KATSEYE's Beautiful Chaos EP: Complete Track List (Hidden Gems)

KATSEYE 2nd EP Beautiful Chaos has officially made its mark, debuting at an impressive #4 on the Billboard 200 album chart. This milestone represents the global girl group's highest-peaking project to date, showcasing their rapidly growing influence in the music industry.

Released on June 27, 2025, through HYBE and Geffen Records, Beautiful Chaos lives up to its name by embracing the concept of "celebrating confusion". The EP artfully blends various genres to express the creative turmoil and evolution the members have experienced. Notably, the project features three title tracks—"Gnarly," "Gabriela," and "Gameboy"—each highlighting different facets of the beautiful chaos theme. "Gnarly," which was pre-released on April 30, 2025, became the group's first entry on the Billboard Hot 100.

Additionally, fans can enjoy the EP in three distinct physical versions: Beautiful, Chaotic, and Vinyl. For those seeking an extended listening experience, the release also includes special extended versions of "Gabriela" and "Gameboy". Furthermore, the EP has achieved international recognition, entering weekly music charts in fourteen regions and reaching the top ten in Belgium, South Korea, and the US.

Gnarly

"Gnarly," the lead single from BEAUTIFUL CHAOS EP, marks a bold departure from KATSEYE's debut sound. Released on April 30, 2025, this hyperpop fever dream became the group's first entry on the Billboard Hot 100, debuting at #92 and spending five non-consecutive weeks on the chart. In the UK, the song performed even better, debuting at #52 on the Official Singles Chart and maintaining a nine-week presence.

Gnarly meaning and theme

The essence of "Gnarly" lies in its opening line delivered by Yoonchae: "They could describe everything with one single word". This statement sets up the song's satirical examination of how modern culture oversimplifies complex ideas through trendy language. The term "gnarly" itself carries dual meanings—it can describe something unpleasant and twisted or something outrageously cool.

In an interview with The Fader, Manon explained, "Gnarly can be a good thing or a bad thing in our minds. It's kind of up for interpretation," while Lara added, "I think it's good to know in the song, especially in the first verse, there are good gnarlies and there are bad gnarlies". This duality forms the core concept of the track, with references ranging from "boba tea" to "Tesla" to "fried chicken"—each labeled simply as "gnarly".

Essentially, the song serves as KATSEYE's statement piece, announcing their evolution from the sweet, candy-coated sound of their debut EP SIS (Soft Is Strong) toward something more daring and unfiltered.

Gnarly production and contributors

"Gnarly" originated from a demo created by Chinese DJ and hyperpop artist Alice Longyu Gao. As a non-native English speaker, Gao was fascinated by the word "gnarly," noting she was "amused and surprised by the excessive usage of this word by some basic bros". An early version of the track appeared on TikTok in April 2023 when Andrew Taggart from The Chainsmokers shared a clip featuring Gao's vocals.

The final version boasts an impressive production team including:

Slow Rabbit (longtime HYBE producer)
Pink Slip
Tim Randolph
Bang Si-Hyuk (credited as "hitman" Bang)

Moreover, the songwriting credits extend to Madison Love and Jacob Kasher alongside Gao. The song's sound features "quaking 808s, gritty rave synths and a pugnacious attitude", creating what Lara described as "a very unstructured song, it's kind of random... probably one of the most fun songs that we've ever gotten to record".

Gnarly lyrical highlights

The song's lyrics playfully embrace chaos and bravado. The chorus, performed by Manon and Megan, contains the standout lines: "Hottie, hottie, like a bag of Takis / I'm the shit, I'm the shit (Gnarly) / Obvi, obvi, they be tryna copy / I'm the shit, I'm the shit". This comparison to Takis (spicy rolled chips) serves as a metaphor for the group's confidence and appeal.

Each member brings a distinct energy to their parts. Daniela opens with references to modern staples ("Boba tea (Gnarly), Tesla (Gnarly)"), while Lara delivers cutting lines like "Making beats for a boring, dumb bitch / Fucking gnarly". Meanwhile, Yoonchae adds touches of braggadocio with "Je-je-jealous of my mansion? / Yeah, the view is fucking gnarly".

Though initially polarizing among fans due to its explicit content and experimental nature, the song eventually found its audience. A clean edit was later released, replacing phrases like "I'm the shit" with "I'm legit". This version was received more favorably by some listeners who felt it made the track more cohesive.

In Sophia's words, "What's so special is that we felt all the emotions that all of our fans felt... That's what made us feel like this was our song and that we could truly make it our own, and use it as an introduction to this new era".

Gabriela

Following "Gnarly" on the EP, "Gabriela" emerged as KATSEYE's second single, released on June 20, 2025, one week ahead of the full Beautiful Chaos EP. The song quickly established itself as a standout track, reaching the top ten on official music singles charts in Malaysia, the Philippines, and Singapore, alongside securing the number 24 position on the Billboard Global 200.

