According to singer-songwriter thủy, the summer season isn’t over just yet. Bringing immaculate vibes and romance-coded tracks, thủy finally introduced her highly-anticipated third project wings on October 4. The album is a musical medium of self-discovery, love, and magic. Tweetybirds: spread your wings and let your hair down because it’s time for a D8 night with thuy for a trip on cloud 11.
thủy, our fairy godmother
Opening the album, “fairy godmother” masterfully suspends time within its ethereal soundscape. The track begins with a harmony that evokes synthwave nostalgia, crafting an otherworldly atmosphere as thủy expresses longing for both emotional and physical intimacy. In the chorus, a powerful ground bass emerges, establishing a robust rhythmic foundation that invigorates the composition. This dynamic shift seamlessly transitions to an accelerated rendition of the introduction in the second verse. Thủy captures the profound impact of love, reflecting her deep yearning for a passionate relationship..
The music video follows thủy sketching clothing designs and sewing fabric when suddenly her mannequin transforms into a real boy. Filipino-American actor and model Cole Micek joins her before the two show off their love for one another. However, this impassioned phase soon turns sour as thủy’s lover turns his gaze from her to another — and a mannequin at that. “Fairy godmother” is all about returning to a toxic ex-lover even after they’ve cheated in classic situationship fashion.
In this house, we love to roleplay
Still riding on electro-pop’s intoxicating funk and groove, thủy breaks into the dance music scene with her sensual pop track “roleplay.” Defined by a ballroom bass beat, “roleplay” facilitates dancing with a seamless mixture of upbeat pop and house elements. The lyrics capture a playful seduction and closeness, beginning with the tense desire to skip formalities at first sight. The pre-chorus emphasizes confidence as the speaker showcases empowered, open desire. The chorus invites excitement and intimacy, suggesting a thrilling night together, with the repeated phrase “this the time of your life” reinforcing a focus on living in the moment. The post-chorus adopts a conversational pattern, with the thematic element of role-playing. thủy portrays a flirtatious dynamic between two people exploring their desires.
whatcha gotta say?
When a respected LA rapper and Bay Area queen of R&B link up, you get the recipe for a new ABG anthem. Third on the album, “whatcha gotta say?” is an addictive R&B track stitched with an iconic West Coast beat you can’t help but melt to. Supported by classic snare and kick beats, thủy and Blxst sing with brandish in a song about self-confidence. “whatcha gotta say?” is filled with wordplay and humorous references to party culture. The lyrics of the song convey a vibrant energy.Hopping in on the second verse, Blxst boosts the song’s witty character as he embodies the electrifying ambience of a party while blending themes of desires and self-expression.
D8 night with thủy
Thủy gives it to fans just how they want in this flirtatious song built with intimate perceptions and loving conceptions. Still brimming with teasing energy, “D8” is a toned-down groove-pop track embedded with auto-tuned vocals and sped-up electronic synths. Thủy centers her attention on the thrill of dating. Opening with an echoing voice track, thủy acknowledges the listener’s interest in taking them out while happily suggesting they should spend lavishly. Vivid imagery, painted by phrases such as “coffee creamy” and “Tahiti bikini,” creates a luxurious atmosphere that reflects thủy’s personality. The catchy chorus emphasizes the anticipation of the date with confident lines like “Boy, I know you can’t wait.” Thủy welcomes affection and describes her desire for an intimate connection with playful references to “pop rocks” and blowing “socks off.” As we reach the track’s conclusion, the instrumentals slow down, morphing the up-beat track into a stimulating expression of love.
crash & burn into passion
Complementary to the whimsical soundscape in “fairy godmother,” “crash and burn” opens with an orchestral string arrangement. Thủy vunerably conveys the heated blend of passion and desire in a restless romance between two lovers. Initially, the song discusses unpredictability and intensity, correlating love to “a shot in the dark.” thủy suggests love’s potential dangers while stressing the rich connection between partners. Repeated phrases such as “I’ll crash and burn” reinforce the idea of risking everything for love. As the song progresses, the lyrics delve deeper into desire, revealing a near-obsession. “crash and burn” describes the emotional turmoil within a romantic relationship, reflecting a struggle to maintain control in the face of powerful emotions.
shy boy
Still keeping the groove-ridden tracks in motion, thủy can’t hide her desires a moment longer in the hip-moving track “shy boy.” At this point, thủy‘s outspoken wants and needs are loud and clear. Touching on themes of flirtation and playful intimacy, “shy boy” follows a budding romantic relationship. The song begins with provocative references, including one to needing a “new faucet.” thủy highlights the dynamic between the speaker and “shy boy,” emphasizing the tension between his shyness and her self-assurance.
Letting our hair down for thủy
Whether you have long hair, short hair, or no hair, thủy wants you to let loose with your spirit. Dropped on April 12, ahead of the summer, “hair down” expresses themes of liberation, self-discovery, and the exhilaration of letting go. Dyed with the vibrant hues , thủy embraces the laid-back vibes of summer in her celebration of life and newfound freedom. With its hooking chorus emphasizing the lyrics “let my hair down,” thủy celebrates her authenticity with a longstanding metaphor. Through this, thủy highlights a sense of empowerment, enjoying a carefree night of making “bad decisions” to escape the constraints of everyday life. Thủy reprised the track (on July 19) this time featuring South Korean pop soloist CHUNGHA. CHUNGHA’s voice blended seamlessly with thủy’s angelic vocals, enhancing the overall experience.
Thủy Takes Us On cloud 11
Embracing her roots and candy sweet lyricism, thủy gives a taste of heaven in her R&B-pop track “cloud 11.” Originally released on August 30, “cloud 11” showcases thủy’s vocal ability and transports listeners to a dreamlike state. The track elegantly captures the sensation of falling deeply in love — which thủy compares to being suspended in a whimsical cotton candy sky. When someone loves and accepts you — imperfections included — it’s easy to lose your sense of direction. For those seeking a charming exploration of romance, “cloud 11” serves as a perfect sonic companion for a journey into the world of romance.
Gifting listeners new wings
thủy closes the album with her acoustic track “wings,” a saccharine love song that is both uplifting and tender. The heartfelt track conveys the powerful journey of self-discovery, freedom, and emotional release introduced early in the record. thủy reflects on late-night dreams and the fear of vulnerability, indicated by “nightmares of falling.” The pre-chorus highlights overwhelming emotions, addressing the tension between wanting to express oneself and the burden of pride. A turning point occurs in the chorus, where thủy celebrates the ability to soar with “painted wings,” nurturing the idea that nothing feels impossible. “wings” captures the essence of overcoming fear, embracing emotional expression, and discovering self-worth through relationships, blending vulnerability with the ecstasy of liberation in a relatable narrative.
Fly on cloud 11 with thủy and follow them on X, Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, and Facebook!
Itching for more music studies? Check out EnVi’s album breakdown on Korean soloist YENA’s third single album here!
