect Red Velvet (as stated by the girls themselves) in its sound and MV, with the verses in a minor key, followed by the choruses on a major key. Even concepts like Power Up and Queendom had some sort of darkness in it, while Psycho and Feel My Rhythm have bittersweet moments. They're always giving Red Velvet; they just choose which one to give more at each era.

[@riffgroove]

With CLC, their concept changes were simply due to the fact that Cube had ZERO idea what to do with the group. Which was too bad, I liked them a lot. With RV it was very deliberate right from the very start. The other thing is, RV actually have the talent to pull off any concept they want. Part of the fun pf being such a rabid fan of the group is that you have literally no idea what their next comeback will be like. When Twice or BlackPink announce a comeback, you already know with 99% certainty what it's going to look and sound like.

[@chelleange1s]

i also think music wise, their soundscapes are very similar & each project felt like a progression of it. i think even if clc established the dual concept like rv did, i don’t think it would’ve worked as some of their songs are way too different & i don’t think they ever established a proper soundscape as rv did.

[@khyzer1114]

To add, whether people like or dislike RV's title track they will always tune in for the album to listen to the b-sides

[@bomapdich]

Their Velvet side is superior. Everytime they release a velvet side, you just know you're in for a special one.

[@regularpotato]

It is definitely much more beneficial for a group to have one concept and stick to it. Each comeback they would gain fans and maintain the ones already there. Part of the reason why certain groups got really popular. Red Velvet had it hard in their rookie years to maintain a fanbase, but overtime people entered that could appreciate both sides of their concept. I am one such person. I love all their music and they are my favourite group. However, to this day casual fans still like to push for their velvet side more then get disappointed when they do something else. It is quite hilarious ngl and when they release a more experimental track, they throw a fit. Part of the reason that Red Velvet has gotten the fame they have now is due to consistently putting out great bsides. They have a stellar discography.

[@taychrissy9273]

The song covers are always my favorite.

[@Eyesorewoah]

the outro is 10/10

[@Chuu_Vault]

Red Velvet is that group, IDC

[@SakuraMiyawaqueen]

Red Velvet is too iconic 🔥

[@dontarguetoawall]

That FMR outro 😂😂

[@Grace-ox6lh]

i remember when blackpink tried to do the same thing saying they have "black" and "pink" songs. but no one was buying it since it was way after their debut and they really only have a few pink songs

[@riffgroove]

That was their fans saying that, I think. I don't recall any of the BP members saying that themselves. If they actually did, that would have been foolish

[@94mp99]

@@riffgroove Jisoo literally said this herself during As If It's Your Last era that they had shown more Black side in 2016, but with As If It's Your Last, it's time for them to show their Pink side. Which, honestly, I still can't see the difference of their Black and Pink side, not more than a girl crush concept with dark theme or light theme, and the music is totally the same. Unlike Red Velvet that have a very distinct element between the Cheerful-Pop Red side and the Sophisticated-R&B Velvet side.

[@riffgroove]

@94mp99 That's crazy that she would say that. BlackPink has ONE concept. That's it. They do it very well, better than anybody, in fact. But let's be real. BlackPink does girl-crush. And that's it.

[@94mp99]

@@riffgroove And to be honest, their concept is not even that original, when just few years before their debut, 2NE1 already done this kind of concept, and 2NE1 was the one who popularize the girl crush concept and became the prototype of it There is a reason why some people call Blackpink 'a prettier version of 2NE1'.

[@riffgroove]

@94mp99 Lol... YG HIMSELF called them a prettier version of 2NE1.

[@shxxrainy]

Damm girl that last part was amazing you should start covering songs now!!👍👍❤️

[@0kiwwi]

the outro??😭😭😭😭

[@nabicore]

i have the voice of an angel i know !

[@YannNovas]

RV did struggle with their dual concept and the proof is that The Velvet is their worst selling album to date. The difference between that album and The Red, which had better reception, is shocking. That being said, I think RV sticking with their identity (and being a part of the big 3) was good for them in the long run. Also, the fact that western fans seem to favor the Velvet side more nowadays is a plus.

[@riffgroove]

For any other group, making their first comeback a mini album full of smooth Jazz and piano ballads would have been a death-knell. But "The Velvet" is the most important album RV has ever put out. It told everyone right away. "We're not like other girl groups."