Gabriela meaning and Latin influence

"Gabriela" represents a modern interpretation of the classic "other woman" narrative, drawing comparisons to Dolly Parton's "Jolene" but with a Gen-Z twist. Lyrically, the song explores the complex emotions of losing a lover to someone else. As Sophia explained, "It's a play on confidence and on competition, and it's just a play on narrow vision".

The track draws significant inspiration from Latin culture, featuring Spanish guitars and rhythms that create a sultry, mysterious atmosphere. This Latin fusion marks a deliberate artistic choice, coinciding with Latin music's impressive growth in the US market, which according to a 2024 report by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), reached a record-breaking USD 1.40 billion in sales.

Perhaps most significantly, "Gabriela" includes KATSEYE's first Spanish-language verse, performed by Daniela in falsetto. Her line "Él llegó conmigo y conmigo se va" ("He came with me and with me he'll leave") adds cultural authenticity and personal connection, as Daniela brings her Cuban and Venezuelan heritage to the forefront. This cultural bridging extends to the track's music video, which pays homage to telenovelas with their characteristic over-the-top acting, melodramatic twists, and vibrant visuals.

Gabriela production team

Behind "Gabriela" stands an impressive roster of industry veterans. The track was produced by Andrew Watt (known for his work with Lady Gaga and Jungkook) and John Ryan (recognized for collaborations with Sabrina Carpenter). The songwriting credits include Andrew Watt, John Ryan, Ali Tamposi, Charli XCX, and Sara Schell.

Interestingly, before finding its home with KATSEYE, the song was previously offered to Anitta and Rita Ora, both of whom recorded versions in 2018. The final version, nevertheless, became distinctly KATSEYE's own, complemented by a high-budget music video directed by Andrew Thomas Huang and starring Jessica Alba as the CEO of Gabriela Enterprises.

Gabriela fan reception

Fan response to "Gabriela" was overwhelmingly positive. The track was voted by Billboard readers as the best new song of the week on June 22, and in another poll, it brought in an impressive 43% of the vote, outperforming releases from Public Enemy, Cardi B, Benson Boone, and Karol G.

The music video particularly resonated with audiences, amassing 9.3 million views on YouTube within a week of its release. Fans especially appreciated the group's authentic approach to the telenovela concept and the video's vibrant, dramatic style.

Critically, the song received mixed reviews. While some praised its Latin-infused rhythms and cultural homage, others found it reminiscent of "Camila Cabello circa 2018" and wished for more musical development. Nevertheless, "Gabriela" continued to climb charts, reaching a new peak of No. 87 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the weeks following its release.

The track's success demonstrated KATSEYE's versatility and strategic approach to blending cultural influences, positioning the group at the intersection of K-pop's global appeal and Latin music's mainstream breakthrough.

Gameboy

Released alongside the full Beautiful Chaos EP, "Gameboy" stands as the third single from KATSEYE's sophomore project. This confident dance-pop track cleverly blends Western R&B influences with polished K-pop sensibilities, creating what many fans consider the spiritual successor to the group's 2024 single "Touch".

Gameboy concept and style

At its core, "Gameboy" transforms a nostalgic video game reference into a bold metaphor for emotional immaturity in relationships. The track delivers a powerful message about reclaiming self-worth after a toxic relationship, with the lyrics confronting an emotionally unavailable partner who treated love like a game to manipulate. Rather than wallowing in heartbreak, however, the song pulses with freedom and self-assurance.

Musically, "Gameboy" distinguishes itself through its fusion of retro video game sounds with smooth moombahton rhythms. This "saccharine" dance-pop approach creates a sophisticated soundscape where all six members' vocals harmonize effectively. Unlike some of their earlier work, this track showcases a more mature sound that still maintains the group's characteristic playfulness.

Gameboy production details

Jacob Kasher, a seasoned songwriter with credits for chart-toppers by Selena Gomez, Maroon 5, and Britney Spears, spearheaded the production. The track was part of an impressive collaborative effort across the EP, which included work with other notable industry figures such as:

Justin Tranter
Andrew Watt
John Ryan
Kristin Carpenter

From a technical standpoint, "Gameboy" shines with its layered harmonies and punchy percussion that create an instantly memorable hook. The production balances English lyrics with subtle Korean inflections, highlighting KATSEYE's multicultural appeal. Critics have noted that while the song follows current pop trends with its Afrobeats percussion and atmospheric production, the group delivers this style convincingly.

Gameboy music video impact

The music video for "Gameboy," released concurrently with the EP on June 27, quickly captivated audiences with its colorful aesthetic and engaging choreography. One particularly noteworthy aspect was how the production team incorporated member Lara despite her injury preventing full participation in the dance routines. By featuring her as "the player" within the game concept, they turned a potential limitation into a creative strength.

