Tail (Korean: 꼬리; stylized in all caps) is the second single album by South Korean singer Sunmi. It was released on February 23, 2021 by Abyss Company. It is the first album by the singer since Warning in 2018. The single album contains two songs: the lead single of the same name and "What the Flower".[1]
On February 2, 2021, Sunmi's agency Makeus Entertainment (now named Abyss Company), stated that Sunmi is preparing to comeback at the end of February with a new release.[2] On February 10, the singer announced the date of the release via Instagram.[3] On February 15, the tracklist of the album was released.[4] Concept photos and videos for both songs were released on February 17 and 18,[5][6][7] as well as a track spoiler video the following day.[8] The music video teaser for "Tail" was released on February 22, 2021.[9] The single album was released digitally on February 23 along with the music video for the title track.[10]
Music and lyrics[]
Turning 30 this year in Korean age, the new album has marked a milestone for Sunmi.[11] "It’s my first move taken in my 30s and I feel like I’ve taken a very daring step forward," she said.[11] The disco lead single, "Tail" is a dance and city pop song about a "super sensitive cat woman villainess who wants love with all her heart, expressing her deepest instinctive feelings".[12][13] Sunmi added: "Animals use their tail to express their emotions".[13][11] The song features a unique sense of rhythm and a catchy melody. "What the Flower" is a soul-infused B-side track with her lush vocals moving nimbly across sparkling guitar work and warm piano.[13]
Sofiana Ramli of NME wrote that "the pair of songs work well together, presenting new facades to a beloved veteran performer". Writing for IZM, Stern stated that "Tail" is a "song that reveals Sunmi's concerns, who don't want to fall into mannerism".[12]
[12]