Twice's Eyes Wide Open Is A Journey Through Time And Space

By Lai Frances


Throughout 2017’s Twicetober, the annual month-long tribute as soon as fans celebrate Twice’s debut, the idols released their first studio album, Twicetagram, and celebrated their second anniversary. A plethora of accomplishments later — including seven Korean chart-topping EPs, handfuls of hits in Japan, a global tour with arenas and domes sold out across Asia and North America, all while breaking their own records in the Korean and Japanese markets and dominating the Hallyu wave — Asia’s best-selling girl categorize welcomes their fifth Twicetober new clarity as well as a sparkling second album, Eyes Wide Open, out today (October 26).


It all started in October 2015 as soon as Nayeon, Jeongyeon, Momo, Sana, Jihyo, Mina, Dahyun, Chaeyoung, and Tzuyu were officially introduced as Twice on the reality competition show Sixteen; the order under JYP Entertainment was named to create an impact “once ears, and once by means of the eyes,” to capture fans — named "Once" — with their catchy hits and lethal aesthetics. Their debut single, "Like Ooh-Ahh," was a melodic pop song with hints of percussion, completely matching the nonet’s wild and edgy visual concept, which was marked by smoky eye makeup and camo-printed looks. Six months later, the categorize flipped the switch, sporting jerseys and varsity jackets for their contagious dance hit “Cheer Up,” which skyrocketed them to fame. Its lyrics (“Shy, shy, shy”) became a viral meme, and the release earned the order the coveted award for Song of the Year at Mnet’s Asian Music Awards (MAMA).


Hit right after hit immediately after hit, from “TT” to “Signal” (2017 MAMA Song of the Year) to “What Is Love?” (2018 MAMA Song of the Year), Twice have matured through their music. With bubbly songs about having crushes and grooving on a beach (“Likey,” “Dance the Night Away”), Twice started to explore a more intimate, sensual side with “More & More,” released earlier this year in partnership with Republic Records. It showcased a refreshing span in sound as they tackled Latin-inspired rhythms (“Firework”), new jack swing (“Sweet Summer Day”), bass-heavy beats (“Make Me Go”), and tropical pop all in one project. Meanwhile, they projected to fans positive messages about the significance of caring for one’s mental health as soon as they supported Mina, and recently Jeongyeon, in taking hiatuses. This was encapsulated in the 2019 track “Feel Special.”


Eyes Wide Open comes through with a burst of energy because the bigger, bolder sister of More & More. Releasing with three distinct album covers, in one case taking inspiration from '90s style magazines, it embodies Twice all grown up. The 13 tracks take listeners on a sonic journey through space and time, spanning '80s American retro, Japanese city pop ("Say Something"), and contemporary R&B while brazenly plunging inro the depths of love and lust (“Hell in Heaven”), breakups (“Handle It”), and finding one’s confidence (“Go Hard,” “Queen”). The collection proves Twice to be a force to be reckoned with, showcasing each members’ abilities to vocally and visually adapt to challenge genres and concepts. The categorize (minus Jeongyeon, who assures fans she is doing well while on a break), speaks to MTV News about growing up into Eyes Wide Open.


MTV News: First off, congratulations on your fifth anniversary and your second album. It’s been three years since Twicetagram followed by a handful of EPs. What can we expect with this comeback and the second album? 


Nayeon: This is the second full album which is coming out right after three years since Twicetagram, and we participated in this album more than before, like more than previous albums. So I’m really looking forward to Once liking this album as we invested more than a few time as well as the dialogue involved.


Sana: The team reflected on our ideas, especially once we put in our suggestions on the visual mood. So we also had a mention in the outfits added in this music video.


Jihyo: With this album, several of the members have joined in writing the lyrics. We habitually joined as lyricists, however this time there really are more than a few tracks, meaning more members have joined to write the lyrics for other tracks, also. Our title track, “I Can’t Stop Me,” has a retro-synth sound with the message of attempting to find the balance between the good and the bad of our uncontrollable desires.


MTV News: Is there a song Once should look out for in the new album? 


Dahyun: There’s a song I wrote called “Queen” that includes the lyrics to just show yourself as you are. The second is the track called “Bring It Back,” and this captures the feeling of going immediately after what you want. That as a very strong mood.


Chaeyoung: There’s a track called “Handle It” that contains the message of trying not to acknowledge being apart from each other or breaking up. It contains the rage about breaking up. I don’t think we’ve ever done a song that carried this sort of vibe before.


MTV News: How was it like acquiring a song written by R&B songstress Heize plus a song composed by Dua Lipa?


Chaeyoung: It was good to work on songs with them! We have continued to be blown away by both the artists’ careers and music, and agree that their songs are astonishing. It is excellent to have their names on our new songs, and we are looking forward to fans hearing them. The songs are awesome.


MTV News: You’ve also generally included fan songs for Once, as well. Are there any of these like “One in a Million” and “21:29”?


Nayeon: Similar to “21:29,” there’s a song called “Depend on You.” So that would be imagined this new album’s fan song.


MTV News: For personalized reasons and science, any plans on releasing a English version of “Feel Special”?


Nayeon: Ah, sorry! We didn’t include a English language version of “Feel Special.” Yet, if we wait a little longer, we still have a upcoming English version of our song coming out later.


MTV News: You made your debut with a wild and edgy concept in “Like Ooh-Ahh” and have since transformed. What changes have you seen with your music? And what would you like to be able to see more of?


Jihyo: I would mention, for us, our objective could to be a team that isn't limited in one concept and can embody a number of concepts. I want to be an artist who wants to overcome all of the concepts we try. Order kind of like renaissance women?


Momo: We are open to all concepts that we both haven’t and have tried before! We have fun asking fans what they aspire to be able to see from us and like discussing their answers.


