Savage

Digital
Apple Music
Hallucination Quest ver.
SYNK DIVE ver.
P.O.S ver.

Savage

Type

Mini

Artist

aespa

Released

October 5, 2021
November 19, 2021 (Extended ver.)

Format(s)

CD, download, streaming

Recorded

2021

Genre

Dance, trap, EDM, electro pop, deep house, trance, synth wave, future bass, pop, R&B

Length

20:15
32:24 (Extended ver.)

Label(s)

SM Entertainment

Distributor(s)

Dreamus

Credits

Producer(s)

Lee Soo-man (exec.)
Kill Dave, Pat Morrissey, Yoo Young Jin (ænergy), Jiah Lih, Yoo Young Jin (Savage), Timothy "Bos" Bullock, Brandon Green, IMLAY (I'll Make You Cry), Coach&Sendo, Deez (Yeppi Yeppi), Timothy Tan (Iconic), Kill Dave, Pat Morrissey, IMLAY (Lucid Dream)

Release chronology
Previous	Next
"iScreaM Vol.10 : Next Level Remixes"	"Dreams Come True"

Savage is the first mini album by aespa. It was released on October 5, 2021 with "Savage" serving as the album's title track.

The physical album comes in three versions: Case (P.O.S ver.), Digipack (SYNK DIVE ver.), and Photobook (Hallucination Quest ver.).

Background[]

On the midnight of September 14, 2021, aespa released a teaser video titled Savage on their SNS.^[1] Later that same day, SM Entertainment confirmed the group would be coming back with their first mini album on October 5 and will include six songs of various genres including the title track of the same name. Online and offline pre-orders for the album also began on that same day.^[2]

Composition[]

The title track "Savage" is described as a trap-genre song centered around intense, punchy drums and bass. The song contains a unique and distinctive rap, powerful vocal ad-libs, and an addictive hook. In the song, aespa and their æ-avatars will go to KWANGYA to face "Black Mamba" with the help of nævis.^[3]

In "ænergy", written by Yoo Young Jin, listeners are able to feel the positive energy of the members of the group through grandiose sound and a melody that repeats like casting of a spell. The lyrics offer an overview of the four members' lively caracters within the SMCU and their fighting skills. "I'll Make You Cry" is described as a dance song with distinct and unique rhythms. The highlights of the song are the ear-catching synth sounds that are descrcibed as being "tense and ominous".^[4] "Yeppi Yeppi" is described as a dance song that captures the various tones of aespa across multiple genres such as deep house, trance, synth wave, and trap in one song. "Iconic" is described as a dance song with an energetic drum sound and a reversal of song development.^[5] "Lucid Dream" is described as a pop song mixed with minimal sounds, sentimental melodies, and dreamy vocals. The lyrics tell a sad story: a loved one leaves you, and despite knowing you’re in a dream, you wander around aimlessly trying to find them again.^[6]

Promotion[]

To promote the album's release, the group held an online showcase titled "SYNK DIVE: aespa Savage SHOWCASE" on the day of its release.^[7]

The group performed the song on several music shows such as Show! Music Core, Inkigayo and The Show.

Commercial performance[]

On October 5, 2021, it was revealed that the album had already reached the milestone of 400,000 copies sold during its pre-order.^[8] The title song "Savage" reached the top of all major Korean digital charts.^[9]

On November 10, 2022, the album was certified Triple Platinum by the Korean Music Contents Association (KMCA) for selling 750,000 copies on Circle Chart.^[10]

On June 27, 2023, the Recording Industry Association of Japan reported that "Savage" received a gold certification for reaching 50 million streams.^[11]

Track list[]

"ænergy" - 2:27
"Savage" - 3:58
"I'll Make You Cry" - 3:34
"Yeppi Yeppi" - 3:33
"Iconic" - 3:11
"Lucid Dream (자각몽)" - 3:30
"Savage" (Extended ver. only) - 4:12
"Savage (Performance Stage Ver.)" (Extended ver. only) - 4:00
"Savage (Camerawork Guide Ver.)" (Extended ver. only) - 3:57

Merchandise[]

On October 12, 2021, official merchandise was made available through SMTOWN &STORE. On November 9, 2021, additional official merchandise was made available through the SM GLOBAL SHOP.

Awards[]

Music show wins[]

Song	Music show	Date	Score
"Savage"	Show Champion (MBC M)	October 13, 2021^[12]	6,370
	Music Bank (KBS)	October 15, 2021^[13]	7,958
	Show! Music Core (MBC)	October 16, 2021^[14]	9,099
	Show! Music Core (MBC)	October 23, 2021^[15]	7,271
	Inkigayo (SBS)	October 17, 2021^[16]	10,699
		October 24, 2021^[17]	9,388
		December 5, 2021^[18]	6,330
	The Show (SBS MTV)	October 26, 2021^[19]	7,048