The Secret Messages in BBGIRLS 'One More Time' You Never Noticed

BBGIRLS made a striking statement with their debut single album "One More Time," released digitally on August 3, 2023, following their rebranding from Brave Girls earlier that year. While many K-pop fans enjoyed the catchy, slightly retro dance track, few noticed it actually features a writing credit from funk legend Rick James, interpolating his 1981 hit "Give It to Me Baby." The release marked their first musical offering after signing with Warner Music Korea in April 2023, showcasing a confident sound that notably contrasts with younger K-pop girl groups. Despite the repetitive lyrics centered around the phrase "give it to me baby," which some listeners found simultaneously catchy yet flat, the album debuted at number 22 on South Korea's Circle Album Chart. Additionally, the single album contained a second track "Lemonade," which at 3:00 minutes complemented the 3:07-minute title track, though this would ultimately become their only record released under Warner before their departure in April 2024.

The comeback that redefined BBGIRLS

After parting ways with Brave Entertainment in February 2023, the quartet formerly known as Brave Girls found themselves at a crossroads. Consequently, when all four members signed with Warner Music Korea in April 2023, it marked the beginning of a significant transformation in their career.

From Brave Girls to BBGIRLS: A new chapter

The rebranding from Brave Girls to BBGIRLS wasn't merely a name change—it represented a complete reinvention. The group officially announced their new identity on May 3, 2023, with "BB" standing for "Breaking Barriers," a message they specifically wanted to convey through their name. This change became necessary because Brave Entertainment owned the trademark for their original name. The members—Minyoung, Youjoung, Eunji, and Yuna—embraced this opportunity for a fresh start, with Minyoung explaining, "Four of us coming back has always been something we wanted to pursue regardless of the release of 'Goodbye'".

Why 'One More Time' was a pivotal release

The selection of "One More Time" as their comeback single carried profound symbolism. The title itself reflected their journey—trying once more after facing numerous challenges. Eunji explained, "It has a message of going again 'one more time,' which is perfect to portray the beginning of our new chapter". Furthermore, the song represented a collaborative decision-making process, with Youjoung noting it "was the song that everyone loved. All the members and our label team members agreed that it was good". The track's interpolation of Rick James's "Give It To Me Baby" connected them to legendary musical heritage while allowing them to establish their unique sound.

The role of Warner Music Korea in their transition

Warner Music Korea played an instrumental role in reshaping the group's image. Unlike their previous styling at Brave Entertainment, which fans often criticized, their new agency gave them a modern, sophisticated look that impressed both fans and netizens. Additionally, Warner provided them creative input they hadn't previously enjoyed. As Minyoung shared, "Since it is our first release since our rebranding, we hope to show people and our fans BBGIRLS' color. So we found it important to communicate actively with our new label". This partnership, although lasting only until April 2024, proved vital in establishing their identity as BBGIRLS instead of simply being former Brave Girls.

Unpacking the lyrics: What they really mean

The lyrical depth of "One More Time" reveals layers beyond its catchy hooks, with meanings that connect directly to BBGIRLS' journey and evolution as artists.

The recurring phrase 'Give it to me baby'

At the heart of the song lies the infectious hook "Give it to me baby," which samples Rick James's 1981 hit of the same name. This phrase appears throughout the track, creating an insistent, almost hypnotic effect. Within Rick James's original context, the line carried overtones of romantic pursuit after rejection, as he wrote it based on "his own true life experience of failed lust." In BBGIRLS' reinterpretation, however, the phrase takes on a more nuanced meaning, connecting to their desire for another chance at success. Minyoung and Eunji's delivery of these lines particularly emphasizes this duality.

Nostalgia and longing in the verses

The verses paint vivid images of emotional yearning. Yuna's lines, "My distant summer night / Stars fell into those black eyes / Fever stained my heart / I miss that time, tonight," evoke a sense of wistful remembrance. These lyrics establish a narrative of looking back at a passionate moment that has since become a memory. The imagery of stars, black eyes, and summer nights creates an atmosphere of warm nostalgia tinged with longing.

The emotional weight of the bridge

Throughout the bridge, the lyrics shift from reminiscence to determination. "I don't change, I'm still looking for you / With the same eyes as the very first time," sung by Yuna, demonstrates unwavering commitment. Youjoung's follow-up, "This moment's opportunity, I shouldn't miss it / Before it's too late, one more time," adds urgency and resolve to seize the present moment.

