Aespa released its second full-length album, “Lemonade,” on Thursday. The 11-track project broadens the group’s musical palette significantly. Simultaneously, it launches a new chapter in their fictional universe. The album features two lead tracks: “Lemonade” and “WDA (Whole Different Animal).” Additionally, collaborations with G-Dragon, Ty Dolla $ign, and Becky G appear.
Karina explained the shift during a Seoul showcase that day. “These two tracks mark the beginning of a new storyline,” she said. She described the music’s flavor as sour rather than metallic. Consequently, she believes the album will make summer feel cooler.
Winter highlighted the genre-spanning track list as a key strength. “We wanted each song to show a different side,” she noted. The album offers powerful, weighty songs and witty, energetic tracks alike. Therefore, she expects listeners to enjoy Aespa in diverse ways.
“WDA” presents a darker, more powerful hip-hop-based dance sound. Karina revealed they envisioned G-Dragon’s feature from the demo stage. He brought the part to life in a cool way. As a result, the song became even better.
In contrast, “Lemonade” takes a lighter and more playful tone. Winter said inspiration came from turning lemons into lemonade. The message centers on overcoming dangerous or confusing situations refreshingly. “It’s one of the songs that best showcases our wit,” she added.
Karina elaborated that trials and pain are the lemons. The group aims to turn them into delicious lemonade. “More than any achievement, I hope people gain energy,” she said. This positive energy defines the album’s central theme.
Beyond the title tracks, B-sides demonstrate wider musical range. “Shakin’” offers signature metallic sounds with an addictive hook. “Switchblade” with Ty Dolla $ign blends electro-dance with flexible strength. Meanwhile, “Roll” provides a playful, summery feel with cute yet fierce lyrics. Ningning said members experimented with different vocal styles during recording.
A special digital version of “Lemonade” features Becky G. Karina said her powerful rap blended naturally with the vocals. It brought a different energy to the track. Despite exploring broader sounds, the members prioritized their core identity. Giselle emphasized that they always select songs suiting their voices.
Aespa will launch its third world tour, “Synk : Complaexity,” in Seoul on Aug. 7-8. Afterward, they head to cities worldwide later that month. They also perform at Lollapalooza Chicago. Giselle hinted fans can expect several new songs live. The “Lemonade” album sets the stage for these upcoming global performances.
