Savage (EP)

{{Use mdy dates|date=May 2026}} {{Infobox album | name = Savage | type = ep | artist = Aespa | cover = Aespa – Savage.jpg | alt = Digital cover | caption = Digital cover | released = {{Start date|2021|10|05}} | genre = * Pop * dance-pop * electropop * hyperpop | length = 20:13 | language = Korean | label = * SM * Dreamus | producer = Lee Soo-man | next_title = Girls | next_year = 2022 | misc = {{Singles | name = Savage | type = ep | single1 = Savage | single1date = {{Start date|2021|10|05}} }} }}

'''''Savage''''' is the first extended play by South Korean girl group Aespa. The EP was released by SM Entertainment on October 5, 2021, and is available in three versions—P.O.S, Synk Dive and Hallucination Quest. It contains six songs, including the lead single of the same name.

Primarily a pop record with elements of dance pop, hyperpop and electropop, the EP was intended to demonstrate the group's musical diversity. Composition and production of ''Savage'' were handled by a wide array of songwriters and producers, including Yoo Young-jin, Kenzie, Brandon Green, Marcus Lomax, and Hayley Kiyoko, with SM Entertainment founder Lee Soo-man serving as executive producer. Lyrically, the album continues to expand Aespa's virtual universe.

The EP was a commercial success and received positive reviews from music critics, who complimented its dark, futuristic "cyberpunk" style and incorporation of different music genres. Aespa's first entry on the US ''Billboard'' 200 at number 20, ''Savage'' also topped the Gaon Album Chart and was certified 2× Platinum by the Korea Music Content Association (KMCA) for selling 500,000 units. To promote the EP, Aespa appeared on South Korean music programs such as ''M Countdown'', ''Music Bank'', and ''Inkigayo''.

==Background and recording== On September 13, 2021, SM Entertainment announced that Aespa would be releasing their first extended play titled ''Savage'' on October 5, containing six tracks.<ref>{{cite web|script-title=ko:에스파, 10월 5일 첫 미니앨범 'Savage' 발매...'Next Level' 잇는 신드롬 예고[공식]|trans-title=Aespa releases first mini album 'Savage' on October 5...Syndrome that connects 'Next Level' [Official]|url=https://entertain.naver.com/read?oid=112&aid=0003476549|via=Naver|publisher=Herald Pop|language=ko|last=Yun-hye|first=Cheon|date=September 13, 2021|access-date=September 27, 2021|archive-date=September 27, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210927160656/https://entertain.naver.com/read?oid=112&aid=0003476549|url-status=live}}</ref> The EP was released for pre-order on September 14. On September 27, the tracklist and lead single "Savage" were revealed.<ref name="tracklist">{{cite web|script-title=ko:에스파, 미니1집 'Savage' 트랙리스트 공개|trans-title=Aespa, 1st mini album 'Savage' tracklist released|url=https://entertain.naver.com/read?oid=144&aid=0000764016|via=Naver|publisher=Sports Kyunghyang|language=ko|last=Jae-eun|first=Lee|date=September 28, 2021|access-date=September 28, 2021|archive-date=September 28, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210928030738/https://entertain.naver.com/read?oid=144&aid=0000764016|url-status=live}}</ref> The tracklist included participation from American singer-songwriter Hayley Kiyoko on the closing track "Lucid Dream". In an interview with the Grammy, Giselle revealed that they "actually didn't get to meet her and do an actual collaboration [even though] the song was made by her."<ref name="lucid-dream">{{cite web|title=aespa say they were "so surprised" Hayley Kiyoko wrote a song for them|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/aespa-say-they-were-so-surprised-hayley-kiyoko-wrote-a-song-for-them-3065685|website=NME|last=Gladys|first=Yeo|date=October 7, 2021|access-date=October 9, 2021|archive-date=October 8, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211008065312/https://www.nme.com/news/music/aespa-say-they-were-so-surprised-hayley-kiyoko-wrote-a-song-for-them-3065685|url-status=live}}</ref> The making of ''Savage'' marked the first time all the Aespa members recorded together in a studio, a process that turned out to be "a lot of fun for the members, who are all close friends." Ningning said that they had a great time recording the EP and got to try genres they haven't done before.<ref name="MTV">{{cite web|title=AESPA'S SAVAGE SCIENCE FICTION|url=https://www.mtv.com/news/3181772/aespa-ai-savage-interview/|website=MTV|last=Regina|first=Kim|date=October 7, 2021|access-date=October 9, 2021|archive-date=October 8, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211008101338/http://www.mtv.com/news/3181772/aespa-ai-savage-interview/|url-status=dead}}</ref> According to the ''Paper magazine'', Lee Soo-man, the founder of SM Entertainment and executive producer of their EP, "personally directed every small detail" of their production, including the pronunciation of every syllable.<ref>{{cite web|title=aespa Is Primed to Conquer the Digital Age|url=https://www.papermag.com/aespa-savage-2655251903.html|website=Paper Magazine|last=Crystal|first=Bell|date=October 8, 2021|access-date=October 9, 2021|archive-date=October 8, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211008153135/https://www.papermag.com/aespa-savage-2655251903.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

