1. SEMINA
2. Ruby Heart
3. SEMINA (Inst.)



Gugudan is coming your way again with their newest subunit Gugudan SEMINA. It consists of Sejeong, Mina, and Nayoung, all contestants on 'Produce 101' Season 1. According to Nayoung, "Funky Diva" is the concept for their comeback. "It is an album that shows the three members' different personalities and upgraded vocal abilities," she said. 

The first notes of "SEMINA" do little to let you know what you're in for. And you're in for a treat. These girls really have some serious, throaty, soulful vocals that give this song a life all its own. That must be what Nayoung meant by "upgraded." This tune sounds nothing like Gugudan and reminds me of MAMAMOO. Not sure how I feel about that, but those pipes! Yeah, this song is a hit in my book.

"RUBY HEART" is an R&B production, with big sounds and super-impressive vocals. They must have either taught them to sound like this or written tunes that played to their strengths. And this one has some retro in it; at times the vocals are almost reminiscent of Janis Joplin. Almost. And that is a very good thing.

If I had to describe this single album with a word, that word would be "electric." Maybe "brilliant." Or "innovative." I really love the way the girls sound on here, and repeated listens do nothing to quell my enthusiasm. They did a fantastic job with this one, and I think that Gugudan SEMINA is worth stanning.

MV REVIEW

In the intro, Nayoung is working out, Mina is relaxing with coffee, and Sejeong is tightening the tire bolts on her Suzuki Jimny. With a phone call, each of the girls abandons what they're doing to have fun in the sun together.

They do everything from posing for a portrait to hula-hooping to enjoying a book under a tree (my favorite activity, natch). It's definitely summer-themed, with blue skies, big sunglasses, and scenes in the sun. The candy-colored microphones just add some fun kitsch to the whole affair, capping an already fun time.  



Obviously, I've only scratched the surface of what they do here. And discovering what I've left out is part of what makes this so fun. There are all sorts of vignettes designed to make you grin, if not laugh out loud. So they paired a great song with an MV packed with interesting stuff. Not to mention the lovely members themselves. Unquestionably, this MV gets my thumbs up.

Score

MV Relevance.......9
MV Production......9
MV Concept..........8
MV SCORE: 8.6

Songwriting..........9
Composition.........9
Impression............9
ALBUM SCORE: 9.0

OVERALL............8.8

SEE ALSO: This female celebrity becomes first to win Daesang as both a singer and an actor