Fan reception to the video proved overwhelmingly positive, with many highlighting the choreography's playful elements—specifically the thumb war sequences and partner work. The styling, however, generated mixed reactions, with some praising the members' aesthetic while others felt the "bikini high school it girls" look wasn't the most distinctive direction.

In fact, the song and video prompted many fans to reconsider their initial impressions of KATSEYE. As one Reddit user commented, "I was slow to embrace KATSEYE... But THIS?! I ADORE this song so much! The video & choreo are so cute". This enthusiasm contributed to "Gameboy" becoming a streaming favorite, securing its place as one of the standout tracks on Beautiful Chaos.

Mean Girls

Among the standout tracks on Beautiful Chaos, "Mean Girls" resonates through its message of radical acceptance and forgiveness. Unlike the EP's singles, this emotional, melodic R&B offering serves as both personal statement and cultural commentary for the group.

Mean Girls lyrical message

At its core, "Mean Girls" chooses grace over drama, blessing various types of women throughout its lyrics. The chorus operates as a spiritual mantra, acknowledging "sweet girls," "dream girls," "queen girls," and "turn the other cheek girls" before extending the same goodwill to "mean girls". This inclusive approach continues as the song progresses, ultimately embracing "T girls and all the in-between girls" toward the track's conclusion.

The verses tackle themes of forgiveness directly. Lines like "I'll forgive because you're making your own bed" and "I'll forgive 'cause insecurity's a mess" showcase emotional maturity. Instead of retaliation, the group opts for understanding, as expressed in touching lyrics such as "Sending you love because it's all I can control" and "I hope you don't end up alone". This approach reflects profound compassion even toward those who cause pain.

Mean Girls production and vocals

Musically, "Mean Girls" features contributions from an accomplished team:

Sam Homaee handles multiple instruments (synthesizer, drums, percussion, bass, strings) alongside production duties
Daniel Crean provides guitar work and co-production
Amanda "Kiddo" Ibanez delivers background vocals

The songwriting credits extend beyond KATSEYE's regular collaborators to include industry veteran Justin Tranter. The final mix underwent meticulous crafting by Alex Ghenea, with Chris Gehringer handling mastering duties and John Hanes overseeing immersive mixing.

Mean Girls cultural relevance

Beyond its musical merits, "Mean Girls" carries significant cultural weight. Cosmopolitan magazine specifically praised the track for "spreading queer joy" through its inclusive lyrics about the trans community.

Furthermore, the song represents KATSEYE's response to criticisms they faced after their documentary release. As stated in a Rolling Stone interview, it serves as "kind of an homage" to being labeled "mean girls," symbolically "closing a chapter" through kindness rather than conflict.

The track's title itself cleverly references the iconic 2004 film that continues to exert cultural influence across generations, yet reframes the concept by challenging typical narratives of judgment and conflict between women.

M.I.A

Closing out Beautiful Chaos with undeniable impact, "M.I.A" stands as the unanimous favorite among KATSEYE members themselves. This stadium-ready anthem provides a fitting finale to the EP's emotional journey, delivering a gritty, club-ready experience that leaves listeners wanting more.

M.I.A genre fusion

"M.I.A" masterfully blends electronic and dance-pop elements to create what the members describe as a "banger". This fusion creates a sound more aligned with global girl groups like Blackpink, designed specifically to resonate in large venues. The track's hypnotic quality stems from its throbbing beat and edgy production style, creating an atmosphere that's simultaneously rebellious and inviting.

Interestingly, although the song might not immediately present itself as an anthem, its powerful message of autonomy gradually reveals its true nature. The track's sound is decidedly more club-oriented than other EP offerings, steering KATSEYE back to dance floors after the more introspective "Mean Girls." This strategic placement within the EP showcases the group's versatility throughout the project.

M.I.A production credits

Behind "M.I.A" stands producer RISC, who crafted the track's distinctive sound. The production team extends beyond a single creator, however, with Bart Schoudel handling vocal production and Alex Ghenea managing mixing engineering. Chris Gehringer contributed masterization expertise, while John Hanes provided immersive mixing engineering.

From a songwriting perspective, "M.I.A" emerged from the collaborative efforts of Christopher Smith, David Alexander, Kristin Carpenter, and Sophia Brenan. This diverse creative team helped shape both the track's memorable lyrics and its stadium-filling sonic landscape.

M.I.A as album closer

As the EP's final track, "M.I.A" serves a crucial purpose within Beautiful Chaos. All six KATSEYE members enthusiastically agree it's their favorite song on the project. Daniela recalls the group "screamed when we heard it," while Lara adds "This is exactly our taste. I think the production is fire and we really showed our individuality".