{{Blockquote|text=Before recording, it's very important to deliver the message and the mood of the song. I really get into the character. For example, if I'm recording a song, I'll think of various scenes in my head, like a movie. "What character am I portraying? What's happening? How am I feeling?" Little things like that. After I do that and prepare myself, then I go on [and] record the music.|author=Ningning looking back on recording ''Savage''|source=''Grammy''<ref name="Grammy">{{cite web|title=Aespa Talk Debut Mini-Album 'Savage' And Fusing Artificial Intelligence With K-Pop|url=https://www.grammy.com/news/aespa-savage-interview-debut-mini-album-artificial-intelligence-k-pop|website=Grammy|last=Tanu I.|first=Raj|date=October 8, 2021|access-date=October 9, 2021|archive-date=October 8, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211008220923/https://www.grammy.com/grammys/news/aespa-savage-interview-debut-mini-album-artificial-intelligence-k-pop|url-status=live}}</ref>}}

==Composition== ''Savage'' is primarily a pop<ref name="MTV" /> record, specifically with elements of dance pop,<ref name="SCMP" /> hyperpop<ref name="nme" /> and electropop<ref name="nme" /> genres and a dark, futuristic "cyberpunk" style.<ref name="RS" /><ref name="nme" /> It also incorporates an eclectic mix of house, deep house, R&B, dubstep, trap music, trance, and hip hop.<ref>{{cite web|title=K-pop girl group Aespa trends with 1st mini album and new single 'Savage'|url=https://www.goodmorningamerica.com/culture/story/pop-girl-group-aespa-trends-1st-mini-album-80421138|via=Good Morning America|publisher=|language=en|last1=Ha-kyung Kate|first1=Lee|last2=Chae-young|first2=Oh|last3=Shi-hoo|first3=Lee|date=October 6, 2021|access-date=November 1, 2021|archive-date=October 21, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211021103846/https://www.goodmorningamerica.com/culture/story/pop-girl-group-aespa-trends-1st-mini-album-80421138|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="nme" /><ref name="MTV" /> Divyansha Dongre of ''Rolling Stone India'' described the EP as "multi-genre",<ref name="Rolling Stone India" /> and MTV noted that ''Savage'' "blends dance and pop with elements of house, trap, rap, and other genres."<ref name="MTV" /> ''Rolling Stone'' stated that the record "showcases futuristic elements in its visuals and sound" and "further expands on the virtual world of Aespa."<ref name="RS">{{cite magazine|title=Aespa Have Flourished Online, But They Miss the Real World|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/aespa-savage-interview-1241875/|magazine=Rolling Stone|last=Kristine|first=Kwak|date=October 15, 2021|access-date=October 16, 2021|archive-date=October 16, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211016000222/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/aespa-savage-interview-1241875/|url-status=live}}</ref>

{{Blockquote|text=When we were approached with the songs and the demos, we actually were very fond of it. We liked the songs, but [at the same time] we did have a lot of effort that we had to put in to make sure they actually sounded good and that we actually matched well with them. For example, Winter has a very soft voice, but in order to sing "Black Mamba," [which is a] little more powerful, she worked to show her vocals in a different style. We really enjoy trying something new. "Savage" was also new to us.|author=Giselle on the diversity of Aespa's sound|source=''Grammy''<ref name="Grammy" />}}

===Songs=== [[File:Hayley Kiyoko 2018.png|thumb|right|upright=1| American singer-songwriter Hayley Kiyoko co-wrote the track "Lucid Dream".]]

