It's Off The Record Season

On October 6, 2023, Ive dropped the second single from their EP I've Mine titled "Off The Record." I know, I know. I said I don't like to talk about K-pop. But this is important. It's "Off the Record" season! As soon as October hit, fond memories of this song resurfaced as it reached its first anniversary. I'm not going to give background or even talk about the music video (because this is too long already). I just want to talk about what this song does and how it makes me feel. It's a lot.

To be honest, the first time I heard "Off The Record," I was a bit underwhelmed. It was mid-tempo and city pop, something everyone seemed to be doing, and in the same vein as Fifty Fifty's "Cupid." This was the consensus of other K-pop listeners. They thought it was middle of the road, not Ive's best work, and not as good as their first single on the EP, "Either Way." Do you know what changed my opinion on this song? The release of "The Rolling Giant," the third episode of The Oldest View. Yes, my hyperfixations run deep. I talked about The Oldest View in my analog horror post from last semester, which seems like forever ago, but basically, that video takes place in an abandoned mall. So, hear me out: imagine listening to "Off The Record" in the mall from "The Rolling Giant."

So along with a few more listens, that's when it hit me that this song is incredible. It has such a bittersweet feel, starting with the intro that shares the melody of "Memory" from the musical Cats. The song is about late night conversations and the vulnerability and intimacy that can be found in them. I interpret it as being with a romantic interest but also with friends in a sleepover setting, sharing stories about love. This is portrayed with lines like, "It's time. It's 2 a.m. Lower your voice to a whisper" and "Off the record night, this late night conversation won't come to an end." It's about wanting to know a person deeper and wanting them to feel comfortable sharing secrets: "Look for the forbidden fruit," and "Reveal your darkest desires." The bridge is emotional and climactic, interpolating The Cardigans' "Lovefool" with lyrics that make romantic relationships sound like a movie: "A breathtaking trailer with a huge plot twist." It does so much more than be a catchy retro pop song.

"Off The Record" can bring out so many different emotions, depending on my mood. On one listen, I can jam out and sing along. On the next listen, I can bawl my eyes out. I think it hits most effectively when I'm driving alone at night. It has this sense of nostalgia, beauty, and dreaminess. I can never just listen to it. I have to feel it. All the emotions of love, heartbreak, and everything in between. It also makes me feel this strange sense of longing that I can't explain. I feel like you can imagine yourself with your crush, twirling a phone cord around your finger and kicking your feet, talking for hours into the evening. Having a late night conversation. I don't know. Call me a hopeless romantic... or someone who visualizes music too deeply.

Sorry for this being a bit all over the place. I just love the vibes associated with this song. Anyway, if you haven't yet, go listen to "Off The Record." It's so pretty. I'd recommend waiting until it's dark. I have some ideas for upcoming posts, and let's just say, it seems there will be more of my hyperfixation-fueled rambling to come. In the meantime, I have to go and catch up on more analog horror, so I can make a part 2 post for Halloween. I've been Grace, and I'll see you next time!

(Promotional poster credited to Starship Entertainment)