Itzy ‘Checkmate’: Release date, tracklist and all about the ‘not royalty’ album
Fans were over the moon when it was revealed that Itzy would finally be returning after their hit studio album ‘Crazy in Love’ released in September 2021. The girl group went all out as they decided to announce the newest album ‘Checkmate’ along with their first world tour. Following the release of the fifth mini-album in July, Itzy will be flying to LA in October to kick off the American leg of their first world tour. In the meantime, fans are excited for the album release as this is the first time that we will be getting a royalty concept from the girls.
‘Checkmate’ is Itzy’s first comeback after the release of their first studio album ‘Crazy In Love’. ‘Crazy In Love’ had been an instant success as it became a double-platinum seller and topped Gaon charts. Itzy’s album also did well internationally as it charted at #11 on Billboard 200 while topping five other Billboard charts like ‘Top Album Sales Chart’ and ‘World Albums Chart’. Well, here's everything we know about Itzy's upcoming album 'Checkmate'.
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Release date and time
Itzy’s ‘Checkmate’ will be released on July 15 at 1 pm KST (12 am ET).
Where to listen
Itzy’s fifth mini-album ‘Checkmate’ will be available on all major music streaming platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, MelOn and more.
Tracklist
1. ‘Sneakers’ - Title track
2. ‘Rac3r’
3. ‘What I Want’
4. ‘Free Fall’
5. ‘365’
6. ‘Domino’
7. ‘Sneakers’ - English version
‘Sneakers’ is described as the representative song of gen Z - perfect for the summer with an energetic melody. The girls sing about staying true to themselves and moving on without regard to what other people think. Similarly, ‘Rac3r’ is about running fearlessly on the track of the world while ‘What I Want’ is about freedom of speech. ‘Free Fall’ shows off Itzy’s cool image followed by ‘365’, an experimental trap song with synth riffs and strong bass. The album’s penultimate track is ‘Domino,’ which shares a message of solidarity and standing strong with the support of others.
Schedule
July 15 - Twitter Blueroom at 12 pm KST (July 14 at 11 am ET)
KBS’ ‘Music Bank’ at 5 pm KST (4 am ET)
Comeback special on Mnet’s ‘M Countdown’ at 7 pm KST (6 am ET)
July 16 - ‘Sneakers’ music video reaction by Itzy at 12 am KST (July 15 at 11 am ET)
MTV ‘Fresh Out’ at 6 am KST (July 15 at 5 pm ET)
July 17 - ‘Sneakers’ dance practice at 12 am KST (July 16 at 11 am ET)
July 18 - 1theK ‘4-Cut LIVE’ at 5 pm KST (4 am ET)
July 22 - The Late Show with Stephen Colbert at 10 am KST (July 21 at 9 pm ET)
SBS ‘Inkigayo’ at 3:50 pm KST (2:50 am ET)
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Concept
Itzy started off with a royalty concept that falls in line with the album title ‘Checkmate’. In the first concept photo, we get Itzy in chic and preppy black and white outfits ordained with blingy accessories and posing with crystal chess pieces. In the second concept photo, they sport black and pink mini-dresses and gowns, pastel makeup, and gold crowns.
Fans were surprised at the sudden 180 change with the next colorful Y2K concept. The girls wear fun and sporty outfits surrounded by kitschy stickers as they reveal the title track ‘Sneakers’. In the lyric poster, Itzy finally reveals their twist on the royalty concept as we see gold embellished white sneakers paired with a ball gown as one of the members walks through a luxurious hall.
Music video teasers
Itzy will drop the first music video teaser for ‘Sneakers’ on July 12 at 12 am KST (July 11 at 11 am ET).