“Oneiric Diary” is the 3rd mini album from survival show girl group, IZ*ONE. This follows shortly after their first full studio album 8 tracks in total, including 2 Japanese versions of songs. The title track for this comeback is, “Secret Story of the Swan.”
1. Welcome
This is the first time for the group to include an interlude on their album. It serves to set the tone of the title track. It also helps bring us into the group's new concept. Their previous one has been their main one until now. This orchestral composition is definitely a change of pace from their previous songs.
2. Secret Story of the Swan
Aside from their Japanese releases, this is the most unique sound that the group has come out with since their debut. This is an electronic dance track with a sort of latin feel. It has a more mature feel compared to their previous Korean title tracks. It borders on the girl crush concept. A big detail that reinforces this is the strong horn section throughout the song. I’m not the biggest fan of the girl crush concept, so this may be lower on my list of title tracks from the group.
3. Pretty
This is definitely a song that most fans can imagine IZ*ONE doing. This is in the same field as their previous bubblegum pop songs like “Spaceship”, “Airplane”, “Pink Blusher.” There are parts of the song that I do like, like the chorus outro, but ultimately, I’m not the biggest fan of this sub-genre.
4. Merry-Go-Round
I am a longtime fan of E.one’s work. Their style hits on some of my favorite genres: pop, funk, and disco. When I saw the highlight medley video, I automatically recognized the sound, and confirmed when I saw their name in the credit. This is just a fun track to listen to. I’m not the biggest fan of english in Kpop songs, but members/producers made it flow well. It’s also great that Hitomi wrote the lyrics. Definitely my favorite on the mini.
5. Rococo
This sort of feels like a follow up to “Secret Story of the Swan.” The genre is similar, but has more of a festival feel in the chorus. I like parts of it, but I have similar feelings about the genre compared to the title track.
6. With*One
Immediately from the title and the first few seconds, I could tell that this was a fandom dedication track. It’s not a mopey ballad, but more of an energizer for artist/fans alike. This type of song is one of my favorites that you don’t hear that much.
7. Secret Story of the Swan (Japanese Ver.)
I’m usually not a fan of translated songs, but this one doesn’t stand out too much as being translated. My personal issue is that the flow/rhymes into the new version doesn’t fit as well. This one does flow a little better than one’s I’ve heard previously.
8. Merry-Go-Round (Japanese Ver.)
I suppose my previous point doesn’t pertain to this one, because I’m assuming that Hitomi would have written this version first. The song still flows well and is still a joy to listen to.
Summary
For the first album with their new concept, this is a great new edition to their discography. There is a variety that most fans would find something that they would like. I personally am not a fan of some of the songs, but there were parts that I still liked within each.