The opening track, "Aenergy", is an "uplifting anthem" that explores "the group's members and the characteristics they showcase throughout their superheroine-like story, declaring each members' in-universe skills and abilities."<ref name="SCMP" /> Lead single "Savage" was described as "brilliant" in its eclectic blend of genres, including trap music, dubstep and intense power balladry with "drums and basses" as the main focus.<ref name="SCMP" /><ref>{{cite web|script-title=ko:에스파, 이번엔 'Savage' 신드롬..'Next Level' 잇는 세계관 스토리|trans-title=Aespa, this time 'Savage' syndrome..'Next Level' worldview story|url=https://entertain.naver.com/read?oid=109&aid=0004481112|via=Naver|publisher=Osen|language=ko|last=Min-kyung|first=Ji|date=September 27, 2021|access-date=September 27, 2021|archive-date=September 27, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210927160657/https://entertain.naver.com/read?oid=109&aid=0004481112|url-status=live}}</ref> Narrating the group's ongoing efforts to defy the Black Mamba, the track further elucidates Aespa and ae proceeding to the virtual world of Kwangya with the help of nævis.<ref name="Rolling Stone India">{{cite web|title=aespa Are Fierce and Assertive in 'Savage'|url=https://rollingstoneindia.com/aespa-are-fierce-and-assertive-in-savage/|website=Rolling Stone|last=Dongre|first=Divyansha|date=October 5, 2021|access-date=October 9, 2021|archive-date=October 5, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211005103742/https://rollingstoneindia.com/aespa-are-fierce-and-assertive-in-savage/|url-status=live}}</ref> The song blends "addictive" hooks, rap verses and ad-libs while displaying the group's ability to take on varied vocals.<ref name="Rolling Stone India" /> ''NME'' positively compared the track to the work of Scottish musician Sophie Xeon.<ref name="nme" /> "I'll Make You Cry" is a dance-pop "fierce revenge anthem" with "a unique rhythm", "twinkling beats" and "ear-catching synth sound".<ref name="MTV" /><ref name="SCMP" /><ref>{{cite web|script-title=ko:에스파 첫 미니앨범, 히트메이커 유영진·켄지 작업곡 수록|trans-title=Aespa's first mini-album, includes songs written by hitmakers Youngjin Yoo and Kenji|url=https://entertain.naver.com/read?oid=311&aid=0001353885|via=Naver|publisher=Xports News|language=ko|last=Min-ji|first=Kim|date=September 29, 2021|access-date=September 29, 2021|archive-date=September 29, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210929080846/https://entertain.naver.com/read?oid=311&aid=0001353885|url-status=live}}</ref> "Haunting" belts escalate the song's "tenacious" atmosphere, along with "strong" vocal performances and "fierce" lyrics.<ref name="nme" /> The "eccentric", "high-energy" song "Yeppi Yeppi" is "bubbly" and features a combination of "deep house, trance, synthwave, and trap" genres, with lyrics containing the "positive message that if you think of yourself as beautiful rather than other people's opinions, then you will be happy".<ref name="nme" /><ref name="MTV" /> Winter named the song as her personal favorite.<ref name="RS" /> "Iconic" was described as a dance-pop song with "a force of revving production and fizzing hooks."<ref name="nme" /><ref>{{cite web|script-title=ko:에스파, 'Savage' 영&파워풀 매력 기대..윈터X닝닝 환각퀘스트 티저 공개|trans-title=Aespa, 'Savage' is looking forward to young & powerful charm..Winter X Ningning hallucation quest teaser released|url=https://entertain.naver.com/read?oid=112&aid=0003481604|via=Naver|publisher=Herald Pop|language=ko|last=Seo-yeon|first=Park|date=September 30, 2021|access-date=September 30, 2021|archive-date=September 30, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210930083321/https://entertain.naver.com/read?oid=112&aid=0003481604|url-status=live}}</ref> It starts with "strong" hip hop<ref name="SCMP" /> and turns into "a series of alternatingly sweet and sassy verses all about how iconic Aespa is."<ref name="SCMP" /> The closing track, "Lucid Dream", is a dream pop alt R&B tune that emits a "hazy, ambient vibe" and features a "glitchy" electronic bridge.<ref name="pm" /><ref name="SCMP">{{cite web|title=K-pop girl group Aespa's first EP 'Savage' blends creative storytelling with addictive dance-pop|url=https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-pop/bands/article/3151480/k-pop-girl-group-aespas-first-ep-savage-blends-creative|website=South China Morning Post|last=Herman|first=Tamar|date=October 7, 2021|access-date=October 9, 2021|archive-date=October 9, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211009004358/https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-pop/bands/article/3151480/k-pop-girl-group-aespas-first-ep-savage-blends-creative|url-status=live}}</ref> The song is a "poignant blur" of "hypnotic" synthesizers and "gentle" trap beats mixed with "intricate" layers of breathy vocals.<ref name="nme" />

