Alpha (stylized in all caps) is the debut studio album by South Korean rapper and singer-songwriter CL. Produced under her self-managed label Very Cherry, Alpha marks CL's first full-length work as a solo artist since her career debut in 2009. The album was preceded by the release of several singles, and was released on October 20, 2021.
Well known as a member and leader of K-pop group 2NE1, CL left her longtime label YG Entertainment after 12 years in December 2019.[2] Shortly after departing from the label, she released her first project extended playIn the Name of Love as an independent artist. A shift from her traditional urban image, the record explored a variety of musical styles from alternative R&B, tropical dance, rap, and ballads.[3][4] In September 2020, CL released the music video for the intro to her upcoming full-length album Alpha, titled "Post Up".[5] Subsequently, it was announced that album would be preceded with the release of the songs "Hwa" and "5 Star".[6]
At the same time, CL had originally intended for her full-length debut record to be released on November 30, 2020; however, it was later announced that the album's release would be postponed to the first half of 2021 in order to make further improvements.[7] On August 13, it was announced that CL would release her album Alpha in October 2021.[8] The first single "Spicy" was first released on August 24,[9] while the second single "Lover Like Me" was released on September 29.[10] "Tie a Cherry" was released in conjunction with Alpha on October 20.[11]
Composition
Music and concept
Writing for Billboard, Owen Meyers asserted that the release of Alpha "embraces her status as an outlier of the international pop scene, with hooky pop-R&B hybrids, avant-garde electronic touches and distorted, speaker-busting hip-hop that stand apart from the glossy acts for which she helped paved the way."[12] In her May 2021 cover story for Allure, the magazine explained that album's meaning is twofold: "It’s about the alpha-female character she embodies, but it also suggests a new beginning", and added that "the songs will fill out CL’s superlative branding with personal flavor."[13][14] Upon the album's release, CL said that "I didn’t have any features on this album because I wanted [to introduce] all the different characters of CL".[15]
Songs
Identified as CL's return to the global stage, Tim Chan of Rolling Stone regarded the hip-hop track "Hwa" as a "sassy kiss-off" and a "declaration of independence". An "identity peace song"—as CL describes, the title embodies multiple meanings in both Korean and Chinese, including themes of fire, flower, change, and wealth.[16][17] Stylistically, "Hwa" interpolates chants, slinky synths, and snappy snares into a booming bass line.[16] The musical styles of "5 Star" heavily contrasts its counterpart; it is characterized as a slow-jam love-filled number that primarily features the singer's soft vocals in both Korean and English, and contains greater influences from pop music. The song's lyrical content revolves around love and the rollercoaster of emotions felt during a romantic relationship.[18]
NME's Carmen Chin gave Alpha a four out of five rating, where she complimented the album's musical styles, experimentation, and vocal delivery. Christina Lee from NPR said that "Years after she introduced herself as 'the Baddest Female,' she maintains her role as an 언니 (eonni), or the older sister, of this cross-cultural moment in today's pop music."[20] Writing for Rolling Stone, Krstine Kwak wrote that although the themes presented in the album were comparable to CL's previous releases, "sonically, these tracks show a new side to her range, with a bigger focus on vocals, storytelling, and lyricism, adding to the rap capabilities she's shown over the years. Alpha solidifies a fresh start that won’t leave her old fans in the dust."[22]
^"CL - ALPHA (COLOR VER)". Synnara Record (in Korean). Retrieved October 3, 2021.
^"CL Leaves Longtime K-Pop Label: Report". Billboard. November 8, 2019. from the original on June 8, 2020. Retrieved December 10, 2019.
^Herman, Tamar (December 18, 2019). "CL Rises as Independent Artist With Debut Album 'In the Name of Love': Listen". Billboard. Retrieved July 26, 2021.
^Fleshman, Cu (December 18, 2019). "K-pop Star CL Drops First Solo EP, 'In The Name Of Love'". Character Media. from the original on June 17, 2021. Retrieved June 17, 2021.
^"CL's album intro +POST UP+ stars a cast of emerging designers". L'Officiel Singapore. September 19, 2020. Retrieved September 21, 2020.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
^"K-pop artist CL says new song 'HWA' marks new beginning". The Korea Times. October 30, 2020. Retrieved July 26, 2021.
^"CL Postpones 'ALPHA' Album Release Date". Hypebae. November 16, 2020. from the original on April 17, 2021. Retrieved November 18, 2020.
