“WANNABE” is one of ITZY‘s most iconic and impactful songs, solidifying their “teen crush” concept and establishing them as leaders in the 4th generation of K-pop.
Here’s a breakdown of what makes “WANNABE” so significant:
- Release & Album:
- Album: IT’z ME (their second mini-album)
- Release Date: March 9, 2020 (Music Video), March 10, 2020 (Digital Release)
- Lead Single: It served as the title track for IT’z ME.
- Core Message & Concept:
- Self-Love & Individuality: The central theme of “WANNABE” is unapologetic self-acceptance. The lyrics loudly proclaim “I just wanna be me!” It’s an anthem for embracing your unique qualities, flaws and all, rather than conforming to others’ expectations or trying to be someone else.
- Rejection of Labels: ITZY directly addresses the pressure to fit into certain molds or be defined by external opinions. They encourage listeners to break free from these societal chains.
- Confidence & Empowerment: The song exudes confidence. It’s about finding strength in authenticity and radiating self-assuredness.
- Clever Title: The title “WANNABE” itself is a clever subversion. Often used negatively to describe someone who imitates or wishes to be like someone else, ITZY reclaims it to mean “I want to be myself,” turning a potential insult into a declaration of self-identity.
- Musicality:
- Genre: K-pop, Dance-pop, Electro-pop with elements of house and rock.
- Production: Produced by the team Galactika*, who are known for many of ITZY’s hits.
- Sound: It features a driving, propulsive beat, catchy synths, and a prominent electric guitar riff that gives it an edgy, energetic feel. The pre-chorus builds tension effectively, leading into an explosive, memorable chorus.
- Catchiness: The chorus is incredibly infectious and designed for maximum impact, making it easy to sing along and remember.
- Iconic Choreography:
- “Shoulder Dance”: This is perhaps the most famous aspect of “WANNABE.” The intricate, fast-paced shoulder movements became a global viral dance challenge, particularly on TikTok.
- Sharp & Powerful: The entire choreography is characterized by its sharp, synchronized movements, high energy, and powerful execution, which is a hallmark of ITZY’s performance style.
- Expressive: Beyond just being technically difficult, the dance effectively conveys the song’s message of individuality and breaking free.
- Music Video:
- Visuals: The music video is vibrant, dynamic, and visually striking. It features diverse sets and styling, from futuristic scenes to more casual, rebellious looks.
- Symbolism: It includes visual metaphors for breaking free, such as crashing through walls, running away from conformity, and expressing individuality through fashion and actions.
- Performance-Centric: Like most ITZY MVs, it heavily features their powerful choreography, showcasing their incredible stage presence.
- Impact & Legacy:
- Commercial Success: “WANNABE” was a massive hit, topping various domestic charts and earning numerous music show wins for ITZY. It peaked at #6 on the Gaon Digital Chart.
- Global Recognition: The shoulder dance challenge propelled ITZY to even greater global recognition, particularly among international K-pop fans and general social media users.
- Signature Song: For many, “WANNABE” is considered ITZY’s signature song, perfectly encapsulating their “teen crush” concept of confidence, self-love, and powerful performance. It cemented their status as a leading 4th-generation girl group.
- Empowerment Anthem: It continues to resonate with listeners as an anthem of self-empowerment and authenticity.
In summary, “WANNABE” is more than just a song; it’s a statement. It’s a high-energy, visually stunning, and lyrically profound declaration of self-love that cemented ITZY’s unique identity in the K-pop landscape and left an undeniable mark on popular culture.