Solar MAMAMOO Face Album Review: The Unexpected Brilliance of Her First Mini Album

Solar MAMAMOO Face album review reveals the remarkable debut of a K-pop powerhouse stepping into her solo spotlight. When the MAMAMOO leader released her first mini album "容 : FACE" on March 16, 2022, few anticipated the artistic depth packed into its concise 13:35 runtime. The EP quickly climbed to position 7 on South Korea's Gaon Album Chart, establishing Solar as a formidable solo artist beyond her group identity.

Despite its compact format, this solar album face spans multiple genres including dance, pop, and R&B, showcasing Solar's versatility as both vocalist and songwriter. Notably, the title track "Honey" earned significant acclaim, eventually being recognized as one of the "Best K-pop Tracks of 2022" by British magazine Dazed. Additionally, Solar demonstrated her creative involvement by co-writing and composing "Honey" alongside industry veterans Kim Do-hoon and Seo Young-bae, highlighting her artistic growth and vision. This track-by-track journey through Solar's debut EP reveals why this release deserves attention from both dedicated fans and newcomers alike.

Track-by-Track Breakdown of 'Solar Album Face'

Each song in Solar's mini-album reveals a different facet of her artistry, with four of the five tracks showcasing her contemporary R&B and pop sensibilities, while one surprisingly veers into jazz territory.

1. RAW – A Short but Bold Opening

Clocking in at just 1:11, "RAW" serves as a powerful introduction with its fierce declaration "I just wanna be raw, raw, raw". This opener packs heavy R&B vibes mixed with traditional woodwind instruments and percussion. Though brief, the track perfectly mirrors Solar's artistic intentions and creates a seamless transition to the title song.

2. Honey – The Playful and Powerful Title Track

"Honey" showcases Solar's versatility through a dynamic house instrumental with varying textures. Co-written and co-composed by Solar herself, the track features a surprising rap segment and brass flourishes that follow each chorus. British magazine Dazed recognized its excellence by listing it among the "Best K-pop Tracks of 2022".

3. Chap Chap – Rhythmic and Experimental

"Chap Chap," meaning an onomatopoeia for eating noises, blends Parisian-inspired elements with EDM flourishes. Solar co-wrote and co-composed this track alongside Cosmic Girl and Cosmic Sound, creating an experimental soundscape that still maintains a cohesive structure.

4. Big Booty – Confidence and Groove

Perhaps the most unexpected track, "Big Booty" eschews hip-hop for big band jazz. As Solar's first self-penned song, she revealed she wrote it because "I was so eager to have a big booty because mine is so small". The grand saxophone and drum beats create a sultry, theatrical atmosphere.

5. Zinggle Zinggle – A Fun and Energetic Closer

The album concludes with "Zinggle Zinggle," which derives its name from a Korean adverb meaning "craftily" or "cringy". This medium-tempo track incorporates lo-fi beats while expressing love despite occasional quarrels: "Really do love you, my babe/No, it's just zinggle-zinggle/Fighting for a day or two".

Critical Reception and Accolades

The professional acclaim for Solar's debut mini-album illuminates why this release stands as a milestone in her career. Upon its release, '容 : FACE' quickly entered the top album charts of iTunes in 20 countries and regions worldwide.

NME Review: 4-Star Rating

British music magazine NME awarded the mini-album an impressive four out of five stars. Critic Rhian Daly praised how the release "captures Solar's energetic, bright and breezy personality well". Daly particularly highlighted "the rap verse on 'Honey' as a highlight that showcases her dynamism", also describing the EP as a "record of balmy bops" that "balances surprises and sultriness over five tracks that leave you wanting more".

Dazed UK: Best K-pop Track of 2022

Further cementing its significance, "Honey" earned recognition as one of the 'Best K-pop Track of 2022' by respected British magazine Dazed. The publication specifically noted how "Solar often changes the sense of speed and atmosphere in the song, which further emphasizes the meaning of the lyrics written by Solar herself, doubling the feeling of challenge".

Fan Reactions and Social Media Buzz

Across social platforms, fans expressed overwhelming enthusiasm for Solar's artistic evolution. After her announcement of future releases, one fan tweeted, "I swear this woman does not rest", whereas others eagerly commented, "Lets gooooo I'm so ready" and "I want it NOW".

Chart Performance and Commercial Success

Beyond critical acclaim, '容 : FACE' achieved impressive commercial milestones upon its release. The mini-album demonstrated Solar's ability to shine independently from MAMAMOO with strong chart performances worldwide.

Weekly Gaon Chart Rankings

Following its March 2022 debut, the EP peaked at position 7 on South Korea's prestigious Gaon Albums Chart. This achievement marked a significant milestone for Solar as a soloist, especially considering the highly competitive K-pop market. Additionally, first-week physical sales reached an impressive 37,686 copies according to Hanteo Chart, establishing Solar as a formidable solo artist.

Monthly Chart Performance

In terms of monthly rankings, '容 : FACE' secured the 20th position on the Gaon Albums Chart. However, the album's international impact proved even more substantial as it soared to number 1 on iTunes Top Albums charts across at least 20 different regions worldwide. These territories included Brazil, Colombia, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Mexico, Singapore, and the Philippines.

Formats: CD, Download, and Streaming

RBW released '容 : FACE' simultaneously in multiple formats on March 16, 2022. Fans could purchase physical CDs or access the album via digital download and streaming platforms. Notably, physical copies counted toward both Gaon and Hanteo charts, with first-day and first-week sales particularly significant for chart rankings.

FAQS

As fans delve into Solar's debut mini-album, certain questions naturally arise regarding the artist's intentions and experiences. Below are answers to the most frequently asked questions about '容 : FACE'.

What was Solar's primary hope for this album release?

In her own words, Solar expressed a heartfelt wish: "I hope I can bring solace to many people through my solo release". This statement reflects her desire to create music that resonates emotionally with listeners beyond mere entertainment value.

Did Solar face any challenges in releasing a solo album in today's K-pop landscape?

Indeed, Solar acknowledged the difficulty of gaining recognition in the current music environment. She noted, "It seems a lot of great songs are not getting noticed these days due to tough competition, making it more demanding for singers to grab the top spots on the music charts". This observation highlights the increasingly saturated nature of the K-pop industry.

How does Solar view her artistic responsibility as a soloist versus being part of MAMAMOO?

Although maintaining her connection to MAMAMOO, Solar's solo work allows her to explore personal artistic expressions without the constraints of group dynamics. The album title itself—connecting to her birth name Kim Yong-sun—demonstrates her intention to present authentic self-expression rather than merely commercial appeal.