It goes without saying IU is the great love of my life. Not even in a romantic sense, but because she so effortlessly captured my heart and eases my soul with her music and smile alone, I call that love. Two years have passed since the back-to-back releases of her self-written and produced Palette along with her second cover album Flower Bookmark 2. She's had plenty of time to experience the transition into her late twenties along with growing as an actress on the big and small screens. Her musical advancements are so incredibly broad for someone who can easily be pigeonholed as a ballad singer, delving into a myriad of genres and sub-genres while staying true to what her vocal color allows. Love Poem is akin to a love letter that writes a thank you to all the projects she's created up to now while introducing whatever she feels is on the horizon. Experimentation is rampant on this album just as it was with her last two as IU shows us she's only just begun to break the surface as a singer, composer, and producer.

Track 1: unlucky

We start off with something reminiscent of dlwlrma soon transition to an acoustic jazz session during the chorus, which made my jaw hit the floor. Her voice goes from this lively chirp to a velvety bar singer without a blip. The song describes the feeling of being a bit lost in life, stumbling over these feelings but still trying to be a positive person. She also tries to come to an understanding regarding those who take out their misfortunes on others with anger and hate comments saying they're probably just as sad and lonely as us at the end of the day. Overall the long is the warm mug of tea or soothing bubble bath at the end of a tiresome week and I'm thankful.

Track 2: The visitor

After working with Sam Kim and admitting to being his fan, I'm not shocked, albeit shriekingly please, that a sultry acoustic number snaked its way onto this album. The last time she dabbled in something like this was on Modern Times which was ridden with Spanish guitars, violins, and accordions to procure a subtly sensual sound like dessert wine for your ears. Even the lyrics are about being addicted to someone who's a human vice. A person who barely humors you or disappears without a call but with one word or touch can have you on edge for hours on end. Maybe this is my favorite track.

Track 3: Blueming

An early 2000s pop anthem? Sign me up! This is 100% a song for first loves or the intoxicating honeymoon phases of a new relationship. A sound completely different from anything she's put out before but perfect for dancing in your underwear and pretending you're Lizzie McGuire or for that girls' trip playlist to blast in the car on repeat until your friends get sick of you. Absolutely precious nostalgia.

Track 4: above the time

A grandiose production that brings us back to Last Fantasy days or as an ending credit theme for a Studio Ghibli film. The orchestra builds and makes your heart swell and brings you right back to earth with a Sogyeokdong-style electronic beat and then obliterates all your expectations with a sudden fiddle (dance as seen in the music video) break. This song especially rings true with the album title in its lyrics that are so beautifully strung together:

 Yeah, I'm crying folks. 

Track 5: Lullaby

Sleep can only ever be peaceful and interrupted with zero nightmares in sight because this song exists. But while you're awake listening to this, you will cry many tears. IU's vocals consistently have the ability to both heal and hurt depending on the particular mood of the song. With tracks like this seeped in tragic endings and last goodbyes, her voice transforms into a Shakespearean sonnet, made to deliver devastation in the most beautiful way possible. I'm beginning to run out of tissues. 

Track 6: Love poem

The album closer was pre-released so I'm well acquainted with how powerful it is. There would be no other song better suited to tie together this EP than this. Uplifting, encouraging... Love poem is an angelic companion to those shrouded by darkness. IU's echoing call of "I'll be there" to whoever's listening is for anyone out there who feels overwhelmed by their demons and aims to bring hope for a better tomorrow straight to their hearts. Even after about a million plays, the message still rings through just as loudly as the first time. 

Love Poem is available digitally for downloading and streaming on all music platforms along with physical CD copies for purchase on Amazon!