==Promotion and release== On September 14, 2021, ''Savage'' was made available for pre-order in three versions: P.O.S, Synk Dive, and Hallucination Quest.<ref>{{cite web|title=Girl group aespa to release its first EP 'Savage' on Oct. 5|url=https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/2021/09/14/entertainment/kpop/aespa-next-level-aespa-savage/20210914152300298.html|via=Korea JoongAng Daily|publisher=|language=en|last=Haley|first=Yang|date=September 14, 2021|access-date=November 6, 2021|archive-date=November 6, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211106163618/https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/2021/09/14/entertainment/kpop/aespa-next-level-aespa-savage/20210914152300298.html|url-status=live}}</ref> From September 23 to 25, the Hallucination Quest version of concept photos for the extended play was released.<ref>{{cite web|title=[Today's K-pop] aespa ups the ante with teaser photos|url=http://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20210923000887|via=The Korea Herald|publisher=|language=en|last=You-mee|first=Hwang|date=September 23, 2021|access-date=November 6, 2021|archive-date=November 6, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211106163618/http://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20210923000887|url-status=live}}</ref> Synk Dive version and additional Hallucination Quest concept photos were released on September 26 and 29, respectively.<ref>{{cite web|script-title=ko:에스파(aespa), 내달 5일 '새비지' 발매...전세계 팬들과 소통|trans-title=Aespa releases 'Savage' on the 5th of next month... Communicating with fans around the world|url=http://www.sisafocus.co.kr/news/articleView.html?idxno=266282|via=Naver|publisher=SisaFocus|language=ko|last=Cheong-won|first=Lee|date=September 28, 2021|access-date=September 28, 2021|archive-date=November 6, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211106163621/http://www.sisafocus.co.kr/news/articleView.html?idxno=266282|url-status=live}}</ref> The EP tracklist was revealed on September 27. The teaser for the music video of the lead single of the same name was released on October 4.<ref>{{cite web|script-title=ko:에스파, 첫 미니 'Savage' MV 티저 공개..'Black Mamba'와 맞선다|trans-title=Aespa releases the first mini 'Savage' MV teaser..Against 'Black Mamba'|url=https://entertain.naver.com/read?oid=108&aid=0002993422|via=Naver|publisher=MT Star News|language=ko|last=Mi-kyung|first=Kang|date=October 4, 2021|access-date=November 7, 2021|archive-date=October 10, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211010103843/https://entertain.naver.com/read?oid=108&aid=0002993422|url-status=live}}</ref> The album was released on October 5, 2021, in physical and digital formats.<ref name="release">{{cite web|script-title=ko:"쯧쯧쯧쯧" 광야 진출한 에스파, 블랙맘바 짓밟는 'Savage'[들어보고서]|trans-title=Aespa, who has advanced into the wilderness, 'Savage' trampling on black mamba [listen to]|url=https://entertain.naver.com/read?oid=609&aid=0000495392|via=Naver|publisher=Newsen|language=ko|last=Hye-jin|first=Hwang|date=October 5, 2021|access-date=November 6, 2021|archive-date=October 5, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211005090719/https://entertain.naver.com/read?oid=609&aid=0000495392|url-status=live}}</ref> The music video for lead single "Savage", directed by 725 (SL8 Visual Lab), was released on SM Entertainment's YouTube channel in conjunction with the release of the EP.<ref>{{cite web|title=aespa return with futuristic music video for 'Savage'|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/aespa-unveil-savage-music-video-3061624|website=NME|last=Gladys|first=Yeo|date=October 5, 2021|access-date=November 6, 2021|archive-date=November 1, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211101152230/https://www.nme.com/news/music/aespa-unveil-savage-music-video-3061624|url-status=live}}</ref> On October 5, Aespa held a live event called "Synk Dive: Aespa 'Savage' Showcase" on YouTube to introduce the EP and communicate with their fans.<ref>{{cite web|script-title=ko:에스파, 10월 5일 온라인 쇼케이스 개최..