I Say MAMAMOO Album Review: Why It's Their Finest Work Yet

MAMAMOO album review enthusiasts have something special to celebrate with "I Say MAMAMOO: The Best," the group's first-ever compilation album released on September 15, 2021. This impressive collection features 23 tracks that beautifully capture their seven-year journey in the music industry.

Furthermore, the album doesn't merely rehash old hits. Instead, it offers fans fresh takes on beloved songs through remixes and re-recorded versions of some of their biggest hits, alongside two original tracks: "Mumumumuch," which serves as the album's lead single, and "Happier Than Ever". Notably, this mamamoo album demonstrated significant commercial success, debuting at number eight on the Gaon Album Chart and marking their 14th top-ten album achievement. As of December 2022, this mamamoo review would be incomplete without mentioning that the collection has generated more than 37 million streams on Spotify and over four million streams on YouTube Music.

What makes this compilation truly stand out in MAMAMOO's discography? Is it simply a nostalgic look back, or does it offer something new to both longtime fans and new listeners? Let's dive deeper into why "I Say MAMAMOO: The Best" might be their finest work yet.

Why 'I Say MAMAMOO: The Best' Was Released

The release of "I Say MAMAMOO: The Best" in September 2021 marked a significant milestone in the group's journey. This comprehensive album emerged from a blend of celebration, transition, and appreciation.

Celebrating 7 Years of MAMAMOO

Following their eleventh EP "WAW" in June 2021, MAMAMOO prepared this special album to commemorate seven years since their 2014 debut. The collection serves as both a celebration of their past achievements and a new starting point for the group. As part of their "2021 Where Are We" project, the album effectively captured the essence of their seven-year musical evolution.

Wheein's Contract and Group Dynamics

"I Say MAMAMOO: The Best" was the first group release after Wheein decided not to renew her contract with RBW Entertainment. While Solar, Moonbyul, and Hwasa extended their contracts with the company, Wheein opted to move on. Nevertheless, she signed an extended agreement to participate in certain group activities, including albums and concerts, until December 2023. This arrangement demonstrated the members' continued affection for MAMAMOO despite their changing professional circumstances.

A Gift to Fans, Not a Comeback

Unlike typical comebacks, this album received minimal promotions. The group chose not to perform on South Korean music programs, as they considered the album primarily a gift to their loyal fans rather than an official comeback. Consequently, the collection stands as a testament to MAMAMOO's artistic journey rather than a commercial venture.

Tracklist Breakdown: New Songs and Reimagined Hits

The 23-track collection offers an impressive mix of new material and reimagined favorites, showcasing MAMAMOO's artistic versatility.

New Originals: 'Mumumumuch' and 'Happier Than Ever'

Among the album's treasures, two brand-new tracks stand out. "Mumumumuch," serving as the lead single, presents a rhythmical dance-pop experience expressing the group's deep affection for their fans. The music video captures the quartet enjoying themselves in a luxurious hotel suite and performing against vibrant purple hills. The second original, "Happier Than Ever," offers a more subdued mid-tempo R&B flavor reminiscent of earlier B-sides like 'Rainy Season'. Both songs were initially performed during their August 2021 online concert.

Remix Highlights: 'Gogobebe (Rock ver.)', 'HIP (Remix ver.)'

The album truly shines through its innovative remixes. Particularly noteworthy is "Gogobebe (Rock ver.)," described by critics as "sublime" and "everything I ever needed in my life". Additionally, "HIP (Remix ver.)" brings fresh energy to one of their signature hits. These reimagined tracks exemplify the group's experimental approach to music.

Re-recorded Classics: 'Piano Man 2021', 'Yes I Am (Funk Boost ver.)'

MAMAMOO breathes new life into fan favorites with re-recorded versions. "Piano Man 2021" and "Yes I Am (Funk boost ver.)" showcase the members' matured vocal abilities. Each classic has been meticulously re-recorded, allowing listeners to experience familiar songs through the lens of the group's evolved artistic capabilities.

