It's belatedly come to light that the prominent music review site and webzine 'IZM' has given a score of 4.5-stars to a K-Pop girl group album for the first time ever in its history. 

The high score was received by none other than FIFTY FIFTY's debut mini album, 'The Fifty', earlier in January of this year, about 2 months after the album's release.

To date, there are only about 16 Korean albums which have received a score of 4.5-stars in the music review site's history. IZM, run by well-known music critic Lim Jin Mo, features a community of music critics and experts in the field who review all music releases, both domestic and global. 

Of the 16 Korean albums which have received the notable score of 4.5-stars, some well-known ones include: 'Here We Go' (2022) by The Light And The Salt, 'My Heart' (1978) by Sanullim, 'As A Tree' (2016) by Jo Dong Jin, '[e]' (2009) by Epik High, and 'The Dreams' (1991) by Cho Yong Pil.

So what did IZM have to say about FIFTY FIFTY's 'The Fifty'?

Music critic So Seung Geun wrote, "The two main vocals Sio and Aran navigate comfortably between modal voice and falsetto without interrupting the flow of each song, maintaining balance even while hitting high notes. With vocal skills good enough to significantly add to the average vocal range of currently active K-Pop idol groups, FIFTY FIFTY is charged with a vocal prowess that does not lose when put up against any of their peers in the 4th generation."

The review further added on, "With a natural melody that flows smoothly like water without going over the top, much like NewJeans, and with stable vocals reminiscent of MAMAMOO or Brave Girls, FIFTY FIFTY is a prime example of positive results yielded from the meeting of good music with talented musicians. Thanks to these girls, South Korea now has another great girl group."

Also notable is the fact that FIFTY FIFTY's prequel single "Cupid", released in March of this year, received another rating of 4.5-stars by critic So Seung Geun soon after its release.

This time, the critic said, "The chanson-like mood of the intro, which develops into a scat arrangement on top of a straight, 8-by-8 meter much like the rhythm of Ne-Yo's 'Because of You', indicates that FIFTY FIFTY's music maintains variety without direct transformation. The cozy and comforting voice of Aran and the warm, crystal clear sound of Sio's tone come together to act out a playfulness. The ensemble of these two main vocals is undoubtedly top-tier among existing girl groups in the industry, and Keena, who participated in writing the rap lyrics, also showcases a beautiful and electrifying rap."

What do you think of the groundbreaking score received by FIFTY FIFTY?