^"CL, 데뷔 13년만 첫 솔로 정규앨범..24일 컴백 확정" [CL, first full-length solo album in 13 years of debut... Confirmed comeback on the 24th]. Herald Pop (in Korean). August 13, 2021. Retrieved August 13, 2021 – via Naver.
^"CL, 'ALPHA' 프로젝트 첫 싱글 'SPICY' 24일 공개…존 말코비치 참여" [CL, 'ALPHA' project first single 'SPICY' released on the 24th... Join John Malkovich]. Star News (in Korean). August 19, 2021. Retrieved August 19, 2021 – via Naver.
^"CL, 29일 'ALPHA' 두 번째 싱글 'Lover Like Me' 발매..티저 공개" [CL releases 'ALPHA' second single 'Lover Like Me' on the 29th... Teaser released]. Herald Pop (in Korean). September 17, 2021. Retrieved September 17, 2021 – via Naver.
^Chin, Carmen (October 20, 2021). "CL returns with chic music video for 'Tie A Cherry'". NME. Retrieved October 20, 2021.
^Meyers, Owen (January 14, 2021). "K-Pop Star CL on Comeback Album '+Alpha+'". Billboard.
^Kilbane, Brennan (April 13, 2021). "CL Would Like to Reintroduce Herself". Allure.
^Chin, Carmen (June 30, 2021). "CL on what she would tell her younger self: "Trust your feelings"". NME.
^Feeney, Nolan (October 20, 2021). "CL Breaks Down Every Song on 'ALPHA'". Billboard. Retrieved October 20, 2021.
^ abChan, Tim (November 4, 2020). "Song You Need to Know: CL, 'Hwa'". Rolling Stone. from the original on May 1, 2021. Retrieved May 8, 2021.
^Chia, Amelia (November 20, 2020). "CL uncovered: Our digital cover star opens up about her debut studio album, romance and body positivity". Vogue Singapore. from the original on May 4, 2021. Retrieved June 17, 2021.
^Kim, Ye-eun (November 6, 2020). "CL Unveils Love-Filled Music Video for New Single "+5 Star+"". Hypebae. from the original on June 17, 2021.
^Chin, Carmen (October 20, 2021). "CL – 'ALPHA' review: an incandescent return well worth the wait". NME. Retrieved October 20, 2021.
^ abLee, Christina (October 27, 2021). "On 'ALPHA,' CL finishes what she started". NPR. Retrieved December 6, 2021.
^Bastardo, Verónica A. (November 18, 2021). "Reviews: CL – Alpha". The Quietus.
^ abKwak, Kristine (October 20, 2021). "CL Reintroduces Herself as the 'Alpha'". Rolling Stone. Retrieved October 20, 2021.
^White, Caitlin (October 20, 2021). "CL's 'Alpha' Reminds The World Her Music Was The Bedrock For K-Pop's Current Generation". Uproxx. Retrieved December 6, 2021.
^Hakimian, Rob; Sentz, Tim; Leorne, Ana; Finlayson, Ray; McMullen, Chase; Kohner, Kyle; Kenny, Mimi; Thomas, Carlo; Wohlmacher, John (December 15, 2021). "BPM's Top 50 Songs of 2021". Beats Per Minute. Retrieved November 21, 2022.
^"The Genius Community's 50 Best Albums of 2021". Genius. December 28, 2021. Retrieved January 14, 2022.
^"결산 2021 : ③올해의 앨범 10선" [Year-end 2021: ③ Top 10 Albums of the Year]. Idology (in Korean). December 31, 2021. Retrieved January 14, 2022.
^"These Are the 25 Best Pop Albums of 2021". PopCrush. December 8, 2021. Retrieved January 14, 2022.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
^Chakraborty, Riddhi; Dongre, Divyansha (December 29, 2021). "10 Best Korean Hip-Hop and R&B Albums of 2021". Rolling Stone India. Retrieved January 14, 2022.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
^Herman, Tamar (December 22, 2021). "The 25 best K-pop albums of 2021, from Aespa to Red Velvet and Kang Daniel". South China Morning Post. Retrieved January 14, 2022.
^Doran, John (December 17, 2021). "The Quietus | Features | Quietus Tracks Of The Year 2021". The Quietus. Retrieved November 21, 2022.
^"The Best Pop Albums Of 2021". Uproxx. December 3, 2021. Retrieved December 6, 2021.
^"Billboard Japan Download Albums – Week of October 27, 2021". Billboard Japan (in Japanese). Retrieved October 27, 2021.
