Wendy, the main vocalist from Red Velvet, dropped her second solo EP on March 12, 2024. This mini-album displays the versatility of her vocals and catchy beats to enhance the storytelling within the different tracks. Where Wendy’s first EP, Like Water, is a ballad based album where she impressed listeners with her vocal strength and control, I Wish You Hell conveys an upbeat peppy vibe and reveals a more playful side to the singer.
Breaking out of her shell with this EP, “Wish You Hell” starts off the album with a captivating chorus “I wish you hell, I don’t wish you well.” At first listen, “Wish You Hell” feels like the raging feeling of letting go of an ex, but it is actually about letting go of your past self that you have held onto for too long. The overall song has a good beat and the type of vibe to cause you to belt as you say goodbye to your past self.
“His Car Isn’t Yours” switches up the tone into an unexpected melancholic vibe. Wendy conveys the feeling of longing yet haunting of someone from a previous relationship with the clarity of her vocals. When you listen to this song, it makes you feel as if you were trying to move on with another person but there is that lingering reminder of things you used to do with them that you are now doing with your new partner. Her vocals carry this sense of hurt that allows the audience to feel what she is feeling. This song resonates with those healing from past relationships and gives them the validation that what they are feeling is completely normal. Whether or not the audience has felt this type of situation personally, Wendy is able to make the listener feel like they are currently in that situation of longing.
“Vermilion'' is the last track on the EP and is notably a crowd favorite.This track was written six years ago but one of the composers, JINBYJIN, wanted this song to be performed by Wendy. After a long six years, we’ve been blessed to finally hear “Vermilion'' as it was intended. The song creates a comforting atmosphere with the layered vocals and the blissful harmonies. The quality of Wendy’s voice and the heartfelt lyrics left a lasting impression on the audience.; the lyrics conveyed the image of how colors will change into vermilion when you are in love; and the feeling of love in this song embraces you and leaves you reflecting on how love personally colors our lives.
Wish You Hell is evidence of Wendy’s talent and growth as an artist.The distinct vibes for each song offers the audience an emotionally engaging listening experience.I thoroughly enjoyed each of the songs in this album. Although it isn’t as cohesive as her previous EP, Wendy showed us the versatility of her voice in different genres.’Wish You Hell’ is a step forward for Wendy to expand on her creativity and explore other genres instead of being confined to ballads. Overall, this EP is a notable addition to her discography.