Symbolism in the phrase 'One more time'

Beyond its surface repetition, "one more time" embodies BBGIRLS' resilience and rebirth. As Eunji explained, it carries "a message of going again 'one more time,' which is perfect to portray the beginning of our new chapter." This refrain serves as both a plea to a lover within the song's narrative and a meta-statement about the group's determination to restart after rebranding.

Hidden layers in the music and production

Beneath the glossy surface of "One More Time," a rich tapestry of production techniques creates a distinctive sonic landscape that many casual listeners might overlook at first play.

Funk influences and Rick James interpolation

The foundation of "One More Time" rests on its clever integration of funk legend Rick James's 1981 hit "Give It to Me Baby." This interpolation isn't merely a borrowed hook—it's formally acknowledged with Rick James receiving an official writing credit on the track. Alongside songwriters Kim Min-ji, Elsa Curran, and Blaise Railey, James's influence anchors the retro-pop sensibility of the song. Moreover, the production team deliberately reimagined the funk classic by removing "the horns and guitar prevalent in James' version" and instead added "a modern and relevant EDM production for a more K-pop twist." This fusion creates a distinctive identity for BBGIRLS while honoring musical heritage.

The role of vocal layering and harmonies

Vocal arrangement plays a crucial role in crafting the track's polished sound. Throughout "One More Time," multiple vocal tracks are stacked to create depth and dimension—a technique known as vocal layering. This approach enhances the emotional impact and fills out the mix effectively. In essence, what listeners perceive as a single vocal line often consists of several carefully arranged tracks. This technique appears most impressively in "Lemonade," where "the final 30 seconds where they layer the hook/post-chorus over the rapid fire yet hushed background vocals" creates a complex, textured effect that critics praised as "so good."

Subtle instrumental shifts across the track

The instrumental backbone of "One More Time" features several distinctive elements that reward attentive listening. First among these are the "stabbing keys" that open the track, immediately establishing its retro-dance character. The "chugging instrumental" adds dramatic tension throughout, even as some critics suggested "the tempo could have been kicked up a few notches." Particularly noteworthy are what one reviewer described as "saxophone intrusions" that "fascinate" throughout the disco-influenced arrangement. Not only does the production showcase these elements, but it also demonstrates restraint—some listeners noted the final chorus could have been elevated with additional instrumental flourishes.

What 'Lemonade' reveals about the album's message

The B-side track "Lemonade" offers fascinating insights into BBGIRLS' musical direction that the title track alone doesn't reveal. Within this seemingly simple summer song lies evidence of the group's creative evolution and artistic vision.

Contrast in tone and arrangement

"Lemonade" stands apart from "One More Time" through its distinctly different musical approach. Whereas the title track leans into dance-pop energy with its infectious hook, "Lemonade" embraces a funkier, groovier sound with a more laid-back approach to summer vibes. The instrumental palette features insistent rhythm guitar and surprising squeals of saxophone during the chorus, creating what one reviewer described as "bubbly electronics that echo each line of the chorus." Indeed, the track establishes itself as "a pop ditty that depicts a cool, refreshing summer mood" rather than chasing the high-energy dance floor appeal of its album counterpart.

How 'Lemonade' complements 'One More Time'

Together, these tracks demonstrate BBGIRLS' musical range as a newly rebranded group. "Lemonade" serves as the perfect counterbalance with its "chill and refreshing vocals" complementing the more assertive tone of "One More Time." In fact, many listeners found that "Lemonade" grew "more addictive the longer you hear it," in contrast to the immediately catchy but potentially divisive repetition in "One More Time." The final 30 seconds of "Lemonade" especially showcases their vocal prowess as they "layer the hook/post-chorus over rapid fire yet hushed background vocals"—a technique that critics praised as "so good."

A deeper look at BBGIRLS' evolving sound

Perhaps most tellingly, "Lemonade" hints at the group's future direction. The track "poses a stark contrast to their older discography, which was a lot more vocal-focused," representing a departure from their previous intense and sexy sounds. This evolution reflects their maturity as artists while maintaining their fundamental charm. One critic even noted that "Lemonade" felt like it "could directly connect to their absolutely incredible previous album (Thank You)," suggesting continuity amid transformation. The song demonstrates how BBGIRLS could maintain their identity as summer queens yet evolve their sound—setting a foundation for their musical journey even as this ultimately became their only album under Warner Music Korea.