Release Date: May 21, 2025
Track Listing
- SHINING
- NO Game Over
- Starstruck
- Love MySelf
Review
EXTREME DIAMOND is IS:SUE’s third single; it features the pre-release song Love MySelf and the title track, SHINING.
Keen observers will notice that only three members participate in this release since RIN is still on hiatus due to health issues. As I mentioned in my Love MySelf review, her absence hasn’t adversely affected the group; however, seeing the group as a trio still feels weird.
Much like their previous two singles, the pattern of “going hard” at the start and then dropping the softer tracks at the end is intact. The single’s opening and title track, SHINING, has IS:SUE sending a braggadocious letter of intent, letting everyone know they’re ready to take over.
The follow-up NO Game Over vibes is similar to SHINING but is more about exceeding your limits and levelling yourself up rather than a declaration of “I’m the shit, people get ready.” It’s a lot of positive affirmation packaged in a compact dance-pop package. If you need a song to get hyped up, NO Game Over is what you should listen to.
The back half of EXTREME DIAMOND features Starstruck and the previously released Love MySelf. I touched on the latter in my review, but it’s a nice, introspective summery song for those who want the TLDR recap.
The former is the best song on the single and (in my opinion) is at the top of their short discography. Composed by members of Full8loom, it’s no wonder it’s so infectious, given the production crew’s pedigree in K-pop. So if you enjoy songs like TWICE’s The Best Thing I Ever Did, IZ*ONE’s D-D-Dance or Kepler’s Up!, Starstruck will be something of interest to you.
EXTREME DIAMOND is another solid release from IS:SUE. The b-sides on their singles continue to be delightful surprises and usually surpass the title and pre-release tracks. If this group hasn’t caught your attention yet, this would be a good entry point.
Stream on Spotify
Stream on Apple Music