신곡 무대 첫 공개[공식]|trans-title=Aespa, held an online showcase on October 5..New song stage first released [Official]|url=https://entertain.naver.com/read?oid=109&aid=0004481437|via=Naver|publisher=Osen|language=ko|last=Mi-kyung|first=Sun|date=September 28, 2021|access-date=September 28, 2021|archive-date=September 28, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210928030736/https://entertain.naver.com/read?oid=109&aid=0004481437|url-status=live}}</ref> The group also performed on NBC's ''The Kelly Clarkson Show'' on October 16, their broadcast debut on US network television.<ref>{{cite web|script-title=ko:에스파, 美 '켈리 클락슨 쇼' 첫 출연 화제 "세상 놀라게 했다"|trans-title=Aespa, first appearance on 'The Kelly Clarkson Show' in the US "Surprised the world"|url=https://entertain.naver.com/read?oid=112&aid=0003487400|via=Naver|publisher=Herald Pop|language=ko|last=Ji-hye|first=Kim|date=October 16, 2021|access-date=November 6, 2021|archive-date=October 16, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211016120504/https://entertain.naver.com/read?oid=112&aid=0003487400|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Critical reception== {{Music ratings | rev1 = AllMusic | rev1score = {{rating|3.5|5}}<ref name="allmusic">{{Cite web|title=Savage – Aespa|url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/savage-mw0003592757|publisher=AllMusic|last=Crone|first=David|date=November 21, 2021|access-date=December 20, 2021|archive-date=December 19, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211219161804/https://www.allmusic.com/album/savage-mw0003592757|url-status=live}}</ref> | rev2 = ''IZM'' | rev2score = {{rating|3.5|5}}<ref name="izm">{{cite web|script-title=ko:에스파(æspa) – Savage|url=http://www.izm.co.kr/contentRead.asp?idx=30954&bigcateidx=1&subcateidx=3|work=IZM|language=ko|last=Jeong|first=Da-yeol|access-date=November 15, 2021|archive-date=November 15, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211115114900/http://www.izm.co.kr/contentRead.asp?idx=30954&bigcateidx=1&subcateidx=3|url-status=live}}</ref> | rev3 = ''NME'' | rev3score = {{rating|4|5}}<ref name="nme">{{cite web|title=aespa – 'Savage' review: K-pop power rookies stake their claim for greatness with future-facing cyberpunk|url=https://www.nme.com/en_au/reviews/album/aespa-savage-review-3064974|website=NME|last=Carmen|first=Chin|date=October 7, 2021|access-date=October 7, 2021|archive-date=October 7, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211007164206/https://www.nme.com/en_au/reviews/album/aespa-savage-review-3064974|url-status=live}}</ref> | rev4 = ''PopMatters'' | rev4score = 7/10<ref name="pm">{{cite web|title=Aespa Straddle Realities on Debut EP 'Savage'|url=https://www.popmatters.com/aespa-savage-debut-ep-review|website=PopMatters|last=Ana Clara|first=Ribeiro|date=October 22, 2021|access-date=October 23, 2021|archive-date=October 22, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211022132155/https://www.popmatters.com/aespa-savage-debut-ep-review|url-status=live}}</ref> }} AllMusic critic David Crone stated that the EP is "a glitchy, futuristic take on the K-Pop mini-album" that continues to "demonstrate the star power of Aespa's leading foursome".<ref name="allmusic" /> Tamar Herman of the ''South China Morning Post'' summarized ''Savage'' as "cohesive listening experience" that is "invigorating and satisfying", adding it was "successful in showcasing what the members of Aespa have to offer as one of most ambitious newer female K-pop acts out there."<ref name="SCMP" /> She also included it on her list of best K-pop releases of October 2021. Carmen Chin of ''NME'' awarded the EP four stars out of five, writing that "Savage's brand of vibrant, punchy electronic pop falls perfectly in sync with the unconventionality Aespa have so boldly presented in their one year as a group."<ref name="nme" /> MTV's Regina Kim stated that "Savage provides a sonic backdrop that exists outside this imagined world," and added that the EP is "giving listeners glimpses into an overarching fable."<ref name="MTV" /> In her review for ''PopMatters'', Ana Clara Ribeiro described ''Savage'' as "a well-scripted, high-budget cyberpunk film" that "doesn't necessarily make you feel good, but it is good, and that's why you watch it" because it "entertains and fascinates."<ref name="pm" /> She also named the track "I'll Make You Cry" a highlight on the EP.<ref name="pm" />

