CHUU’s New Album ‘XO, My Cyberlove’ Will Melt Your Heart
- Anderson Longenecker
- 4 days ago
- 4 min read
With her new album XO, My Cyberlove, CHUU takes fans on a journey of love and contemplation. This marks her first album released among several EPs, including fan favorites Strawberry Rush and Only cry in the rain, which featured the viral song "Kiss a kitty." CHUU starts the year off strong with an album that feels like a gift.
CHUU first debuted as a member of the K-pop girl group LOONA in 2018 with her introductory single, "Heart Attack (츄)." She officially signed to ATRP in 2023 and began her solo debut with her EP Howl. She is also known for her YouTube series, Chuu Can Do It! and various web and television appearances.
CHUU's latest album, XO, My Cyberlove, was released on January 7th with nine songs totaling 26 minutes. The upbeat yet soft and longing notes perfectly fit the winter vibes—something cold like the season, but not so heavy that it will bog you down. Let's jump in!
The album begins with the title track named after the album. The energetic track paired with a subdued, almost melancholy tone sets the mood. The lyrics then reveal a lingering sense of longing, as CHUU sings about how much she wants to touch and meet her lover in person.
The music video opens with CHUU waking up and meeting someone. They go on dates together and fall more in love, bright and smiling against dreamy landscapes. But as the video draws to a close, the smiles fade and the sense of yearning grows stronger. Suddenly, CHUU is alone and it’s revealed that she has always been alone. The viewer is left with a bittersweet taste.
“Canary”
CHUU flexes her soaring vocals in this powerful pop ballad. She tells the little bird (a canary) to wait and that she will protect it. While small, the bird is actually very important. Like the bird, we may also feel small, but we still bring light to the people around us.
The music video contains the same scenes as "XO, Cyberlove," but with less color. CHUU dances alone in a field while clips of moments with her lover play. The sense of reaching for something she can’t quite grasp hits deep with this video as she belts out the command, "come fly to me."
The album switches up with this energetic track, which is arguably the most catchy song on the album. In this song, CHUU discusses self-love and acceptance for who she is. She describes a night that feels both sentimental and bitter, one where she doesn't mind what others say and keeps on dancing.
"This is who I am
Like wildflowers on barren land
Above this kind of city
Blooming proudly for all to see"
With a steady beat and dreamy track, CHUU sings about a relationship that starts sour before becoming sweet. Her bubbly attitude sets the atmosphere as she describes a kind of love that takes you by surprise. Of all the songs on this album, this one will have you up on your feet, grooving in no time.
"Teeny Tiny Heart" features a peppy melody and CHUU's even more energetic voice. Yet despite the whimsical tone, the lyrics ask her lover to not break her heart. Flipping between a fear of being hurt and a desire to pursue this person, CHUU grapples with a love that feels confusing and unexpected, but no less real.
The fast tempo with a dreamlike track elevates CHUU's smooth voice as she encourages her crush to take a sip of a love elixir and experience its effects. Possibly alluding to an eagerness to relabel a relationship from friends to something more, this song expresses the tension right before a confession of love. They aren't quite together but they're close to it.
In this song, the refrain "let it rain" matches the track perfectly as soft echos paired with percussion sounds like raindrops steadily falling throughout the song. CHUU seeks honesty and introspection as she releases her hold on her emotions.
"Soaked in the pouring rain
The dark film of my heart
I see a clearer version of myself
Things I couldn't understand"
Now the album returns to an upbeat vibe. "Hide & Seek" features CHUU's stunning high notes and tinkling ad-libs decorating the background, while her playful voice teases a chase between her and her love.
Finishing strong with a nostalgic, electronic sound, the lyrics to this song are equally cute and sincere. Set in a winter scene, CHUU describes a "carrot-made nose" and "round button eyes" that turn into hearts when she comes near. She will run for a hug and hold "a frozen heart" tight. She ends the song saying:
“If it snows, we'll meet again, loving you”
CHUU's album threads love, yearning, and reflection all together in one lively, musical gift basket. Apt for the winter season, this album encompasses the many different emotions associated with love and how one may grapple with them.
Which song from XO, My Cyberlove is your favorite? Let us know in the comments below or by reaching out to us on Instagram or X.
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Edited by Michelle Leung