^"Gaon Album Chart – Week 43, 2021". Gaon Music Chart (in Korean). Retrieved December 5, 2021.
^"Official Independent Album Breakers Chart Top 20". Official Charts Company. Retrieved October 30, 2022.
^"CL Chart History (Top Current Album Sales)". Billboard. Retrieved November 6, 2021.
^"CL Chart History (World Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved November 6, 2021.
^"Gaon Album Chart – October 2021". Gaon Music Chart (in Korean). Retrieved October 30, 2022.
^"CL - Alpha". Discogs. February 11, 2022. Retrieved October 30, 2022.
August 23, 2023
alpha, album, alpha, stylized, caps, debut, studio, album, south, korean, rapper, singer, songwriter, produced, under, self, managed, label, very, cherry, alpha, marks, first, full, length, work, solo, artist, since, career, debut, 2009, album, preceded, relea. Alpha stylized in all caps is the debut studio album by South Korean rapper and singer songwriter CL Produced under her self managed label Very Cherry Alpha marks CL s first full length work as a solo artist since her career debut in 2009 The album was preceded by the release of several singles and was released on October 20 2021 AlphaDigital coverStudio album by CLReleasedOctober 20 2021Length34 39LanguageKoreanEnglishLabelVery Cherry Sony 1 ProducerDave Hamelin Baauer Nick Lee Ian Thomas Freedo Ryan Marrone Donut Paul Phamous Hong Ji sang Roget Chahayed J Gramm Sweater Beats Alex T Dan Henig Retro Future Mad Max Kurtis McKenzie Darnell Got It Suburban Plaza Mutungi TabloCL chronologyIn the Name of Love 2019 Alpha 2021 Singles from Alpha Hwa 5 Star Released October 29 2020 Spicy Released August 24 2021 Lover Like Me Released September 29 2021 Tie a Cherry Released October 20 2021 Let It Released October 27 2021 Chuck Released May 13 2022 Contents 1 Background and production 2 Composition 2 1 Music and concept 2 2 Songs 3 Reception 4 Track listing 5 Charts 5 1 Weekly charts 5 2 Monthly charts 6 Release history 7 ReferencesBackground and production EditWell known as a member and leader of K pop group 2NE1 CL left her longtime label YG Entertainment after 12 years in December 2019 2 Shortly after departing from the label she released her first project extended play In the Name of Love as an independent artist A shift from her traditional urban image the record explored a variety of musical styles from alternative R amp B tropical dance rap and ballads 3 4 In September 2020 CL released the music video for the intro to her upcoming full length album Alpha titled Post Up 5 Subsequently it was announced that album would be preceded with the release of the songs Hwa and 5 Star 6 At the same time CL had originally intended for her full length debut record to be released on November 30 2020 however it was later announced that the album s release would be postponed to the first half of 2021 in order to make further improvements 7 On August 13 it was announced that CL would release her album Alpha in October 2021 8 The first single Spicy was first released on August 24 9 while the second single Lover Like Me was released on September 29 10 Tie a Cherry was released in conjunction with Alpha on October 20 11 Composition EditMusic and concept Edit Writing for Billboard Owen Meyers asserted that the release of Alpha embraces her status as an outlier of the international pop scene with hooky pop R amp B hybrids avant garde electronic touches and distorted speaker busting hip hop that stand apart from the glossy acts for which she helped paved the way 12 In her May 2021 cover story for Allure the magazine explained that album s meaning is twofold It s about the alpha female character she embodies but it also suggests a new beginning and added that the songs will fill out CL s superlative branding with personal flavor 13 14 Upon the album s release CL said that I didn t have any features on this album because I wanted to introduce all the different characters of CL 15 Songs Edit Identified as CL s return to the global stage Tim Chan of Rolling Stone regarded the hip hop track Hwa as a sassy kiss off and a declaration of independence An identity peace song as CL describes the title embodies multiple