aespa Defines Their Signature Sound with 'Rich Man' Mini-Album

The mystery behind the title 'Rich Man' for aespa's latest comeback has finally been unveiled with the release of their sixth mini-album. This new collection solidifies the 'aespa style,' showcasing a strong musicality that leaves a definitive mark on the global K-pop scene.

The title track, also named 'Rich Man,' immediately evokes the quintessential aespa sound upon the first listen. It delivers a powerful and refined band sound driven by electric guitars, building upon the sonic foundations of previous hits like 'Supernova' and 'Armageddon,' while maintaining a trendy pace that keeps listeners engaged.

A key element of 'Rich Man' lies in its lyrics, which reference a famous 1990s interview with pop icon Cher. When her mother advised her to marry a 'Rich Man,' Cher famously retorted, "Mom, I AM the rich man." This empowering statement of independence and self-reliance has resonated across generations, and aespa brilliantly incorporates its spirit into a modern K-pop context.

Rather than a direct declaration of self-worth, aespa uses Cher's timeless message to convey strength and confidence in a uniquely compelling way. Karina explained in an interview with NME that the song is not about material wealth but about 'believing in yourself and being confident.' The title, initially intriguing, becomes crystal clear when understood through the lens of Cher's iconic declaration.

The album further diversifies aespa's musical palette with tracks like 'Drift,' an addictive hip-hop dance number with a whistling melody, and 'Bubble,' featuring a heavy bassline and a message of bursting through superficiality. 'Count On Me' offers an R&B vibe with lyrics about finding solace in love despite potential hurt, while 'To The Girls' delivers an uplifting message of self-belief.

'Angel #48' stands out as a testament to aespa's experimental spirit, comparing a fated encounter to an 'Angel #48' with a dreamy melody distinct from their usual sound, hinting at future artistic explorations. Winter shared with NME that aespa's unique identity allows them to make any genre their own, emphasizing their confidence in expanding their musical horizons.

aespa is a four-member girl group under SM Entertainment, consisting of Karina, Winter, Giselle, and Ningning. They debuted in November 2020 with the single 'Black Mamba,' quickly gaining attention for their unique metaverse-themed concept. The group has since released numerous hit songs, including 'Next Level,' 'Savage,' and 'Girls,' establishing a strong global fanbase.