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HYO featuring Ummet Ozcan, "Sober"

K-pop star Hyo, also known as Kim Hyoyeon of the iconic group Girls' Generation, released her new single “Sober” on Wednesday (April 18), and its music video is all about women enjoying themselves and discovering self-love.

A bright EDM-pop track, Hyo’s “Sober” features house producer Ummet Ozcan. It is her third solo single following 2016’s "Mystery" and 2017’s "Wannabe." Effervescent in its delivery, the song boosts up the synths and scratchy beats to balance the singer’s nasality, resulting in an airy dance tune that plays to Hyo’s strengths as a well-known dancer.

Three different versions of “Sober” were released as the single, including pop and English alternates to the original. While the Korean version of “Sober” is a breakup track (“I’ve been here but for now it’s over/ For now 'cause I’m sober"), the English lyrics depict an independent woman explaining how it’s not the time for love but rather “all of the things I want” amid a non-sober state of mind. Meanwhile, the pop version incorporates woozy instrumentals and tones down the electronica elements for much of the song.

Filmed in Taipei, the accompanying music video for "Sober" features Hyo as one of several woman interacting with their bodies; in her case she cuts her hair, as others reflect on their ideal body type and image. Throughout the clip, they go from meek and domestic to forming a sort of rebellious crew as the light up the light amid smoke and sparklers. Tempo shifts in the song provide venues for Hyo’s dance breaks, where the artist dons flirty athletic wear as she performs captivating choreography.