meanings in both Korean and Chinese including themes of fire flower change and wealth 16 17 Stylistically Hwa interpolates chants slinky synths and snappy snares into a booming bass line 16 The musical styles of 5 Star heavily contrasts its counterpart it is characterized as a slow jam love filled number that primarily features the singer s soft vocals in both Korean and English and contains greater influences from pop music The song s lyrical content revolves around love and the rollercoaster of emotions felt during a romantic relationship 18 Reception EditProfessional ratingsReview scoresSourceRatingNME 19 NPR positive 20 The Quietus positive 21 Rolling Stone 22 Uproxx favorable 23 NME s Carmen Chin gave Alpha a four out of five rating where she complimented the album s musical styles experimentation and vocal delivery Christina Lee from NPR said that Years after she introduced herself as the Baddest Female she maintains her role as an 언니 eonni or the older sister of this cross cultural moment in today s pop music 20 Writing for Rolling Stone Krstine Kwak wrote that although the themes presented in the album were comparable to CL s previous releases sonically these tracks show a new side to her range with a bigger focus on vocals storytelling and lyricism adding to the rap capabilities she s shown over the years Alpha solidifies a fresh start that won t leave her old fans in the dust 22 Alpha on listicles Publication List Rank Ref Beats Per Minute Top 50 Songs of 2021 for Spicy 37 24 Genius Genius s 50 Best Albums Of 2021 48 25 Idology Top 10 Albums of the Year Placed 26 PopCrush 25 Best Pop Albums of 2021 Placed 27 Rolling Stone India 10 Best K Hip Hop and R amp B Albums of 2021 4 28 South China Morning Post 25 Best K pop Albums of 2021 10 29 The Quietus Top 100 Tracks of 2021 for Spicy 64 30 Uproxx The Best Pop Albums of 2021 Placed 31 Track listing EditAlpha track listingNo TitleWriter s Producer s Length1 Spicy CLBoniqHollyFabian MazurSokodomoBaauer3 142 Lover Like Me CLAnne Marie NicholsonFreedoNaflaCleo TigheSarah BlanchardFreedoNick Lee2 583 Chuck CLKesington KrossBoniqHamelinIan ThomasHamelinIan Thomas3 114 Xai Ryan MarroneCLDave HamelinDonutPaul PhamousDyoDonutMarroneHamelinPhamous3 165 Let It CLBoniqHong Ji sangHong Ji sang3 056 Tie a Cherry Julia Allyn RossSokodomoGino BombriniKyan PalmerKrysta YoungsCLPeter ChunLeeChunLee3 107 Paradise Taylor RossStarrahRoget ChahayedRahkiQuanM a xxxStefano MaggioreJuneJ GrammCLChahayedJ Gramm2 478 My Way Sweater BeatsHamelinDan HenigCLAlex THamelinSweater BeatsAlex TDan Henig3 279 Siren Retro FutureMad MaxKimbraCLLeeRetro FutureMad MaxLee3 1510 Hwa CLJean Baptiste KouameTokkiHamelinKurtis McKenzie2 5611 5 Star CLKoko LaRooKouameSuburban PlazaTabloDarnell Got ItSuburban PlazaHamelinMutungiTablo3 20Total length 34 39Charts EditWeekly charts Edit Weekly chart performance for Alpha Chart 2021 PeakpositionJapanese Download Albums Billboard Japan 32 95South Korean Albums Gaon 33 16UK Independent Album Breakers OCC 34 18US Top Current Album Sales Billboard 35 82US World Albums Billboard 36 15 Monthly charts Edit Monthly chart performance for Alpha Chart 2021 PeakpositionSouth Korean Albums Gaon 37 44Release history EditRelease dates and formats for Alpha Region Date Format s Label s Ref Various October 20 2021 Digital download streaming Very CherryOctober 22 2021 CDSouth Korea February 11 2022 Vinyl 38 References Edit CL ALPHA COLOR VER Synnara Record in Korean Retrieved October 3 2021 CL Leaves Longtime K Pop Label Report Billboard November 8 2019 Archived from the original on June 8 2020 Retrieved December 10 2019 Herman Tamar December 18 2019 CL Rises as Independent Artist With Debut Album In the Name of Love Listen Billboard Retrieved July 26 2021 Fleshman Cu December 18 2019 K pop Star CL Drops First Solo EP In The Name Of Love Character Media Archived from the original on June 17 2021 Retrieved June 17 2021 CL s album intro POST UP stars a cast of emerging designers L Officiel Singapore September 19 2020 Retrieved September 21 2020 a href Template Cite web html title Template Cite web cite web a CS1 maint url status link K pop artist CL says