The track clearly resonates with members beyond professional appreciation. Lara confesses to playing it constantly, stating "I blast 'M.I.A' in my car all the time, literally all the time". Similarly, Sophia envisions its performance potential, noting it "is meant to be performed in a stadium… to be performed at Lolla".

Thematically, "M.I.A" serves as an empowering statement of independence with lyrics like "Don't be like this/No, you won't put a leash on a bitch". The song effectively "shatters the idea that idols are marionettes expected to be their best". Through this raw honesty, KATSEYE demonstrates they're "not afraid to walk away. And they'll do it unapologetically".

Some critics have noted the track feels "too short" and "leaves a bit to desire"—perhaps the only complaint from fans eager for more of this energetic finale.

Gabriela (Extended Version)

On July 3, 2025, just days after the EP's initial release, KATSEYE unveiled "Gabriela (Extended Version)" as part of the digital-only BEAUTIFUL CHAOS (EXTENDED VER.) EP. This expanded rendition gave fans an opportunity to experience the Latin-inspired hit in a fresh format, offering subtle yet noteworthy modifications to the original track.

Gabriela (Extended Version) differences

The extended version primarily builds upon the original by incorporating additional instrumental sections. Firstly, the track features a longer instrumental introduction that sets a more atmospheric tone before the vocals begin. Beyond this initial change, the production team strategically repeated the chorus at additional points throughout the song, creating a more immersive listening experience.

These modifications, considered relatively minor by some listeners, represent a deliberate choice rather than a radical reimagining. As one Reddit user noted, the changes essentially amount to "instrumentals in the start and at the end" plus "copy paste the chorus at the middle". Yet these subtle adjustments nevertheless provide a distinct listening experience for dedicated fans.

Gabriela (Extended Version) fan response

Fan reaction to the extended version was largely enthusiastic across platforms. On SoundCloud, listeners expressed their excitement with comments like "WOOO LETS GO" and "on repeat!!!". Others appreciated the extended instrumental sections in particular, with one fan stating, "Love the instrumental so this a great day for me fr fr".

Conversely, some fans expressed disappointment that the changes weren't more substantial. Several Reddit users had hoped for "an extra verse" or perhaps "a bridge" to truly transform the track. Others questioned the motivation behind releasing extended versions, with one suggesting they were created "to boost streams or a spot on the charts".

Gabriela (Extended Version) availability

Regarding accessibility, KATSEYE released the extended version exclusively through their official store as a digital download. Importantly, the extended tracks were only available to customers in the United States. This geographic restriction created some frustration among international fans who couldn't officially access these versions.

The digital downloads came as high-quality MP3 44.1kHz/24-bit audio files, offering superior sound compared to standard streaming quality. Unlike the standard versions, these extended tracks were not included on physical copies of the EP or initially made available on streaming platforms like Spotify.

Gameboy (Extended Version)

The Beautiful Chaos EP experience expands further with "Gameboy (Extended Version)," a reimagined take on the popular dance-pop track that rounds out KATSEYE's digital-only extended release. Alongside "Gabriela (Extended Version)," this enhancement offers fans an alternate perspective on one of the EP's most vibrant entries.

Gameboy (Extended Version) enhancements

"Gameboy (Extended Version)" builds upon the original with strategic modifications that emphasize its dance-pop appeal. Most noticeably, the track features additional instrumental segments at both the beginning and conclusion, bookending the song with expanded atmospheric elements. Throughout the track, listeners will discover the chorus has been thoughtfully repeated at additional points, creating a more immersive experience with the song's catchiest segments.

These adjustments, as opposed to radical transformations, maintain the core identity of "Gameboy" while providing dedicated fans with fresh elements to discover. The extended version preserves the original's video game-inspired sounds and moombahton rhythms that made the standard version a standout.

Gameboy (Extended Version) production tweaks

From a production standpoint, the extended cut primarily focuses on structural modifications rather than introducing new vocal content or verses. Indeed, some listeners noted that the changes essentially amounted to adding "instrumentals in the start and at the end" plus a strategically placed repeated chorus "at the middle". Certain fans expressed wishes that more substantial changes might have been implemented, suggesting that "M.I.A." could have benefited from similar treatment with "an extra verse or somehow a song could get a bridge".

Gameboy (Extended Version) digital release

Much like its companion "Gabriela (Extended Version)," this expanded take on "Gameboy" is exclusively available through KATSEYE's official store as part of the Beautiful Chaos (Extended Ver.) digital EP. Priced at USD 7.99, the release is limited to United States customers only. The high-quality digital download arrives as MP3 44.1kHz/24-bit audio files, offering superior sound quality compared to standard streaming options. Each purchase is restricted to one per customer.