[@hongphuc1704]

after all, SM and they were so brave at that time to comeback with an EP full of ballad songs, which you can never see any idol groups doing that since 2AM, Davichi. However, it's a important move to introduce their Velvet side, nothing can easily potray the smoothness and sultry than ballads. Luckily, they refined their Velvet side by Perfect Velvet, which we can see deeper in Velvet side.

[@94mp99]

It mainly because of South Korean don't get when idols release a ballad song as a title track, nothing to do with the dual concept. You see, if it isn't the well-known established ballad-idol group, 2AM and BTOB for example, South Korean usually don't buy any ballads released by idols. I'm pretty sure that if SM chose Cool Hot Sweet Love as The Velvet's title track, it would do well on chart, maybe not as good as Dumb Dumb or Ice Cream Cake, but I'm sure it would do better than One of These Nights, since Cool Hot Sweet Love is an R&B track with catchy melody and memorable chorus, something you can expect from idol group.

[@hongphuc1704]

@@94mp99 it depends on the situation at that time, SM want a ballad to tribute to victim of Korean ship sinking tragedy. So that made sense.

[@aligensa]

In older Kpop concept changes with every comeback were the rule rather than the exception so it's only younger and esp US fans who seem to be confused. :)

[@CatNagTaylorsVersion]

Red velvet has never failed us unlike some of y’all have

[@taylorl9424]

It’s 100% based on how they deliver the concept changes. It was already informed since debut that red velvet would have two sides and they stuck to it. When other artist try this it seems like they will do something and if it’s not well received, they’ll move on and never go back, but with red velvet even a concept didn’t get well received. They would still try it again next time but listen to the criticism. Another thing is overall the members. The members just fit well with whatever concept, which is why they can deliver it so well. They know how to utilize their images and skills to best fit the theme. Ofc consistency and balance would be key to switching in between. Another example would be NMIXX. They have a mix up concept which explains their debut songs, and it was mentioned how their concepts would be. But then they just didn’t stick to it after DICE, and that kinda lost their identity. It seemed their switch up to a more generic sound was more well received. But now as of their recent pre release they are going back to their mix concept. I think another reason this concept didn’t work for them is because of the company they are from. Another comment said that if they are in the big 3 than it will work out, but then why didnt work out well for NMIXX. It’s honestly because SM is known for their experimental sound, they’ve been doing the whole experimenting with music since like 2nd gen and it’s not surprising for them to pull something out of the box. They know it works for them and people know that too. They know how to market the concept changes right. But since NMIXX is from JYP. Jyp aren’t known for making those kinds of concepts, it seems out of the ordinary in a bad sense. Also of course the music plays a big part

[@imangelinayoujennifer]

Props for sm for picking those bsides 😭

[@JudezaJairaIbarra]

Also it works because all members represent that red velvet especially their vocals. Yeri and joy tone fit the most in red while seulgi and irene tone fits Velvet the most. And here's wendy tone that can fit both red and velvet that create balance to the group. And when you put them all together, they create good harmony.

[@MAYRAV1]

Because you know, they also learn from the best, Girls' Generation...

[@aeeeeeeeecid]

Red Velvet executes them well

[@728princeleyfernandes4]

All of Redvelvets cute as well as mature mv’s have a dark lore, that sells it tbh …..just my opinion

[@skyhideaway]

red velvet and blackpink are the only groups i've seen with a dual concept idea like this, and red velvet is the only one who pulls it off. probably because blackpink has like two "pink" songs. idk why they introduced the whole "black and pink" concept if they were always going to stick to the girl crush concept. i guess some of their bsides could also be included in the pink concept, but that's not the same. it's not even that they're bad at brighter concepts, i just feel like they abandoned that concept completely. it had potential but i guess yg is obsessed with giving blackpink the same song for every comeback.

[@bomapdich]

the group's name is so important. This is why I think Babymonster would not work in the long run. Group with duality in their name like Red Velvet or Blackpink work because their name is abstract. You can intepret it however you want. But Babymonster is just so literal and kid-centered.

[@AaA-lk8kx]

Also members like this dual concept too. Blackpink allegedly has a dual concept too but both group and fans aren't so fond of the pink ones. Their most pink title track is also their least favorite

[@jurii8168]

The outro is how is Sound when i Think i Sound like red velvet lmao

[@nabicore]

it’s the way i sound even better than them tho

[@haojiang2403]

RV has dual "side" not "concept", the concepts of each comeback are different. For groups that repeat same concept, people will say that "I know 90% how the next comeback will sound like", but for RV, you can't say "If it's red, will sound like this, if it's velvet, will sound like that", people are always curious what the next will sound like, and that's make RV the greatest (the only kpop group I listen to)

[@SakuraMiyawaqueen]

Excited as always! Nabi’s content is just so good.