new song HWA marks new beginning The Korea Times October 30 2020 Retrieved July 26 2021 CL Postpones ALPHA Album Release Date Hypebae November 16 2020 Archived from the original on April 17 2021 Retrieved November 18 2020 CL 데뷔 13년만 첫 솔로 정규앨범 24일 컴백 확정 CL first full length solo album in 13 years of debut Confirmed comeback on the 24th Herald Pop in Korean August 13 2021 Retrieved August 13 2021 via Naver CL ALPHA 프로젝트 첫 싱글 SPICY 24일 공개 존 말코비치 참여 CL ALPHA project first single SPICY released on the 24th Join John Malkovich Star News in Korean August 19 2021 Retrieved August 19 2021 via Naver CL 29일 ALPHA 두 번째 싱글 Lover Like Me 발매 티저 공개 CL releases ALPHA second single Lover Like Me on the 29th Teaser released Herald Pop in Korean September 17 2021 Retrieved September 17 2021 via Naver Chin Carmen October 20 2021 CL returns with chic music video for Tie A Cherry NME Retrieved October 20 2021 Meyers Owen January 14 2021 K Pop Star CL on Comeback Album Alpha Billboard Kilbane Brennan April 13 2021 CL Would Like to Reintroduce Herself Allure Chin Carmen June 30 2021 CL on what she would tell her younger self Trust your feelings NME Feeney Nolan October 20 2021 CL Breaks Down Every Song on ALPHA Billboard Retrieved October 20 2021 a b Chan Tim November 4 2020 Song You Need to Know CL Hwa Rolling Stone Archived from the original on May 1 2021 Retrieved May 8 2021 Chia Amelia November 20 2020 CL uncovered Our digital cover star opens up about her debut studio album romance and body positivity Vogue Singapore Archived from the original on May 4 2021 Retrieved June 17 2021 Kim Ye eun November 6 2020 CL Unveils Love Filled Music Video for New Single 5 Star Hypebae Archived from the original on June 17 2021 Chin Carmen October 20 2021 CL ALPHA review an incandescent return well worth the wait NME Retrieved October 20 2021 a b Lee Christina October 27 2021 On ALPHA CL finishes what she started NPR Retrieved December 6 2021 Bastardo Veronica A November 18 2021 Reviews CL Alpha The Quietus a b Kwak Kristine October 20 2021 CL Reintroduces Herself as the Alpha Rolling Stone Retrieved October 20 2021 White Caitlin October 20 2021 CL s Alpha Reminds The World Her Music Was The Bedrock For K Pop s Current Generation Uproxx Retrieved December 6 2021 Hakimian Rob Sentz Tim Leorne Ana Finlayson Ray McMullen Chase Kohner Kyle Kenny Mimi Thomas Carlo Wohlmacher John December 15 2021 BPM s Top 50 Songs of 2021 Beats Per Minute Retrieved November 21 2022 The Genius Community s 50 Best Albums of 2021 Genius December 28 2021 Retrieved January 14 2022 결산 2021 올해의 앨범 10선 Year end 2021 Top 10 Albums of the Year Idology in Korean December 31 2021 Retrieved January 14 2022 These Are the 25 Best Pop Albums of 2021 PopCrush December 8 2021 Retrieved January 14 2022 a href Template Cite web html title Template Cite web cite web a CS1 maint url status link Chakraborty Riddhi Dongre Divyansha December 29 2021 10 Best Korean Hip Hop and R amp B Albums of 2021 Rolling Stone India Retrieved January 14 2022 a href Template Cite web html title Template Cite web cite web a CS1 maint url status link Herman Tamar December 22 2021 The 25 best K pop albums of 2021 from Aespa to Red Velvet and Kang Daniel South China Morning Post Retrieved January 14 2022 Doran John December 17 2021 The Quietus Features Quietus Tracks Of The Year 2021 The Quietus Retrieved November 21 2022 The Best Pop Albums Of 2021 Uproxx December 3 2021 Retrieved December 6 2021 Billboard Japan Download Albums Week of October 27 2021 Billboard Japan in Japanese Retrieved October 27 2021 Gaon Album Chart Week 43 2021 Gaon Music Chart in Korean Retrieved December 5 2021 Official Independent Album Breakers Chart Top 20 Official Charts Company Retrieved October 30 2022 CL Chart History Top Current Album Sales Billboard Retrieved November 6 2021 CL Chart History World Albums Billboard Retrieved November 6 2021 Gaon Album Chart October 2021 Gaon Music Chart in Korean Retrieved October 30 2022 CL Alpha Discogs February 11 2022 Retrieved October 30 2022 Retrieved from https en wikipedia org w index php title Alpha CL album amp oldid 1146244373, wikipedia, wiki, book, books, library,
