With EXTRA, Jeon Somi embraces a more mature and reflective sound. This isn’t the high-energy of Fast Forward or the sassy pop of DUMB DUMB. EXTRA is a subdued nu-disco track that is unexpectedly introspective.
Stuck on the Sidelines
The single is about the pain of being sidelined in a relationship or in life. Somi compares this pain to being an extra in a movie, where you exist as a shadow in the background instead of being the main character.
“A story full of clichés, my eyes are fixed on you
You love the taste of attention, the camera more than me
Before I knew it, your shadow was cast over my place
I can’t stand this no more, not again and again…
What’s the point if I’m your extra?
Don’t say no because it hurts more (let’s try)
In this movie, I’m just an extra
Familiar but out of focus, extra”
The music video for EXTRA shows Somi in some kind of military base. The soldiers switch from either ignoring her, manhandling her to even dancing with her in some scenes. She’s also surrounded by faceless models that are styled similar to her, honing in on how much Somi blends into the background.
At the end of the video, Somi is put on a stretcher where the soldiers lift her up and spin her around. It’s supposed to suggest that she’s finally become everyone’s focus, yet it comes off as hollow and insincere. Like the soldiers are only placating her rather than actually giving her their attention.
So… When’s the Album Coming Out?
That’s a good question.
According to Jeon Somi, EXTRA is a pre-release single for her upcoming album. She also said the exact same thing about her last single Ice Cream, which was released in August 2024.
It would be nice if The Black Label will get their shit together and actually release this album. Hopefully before the end of this year. Maybe. We’ll see. But until then, EXTRA highlights Somi’s potential as an artist and makes you wonder if this song is about her relationship with her agency more than anything else.
