I Never Die | ||||
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Released | March 14, 2022 | |||
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Length | 24:36 | |||
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(G)I-dle chronology | ||||
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Singles from I Never Die | ||||
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I Never Die (stylized in all caps) is the first studio album by South Korean girl group (G)I-dle. It was released digitally on March 14, 2022 and physically the following day, by Cube Entertainment. It consists of three physical versions: RiSKY, CHiLL and SPOiLED, and contains eight tracks, including the lead single "Tomboy". The album marks the group's first release as a quintet following the departure of member Soojin in August 2021, and the fifth release in the 'I' series, following I Burn (2021). Members Soyeon, Minnie, and Yuqi served as the album's primary producers and songwriters.
Lyrically, the album focuses on speaking out against prejudices, exuding self-confidence, embracing one's own darker self, self-healing, and the feelings after breakups. Musically, it's an alternative rock, pop, R&B, and hip-hop record that experiments with rock, 2000s emo-teen, classic rock, and electro-pop sounds, with its songs characterized by a wide-range of upbeat instruments such as electric guitar and drums.
I Never Die received generally favorable reviews from music critics, who complimented its cohesiveness, concept, art direction, rock production, and lyrical themes, as well as the group's musical growth. However, criticism was made over the album's short length. Domestically, it was a commercial success, debuting at number two on the Circle Album Chart with over 200,000 copies sold in its first week. Additionally, it was certified double-platinum by Korean Music Content Association. In China, the album became the second best-selling album by a K-pop act in 2022 after Born Pink, with over 560,000 digital units sold.[1]
The album was released on the same day as the lead single "Tomboy", which reached number one on both the Circle Digital Chart and K-pop Hot 100. The single managed to stay in the top ten on the said charts for multiple weeks. (G)I-dle performed other tracks "My Bag" and "Villain Dies", alongside the lead single, on South Korean music program M Countdown and live on 2022 MAMA Awards, 2022 Melon Music Awards and 37th Golden Disc Awards. In support of the album, the group embarked on Just Me ( )I-dle World Tour in 2022.