Secret is not stranger to bittersweet love ballads, but "Talk That" stands apart in their choreography as between ballad and dance track. "Talk That" was Secret's first release that featured electronic music, as previously their promotional singles were done with big band sound, especially "Love is Move," which iconically featured a live band. "Talk That" is a deconstruction of their previous image, as many of the scenes have parallels from other entries in Secret's cinematography.
1. A Mirror Image
During their rookie era, "“Girl group Secret’s Sunhwa and Jieun […] are also being noticed as look-alike members.”
Sunhwa is framed by a Mirror in "Madonna" while Jieun stares sadly at her reflection in "Talk That." While Jieun's touch is tender, Sunhwa rubs the mirror as if she is trying to claw her way out, or in.
Sunhwa's mirror scenes in "Talk That" have a a warm tone, closely resembling her scenes in "Madonna." As is done in a mirror, the girls do their makeup; in "Talk That" the girls stare into the mirror, indirectly catching the camera, but in "Madonna," Sunhwa stares right into the camera.
Jieun stares into he mirror blankly, as if she does not recognize herself. Sunhwa, meanwhile, is erupting with emotion. She tries to erase what she sees in distress. The lyrics of Madonna read "“사는 거야 바로 나처럼 (You’re living just like me).”
2. A Natural
"Madonna" and "Talk That" contrast not only in palette, but in movement. "Madonna" is bursting with warmth and movement, and Secret became known for their intense choreography because of it. "Talk That" however, once again broke a cycle; it is incredible still. The background dancers move the girls around the stage, pushing them back and forth like dolls.
Hyosung is a member who stands out when they do group performances. She is the official main dancer, and is usually given the center position during their dance performances. Due to both their company's push and her natural charm, she became popular among fans. “SECRET member Hyosung […] draws attention.”
In "Talk That," Hyosung is juxtaposed with the red of a flower. This flower is also shown withering and crushed by Jieun, who we see associated with hands and reaching in both "Madonna" and in "Talk That." The stage seems to be laid for some discontentment in the group
3. Oculesics, A Study in Eye Contact
Jieun uses dramatic hand movements in "Madonna" to portray an image of confidence and power. Jieun in "Madonna" and Sunhwa in "Talk That" are framed in similar ways in multiple shots.
Jieun and Sunhwa's scenes, once again, reflect each other. However, this time, Jieun looks into the camera directly, while Sunhwa looks away, getting increasingly melancholic.
4. A Shift
A common critique of girl groups is that their songs are interchangeable; one group could have another group's song and there would be little difference in its presentation.
In "Talk That," both Hana and Jieun have similar outfits and framing to Hyosung in "Madonna." Hyosung's parallel scene, however, is a shot of her looking down, wet and sad.
5. A Touch
"Madonna"'s hook is a repetition of the titular phrase. In "Talk That"'s bridge, the phrase "Don't say my name" is vocally baton passed between all members.
In "Madona" the members of Secret support Hyosung's part by framing her with their arms. In "Talk That," the backup dancers are given the task of outlining each member by grabbing there bodies in a way that suggests a violation.
final.
Secret as always been a group that values their personal privacy. The members do not make a habit of revealing personal details.
"“They don’t really like people on the outside knowing about the things they do.”
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