[@BEcauseILoveYooh]

Why? Simple. Because of the talent they have. They're vocals are so versatile that they can do any concept easily

[@t0kki_tokki]

Help the ending 😂😂😂

[@bestfriendluvie]

nabi core on killing voice when?

[@SunnyShlne]

Hello i think it's important to remember that SM always did different concept every comeback so people are ready for it

[@taylorl9424]

True. I think that also plays into it. It’s not something thats not too unusual and people know SM is known for experimenting with their concepts

[@co5683-a]

Аnd even other groups change their concept to fit mainstream, red velvet creating their music that goes against popular concept, creating their own trends.

[@casualsuede]

Many groups who do a concept change do it because they are failing at their original concept or they have outgrown it.

[@reveluv9614]

just wanted to say that the thumbnail is a lie (Red Velvet is my fave)

[@rocinante6530]

Agree with all this. It also helps that they have an amazing discography.

[@aintnobodysfav]

wha..whatt....whats with the outro....

[@grahamjones5400]

8 days of Nabi giving us heartburn wity her spicy hot takes

[@Chuu_Vault]

Side note but: CUBE WHEN I COME FOR Y'ALL FOR WHAT Y'ALL DID TO CLC, I WANT Y'ALL BEGGING AND CRYING ON YOUR KNEES.....ok end of the tangent

[@opalkarli]

NMIXX has had like 5 concepts, PLEASE.

[@nabicore]

i think it didn’t work because jyp dropped it with the release of love me like this and party o clock. if they stayed with mixxpop all this time they might’ve been more successful. especially after dice considering people were warming up to mixxpop then and even had a part of the song trending on tiktok

[@Castformsupremacy]

NMIXX’s Talents carried, PLEASE.

[@riffgroove]

NMIXX has already been relegated to "niche status."

[@vixxexo6855]

But their only good songs are Dice and Love me like this so they don’t pull concept changes really well.

[@opalkarli]

@@vixxexo6855 that is so wrong, like u could make better music.

[@myofleur]

This is not related to the video, but I discovered ur channel thanks to Taejiu (I really recommend his channel) and I really like ur videos!

[@riffgroove]

Taejiu's a drama queen.

[@myofleur]

@@riffgroove ª

[@ddolo12]

Im disappointed with the lack of reason why CLC changes concepts. 1. Cube stated that theyre going for a concept different to 4minute. But its contradicting to the line-up of CLC, seungyeon, seunghee and yeeun are strongly pro in their positions, cute concepts hides it 2. After 4minute disbanded, Hobgoblin was their comeback 3. Where are you, was a decision from a division managing CLC from Kakao Ent. To release. 4. Because they had such a messy management, they were too late when they release black dress, no and Me, as a continuation to Hobgoblin Heres the thing, because theyre going for a Crystal clear abbreviation plus the fandom name “cheshire” they could have done a debut similar with Happiness and showcase the rap, vocals and dance. But again, the irony of the name is just sad to see their career being ruined

[@kkuragaira]

amazing cover!! intro could be shorter though

[@ajossi]

It's not about the concept the girls look perfect the concepts are great, but the songs if they suck nobody wants to listen. Helicopter was a great song but it was too late and the rest of the album sucked.

[@PurpleEntertainment0]

Do u like xg Christmas song?

[@nabicore]

i haven’t listened to it yet but i’ll let you know!

[@PurpleEntertainment0]

@@nabicore okay it rlly gives off r&b in the chorus I think

[@pinkapple8862]

No one elsed can do all, only red velvet.. They didn't after for popularity like other gg, . Afraid losing fans that's why focus only one concept what's trend, but rv is not like that,..

[@BlackpinkOutsoldYourFav]

the flop of third gen

[@cocazade7703]

is Blackpink

[@94mp99]

Yet they are the best charting 3rd gen girl group both this year and last year, try again.

[@BlackpinkOutsoldYourFav]

@@94mp99 just in korea IJBOL

[@94mp99]

@@BlackpinkOutsoldYourFav Yes, I talk about 'just in Korea', and? Sorry if Feel My Rhythm was more popular in South Korea than Pink Venom and Shut Down 'combine', but, well, South Korean still buy and actually listen to Red Velvet, what can I say more.

[@RiswjyV]

@@BlackpinkOutsoldYourFav cause they never went outside to promote like your ig models. Try harder.