KickFlip’s Flip it, Kick it!: A Perfect Blend of Charm, Talent, and Growth
by Vy Le | January 28th, 2025
KickFlip’s debut album, Flip it, Kick it! is a confident introduction that highlights their talent and potential. With seven members: Kyehoon, Amaru, Donghwa, Juwang, Minje, Keiju, and Donghyeon, the group brings a mix of unique skills and styles. Four of them gained recognition through the survival show LOUD (Kyehoon, Amaru, Keiju, and Donghyeon), and it’s clear they’ve grown into a cohesive team. Released under JYP Entertainment, this album blends boldness and relatability, making it a strong and memorable first step into the industry.
Mama Said:
"Mama Said" delivers a catchy coming-of-age soundtrack that feels both relatable and rebellious. The lyrics, like "I'm not bothered, I don't care / Mama, I'ma be myself," break away from the traditional dynamic, especially for Asian kids who typically avoid talking back to their parents. It captures the universal struggle of trying to figure yourself out while pushing against generational expectations. The group's vocal tones harmonize so well that no single voice overshadows the others, enhancing the overall impact of the song. It’s such a refreshing take, wrapped in a melody that just sticks with you.
Umm Great:
"Umm Great" stands out as a pre-release track with a music video that is super simple and minimalistic but pops with neon color accents. Keiju’s voice really surprised me because I’ve followed him since LOUD, and it’s clear his vocals have improved a ton. The line “What was that? Do I look weird? / Umm, what was that? Don't even worry about it” gives off this whole IDGAF vibe that instantly took me back to Stray Kids’ I AM era. Amaru, known for his raspy honey vocals, also proves he has serious rap skills. The song feels like a mix of NCT Dream and ITZY, and honestly, I would have loved this as the title track, but I get why their label and the group went with "Mama Said.
WARRIORS
"WARRIORS" has that summer vibe and feels like the ultimate cheer-up anthem. The line “If you're nervous, call my name 'cause we are teammates / They say nothing works, then what does?” hits just right when you need a little boost. It's the kind of song I'd play during exam season. It's got this uplifting energy but skips those repetitive phrases that usually get stuck in your head when you're trying to memorize your notes. It's just the perfect balance of motivating and chill, making it a go-to track when you need a pick-me-up.
Knock Knock
"Knock Knock" has a bit more of an edgy vibe compared to the previous tracks. It's a love song that perfectly captures those high school crush feelings. The line “I know it all in my head, but my heart is already crazy / I can't even start a conversation easily / First love, falling in love, falling in love, yeah” really stands out. I especially love the harmonized “knock, kn-knock, kn-knock,” which adds such a catchy and playful touch. It's the kind of song that brings back memories of those awkward, heart-fluttering first love moments.
Like A Monster
"Like A Monster" is full of energy and has this magnetic pull that’s impossible to ignore. The part, “Go on stage / I’ve never felt this before like time has stopped / All the stillness above this rhythm / It's so beautiful,” is absolutely stunning. The rhythm is so captivating that it makes me want to get up and dance every single time. It’s one of those tracks that instantly lifts your mood.
See You On Tomorrow
"See You On Tomorrow" brings a punk energy that’s more upbeat than the rest of the album. The distorted guitar sound is such a vibe, and the whole song feels like the perfect soundtrack for a summer road trip with your friends. The chorus, with lines like “Let’s stay together until we reach our long dream / Now it really feels like we’re almost there,” carries an uplifting, nostalgic feel that makes it stand out. It’s my personal favorite from the album, blending that carefree, adventurous spirit with a touch of emotional depth.
My Picks:
Umm Great
See You On Tomorrow
Flip it, Kick it! is an exciting start for KickFlip, proving they’ve got what it takes to stand out. Songs like "Mama Said" and "Umm Great" connect with listeners on a personal level, while tracks like "WARRIORS" and "See You On Tomorrow" bring an energy that’s impossible to ignore. Each track offers a different sound, yet the album feels incredibly cohesive, staying true to the group’s boy-next-door charm. As someone who has been following the group since LOUD, I’m beyond surprised by how incredible this album is. The music is perfect, the music videos are just as great, and it’s amazing to see the boys getting a chance to contribute to the songwriting process. This debut leaves no doubt that KickFlip is ready to carve out their own space in the music world, and fans are sure to stick around to see what’s next.
English translation of lyrics: Genius