===Year-end lists=== {| class="wikitable plainrowheaders sortable" |+ ''Savage'' on year-end lists ! scope="col" | Critic/Publication ! scope="col" | List ! scope="col" data-sort-type="number" | Rank ! scope="col" class="unsortable" | {{Abbr|Ref.|Reference(s)}} |- ! scope="row" | ''Beats Per Minute'' | Top 20 EPs of 2021 | style="text-align:center" | Placed | style="text-align:center" | <ref>{{Cite web|title=BPM's Top 20 EPs of 2021|url=https://beatsperminute.com/bpms-top-20-eps-of-2021/|website=Beats Per Minute|last=Sand|first=Josh|date=December 14, 2021|access-date=December 20, 2021|archive-date=December 16, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211216145756/https://beatsperminute.com/bpms-top-20-eps-of-2021/|url-status=live}}</ref> |- ! scope="row" | ''Harper's Bazaar'' | The Top 15 K-Pop Albums of 2021 | style="text-align:center" | 8 | style="text-align:center" | <ref>{{Cite magazine|title=The Top 15 K-Pop Albums of 2021|url=https://www.harpersbazaar.com/culture/art-books-music/g38502902/top-15-k-pop-albums-of-2021/|magazine=Harper's Bazaar|language=en-US|last=Tatum|first=Chyenne|date=December 14, 2021|access-date=December 15, 2021|archive-date=December 14, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211214152931/https://www.harpersbazaar.com/culture/art-books-music/g38502902/top-15-k-pop-albums-of-2021/|url-status=live}}</ref> |- ! scope="row" | Genius | The Genius Community's 50 Best Albums of 2021 | style="text-align:center" | 22 | style="text-align:center" | <ref>{{Cite web|title=The Genius Community's 50 Best Albums of 2021|url=https://genius.com/a/the-genius-communitys-50-best-albums-of-2021/|website=Genius|language=en-US|last=Murray|first=Madison|date=December 28, 2021|access-date=January 2, 2021|archive-date=December 30, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211230093633/https://genius.com/a/the-genius-communitys-50-best-albums-of-2021|url-status=live}}</ref> |- ! scope="row" | ''Idology'' | Top 10 Albums of the Year | style="text-align:center" | Placed | style="text-align:center" | <ref>{{Cite web|script-title=ko:결산 2021 : ③올해의 앨범 10선|trans-title=2021 Settlement : ③ Top 10 Albums of the Year|url=https://idology.kr/16663|website=Idology|language=ko|last=|first=|date=December 31, 2021|access-date=January 6, 2022|archive-date=December 31, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211231105015/https://idology.kr/16663|url-status=live}}</ref> |- ! scope="row" | ''NME'' | The 25 best Asian albums of 2021 | style="text-align:center" | 17 | style="text-align:center" | <ref>{{Cite web|title=The 25 best Asian albums of 2021|url=https://www.nme.com/en_asia/features/music-features/nme-best-asia-albums-of-the-year-2021-3124527|website=NME|language=en|date=December 24, 2021|access-date=December 31, 2021|archive-date=December 24, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211224015150/https://www.nme.com/en_asia/features/music-features/nme-best-asia-albums-of-the-year-2021-3124527|url-status=live}}</ref> |- ! scope="row" | ''Nylon'' | The Top K-Pop Albums of 2021 | style="text-align:center" | Placed | style="text-align:center" | <ref>{{Cite web|title=The Top K-Pop Albums of 2021|url=https://www.nylon.com/entertainment/best-k-pop-albums-2021-twice-sunmi-aespa-shinee|website=Nylon|language=en|last=Raj|first=Tanu|date=December 