Commercial Performance and Chart Success

The sales performance of "I Say MAMAMOO: The Best" presents a fascinating contrast between physical and digital metrics.

First-Day and Monthly Sales Figures

"I Say MAMAMOO: The Best" recorded just 6,981 copies sold on its first day of release, a significant drop from their previous 2021 release "WAW," which achieved nearly 40,000 first-day sales. Overall, the album placed 25th on the monthly Gaon Album Chart for September 2021, selling 29,996 physical copies. In October, it dropped slightly to 26th position with 29,159 additional copies sold, bringing total sales to 59,155. Several retailers including Yes24, Hottracks, and Synnara reported the album as sold out, suggesting potential supply issues.

Streaming Stats on Spotify and YouTube

Although physical sales were modest, the album's digital performance proved robust. By December 2022, "I Say MAMAMOO: The Best" generated over 37 million streams on Spotify and more than 4 million streams on YouTube Music. The lead single "Mumumumuch" surpassed 1 million YouTube views in less than 8 hours, outpacing their previous single "Where Are We Now." On Spotify, "mumumumuch" accumulated 13,841,645 streams, still modest compared to their biggest hit "HIP" with its impressive 301,229,894 streams.

Chart Positions in Korea and Japan

The album debuted at number eight on the Gaon Album Chart, marking MAMAMOO's 14th top-ten album. Meanwhile, "Mumumumuch" reached number 102 on the Gaon Digital Chart and number eight on the Download Chart. In Japan, the album peaked at position 43 on the Oricon Album Chart and number 87 on Billboard Japan's Hot Albums chart.

Critical Reception and Fan Response

Professional critics offered mixed views on this MAMAMOO album review collection. Puah Ziwie of NME acknowledged the rarity of compilation albums in K-pop but praised MAMAMOO's execution, specifically highlighting "Gogobebe (Rock ver.)" as exceptional. However, he described the two new tracks as merely "par for the course for K-pop in the 2020s". On Album of the Year, the compilation currently holds a modest user score of 64.

NME and Album of the Year Reviews

Beyond professional evaluations, user ratings on Album of the Year varied significantly across tracks. "Mumumumuch" received positive scores (7.8/10), whereas certain re-recorded classics like "You're the best (2021)" scored disappointingly low (2/10).

Fan Reactions to Limited Promotions

The mamamoo album sparked heated debate among fans regarding RBW Entertainment's approach. Many expressed frustration over the limited physical copies available, which quickly sold out across retailers. Likewise, the absence of traditional music show performances raised eyebrows, though some fans speculated this might reflect the members' own preferences given their established career stage.

Why This Album Resonates with Longtime Listeners

Nonetheless, the mamamoo album collection resonates deeply with devoted followers. Its experimental remixes celebrate the group's unconventional identity. Some enthusiasts worried a "Best Of" compilation might signal the group's conclusion, yet others remain convinced it represents "a taste of what has yet to come".

FAQS

Curious fans often ask numerous questions about MAMAMOO and their albums. Here are some frequently asked questions about the group and their discography.

What does the name "MAMAMOO" actually mean?
The group revealed that MAMAMOO represents the sound babies make, with "MAMA" meaning mother. They chose this name because they wanted to approach listeners organically and instinctively with their music.

What are MAMAMOO fans called?
Fans are officially called "MooMoos." In Korean, "Moo (무)" means "radish," hence fans sometimes bring radishes to concerts. Indeed, the group's official lightstick is shaped like a radish.

What makes MAMAMOO performances unique?
A trademark of virtually every MAMAMOO live performance is their tendency to change some part as a gimmick. They've earned nicknames such as Beaglemoo and Heung-mamoo because of their energetic personalities.

How can I verify if a signed MAMAMOO album is authentic?
For collectors, this remains a common concern. Authentic signed albums typically feature consistent signature patterns that match official samples. Plus, most official signed albums come with certification.

Do MAMAMOO members have any unique characteristics?
The group has an average height of 160 cm (5'2"), with all members having just a 1 cm difference. Subsequently, they often compare heights and even released a song called "Taller Than You" about this.