Nayeon:  I remember any time we surprised Once at a Twicelights concert with our red concept of “Heart Shaker.” The song is very energetic, so we added some fun and sexy choreography to it. It was very pretty to watch their reactions! And since we have been mobile for five years, as a team, we do portray a certain image and concept, yet we appreciate finding new things and tough ourselves. From those challenges we find new things that match us more, and we find passion and joy in that. We hope each person can adore that without a bias. So we would like to find things that match us more to prepare it more exhilarating. Yet we are also asking whether there really is any concept that you or Once would like to see?


MTV News: Jihyo said earlier that Twice wants to be a renaissance girl sort. I believe you could pull it off, yet I think a completely hip-hop concept could be nice as fans are asking for Nayeon's rapper alter-ego, MC Rail.


All: (laughs) Oooooooooh!


Tzuyu: I’ll do my best attempting to challenge more diverse concepts then.


MTV News: Was there a specific era you felt like you've grown or have began to grow?


Jihyo: When we began to get recognized from our singles “Cheer Up” and “TT.” We all wanted to give fans our love and continue to be fantastic role models for them, and we continue to feel this way and appreciate Once for loving us.


Dahyun: Personally, I think our lead single “I Can't Stop Me” shows our musical growth the most. Beginning from “More & More," we have focused on showing the desire of wanting someone. I think our in general themes of the songs have matured after awhile, and that has been a fantastic challenge for us on the new concepts.


MTV News: With the quantity of chart-topping releases you’ve done, crossovers in the Japanese market and right now in the U.S., Do you suggest you’ve reached a peak in your career? 


Dahyun: I really don’t think we’re in the best position of our careers because we were able to prepare it this far due to our team and employees members, alongside the members, and, most importantly, the fans with each other. I think Twice was able to come at this point due the support of each person. Nevertheless I still think there’s still a way to go to the top.


Nayeon: More than thinking, we’ve reached the best, there’s a long way to go, we give our best to things that are given to us now. From that, we are faced with fantastic possibilities and more occasions to meet Once. So we work hard in the moment, and I am satisfied.


MTV News: Are there any regrets or things you wished happened differently thus far?


Momo: There aren’t any regrettable memories, although I mostly don’t regret anything. Nevertheless if there were, it must be my embarrassing moments [onstage] that I dwell upon for a very long time.


Mina: Because of any embarrassing moments we go through, we may right now look back at it as a really good memory. And since we can’t go back to that time attempting to repair that moment, we'd attempt to accept it as it is.


Jihyo: (to Momo) attempt to love yourself throughout those times.


MTV News: Any moments where you couldn’t believe things were also good to be true?


Chaeyoung: Habitually. All the good memories, always.


Momo: I remember as soon as fans were doing surprise events throughout our concert, we were touched any time Once sang a song for us. I was really, really touched at the time.


Sana: While going on our world tour, we were able to meet so several Once In the United States and other places that we were to be able to see the different energy from each nation. I remember meeting the fans soon following the concerts, and their faces lighting up seeing all members while in hi-touch. I cannot forget their faces, and that’s why I habitually aspire to create something new since they’re the motivation once Twice does their best.





MTV News: Nayeon, you’re well known to be the spoiler queen of Twice to the point where you even teased Momo’s new hair for the comeback. Out all of the comebacks you’ve spoiled, what’s the hugest spoiler you’ve given?


All: (to Nayeon spoiling Momo’s hair) Ah! Oh no!


Nayeon: (in English) My mistake! [But it’s definitely] Momo’s hair.


MTV News: Most memorable and greatest prank Jeongyeon has ever pulled?


All: There’s also much! There’s really also much!


MTV News: Momo, you rap, you sing, you write, you dance, you vlog, and right now you’re a dog mother to Boo. What’s something you cannot do that you wish you could?


Momo: I’d like to go house to Japan, although due to the coronavirus, I can’t go now.


MTV News: Sana, on livestreams and video call events, you tend to give a lot of suggestions and support to Once, yet what’s the greatest opinions you’ve given yourself?


Nayeon: (to Sana) you need to think far less and go to sleep early.


Sana: In the past, if we had a day off, I would focus my day on sleep and maybe plan to do other things on the next day. Nevertheless since right now I have more time due to coronavirus, it came to my mind that I should search for hobbies in hopes that I can use those hobbies and make use of it to appreciate my personalized time.


MTV News: Jihyo, what was your greatest moment as Twice’s leader?


Jihyo: I’m habitually happy. There aren’t several moments to pick, although I’m habitually happy to be with members.


MTV News: Mina, in the event you can describe the last five years of Twice as a game, what game would it be and how?


Mina: Minecraft. Because all of Twice’s creations and achievements are built like it is in Minecraft.


MTV News: Dahyun, you’re well known to be the rapper, the energy booster, the Eagle dance creator, the camera catcher, however you’re quite the mystery. What’s something you want the world to know about Dahyun?


Dahyun: Other than the image I have, I’m a very serious person and really quiet and calm. I also think a lot about several things. Although I'm energy booster, you know?


MTV News: Chaeyoung, what other mediums would you like to express yourself in?


Chaeyoung: I’d like to express myself more through outfit decorating, however I’d still like to express myself through art and other musical ways.


MTV News: Tzuyu, in one of your past radio interviews, you mentioned that you like to share your funny impressions of your sort members. What are some things you’d like to call out on your members?


Tzuyu: I’ve been with the team for five years and there really are moments If I think I couldn’t do this alone. I’ve grown more with the help of my members.


MTV News: The greatest part about being Twice?


Sana: All of the members being with each other on my side and freely expressing myself. Nevertheless also, having to help each other and support one another.