16, 2021|access-date=December 17, 2021|archive-date=December 17, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211217000423/https://www.nylon.com/entertainment/best-k-pop-albums-2021-twice-sunmi-aespa-shinee|url-status=live}}</ref> |- ! scope="row" | ''PopMatters'' | Top 20 Best K-pop Albums of 2021 | style="text-align:center" | 15 | style="text-align:center" | <ref>{{Cite web|title=The 20 Best K-Pop Albums of 2021, Page 4|url=https://www.popmatters.com/best-k-pop-albums-2021|website=PopMatters|last=Ribeiro|first=Ana Clara|date=November 29, 2021|access-date=December 1, 2021|archive-date=November 29, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211129133339/https://www.popmatters.com/best-k-pop-albums-2021|url-status=live}}</ref> |- ! scope="row" | ''South China Morning Post'' | 25 best K-pop albums of 2021 | style="text-align:center" | 4 | style="text-align:center" | <ref>{{Cite web|title=25 best K-pop albums of 2021: Twice, Red Velvet, NCT 127, Seventeen and Monsta X are all there, but who took the No 1 spot?|url=https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-pop/article/3160655/25-best-k-pop-albums-2021-twice-red-velvet-nct-127-seventeen-and|website=South China Morning Post|url-access=subscription|language=en|last=Herman|first=Tamar|date=December 22, 2021|access-date=December 24, 2021|archive-date=December 22, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211222123956/https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-pop/article/3160655/25-best-k-pop-albums-2021-twice-red-velvet-nct-127-seventeen-and|url-status=live}}</ref> |- ! scope="row" | ''The New York Times'' | Best Albums of 2021 | style="text-align:center" | Placed | style="text-align:center" | <ref>{{Cite news|title=Best Albums of 2021|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/12/02/arts/music/best-pop-albums.html|work=The New York Times|url-access=subscription|language=en-US|last1=Caramanica|first1=Jon|last2=Pareles|first2=Jon|last3=Zoladz|first3=Lindsay|date=December 2, 2021|access-date=December 3, 2021|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=December 2, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211202182024/https://www.nytimes.com/2021/12/02/arts/music/best-pop-albums.html}}</ref> |}

==Commercial performance== On October 5, it was reported that pre-orders for ''Savage'' reached 401,088 copies.<ref>{{cite web|script-title=ko:에스파, '새비지' 선주문 40만장 돌파...오늘(5일) 컴백 [공식입장]|trans-title=Aespa, 'Savage' pre-orders exceed 400,000...Today (5th) comeback [Official position]|url=https://entertain.naver.com/read?oid=311&aid=0001355852|via=Naver|publisher=Xports News|language=ko|last=Seul|first=Lee|date=October 5, 2021|access-date=October 5, 2021|archive-date=October 7, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211007164208/https://entertain.naver.com/read?oid=311&aid=0001355852|url-status=live}}</ref> According to the South Korean Hanteo Chart, the EP was the "best-selling debut album for girl group's on the chart" after it sold more than 200,000 copies on the second day of its release.<ref>{{cite web|script-title=ko:난해하다고? 에스파, 확장된 세계관 담은 'Savage'로 또 다시 돌풍[★FOCUS]|trans-title=Difficult? Aespa, once again a blast with 'Savage' with an expanded worldview [FOCUS]|url=https://n.news.naver.com/entertain/article/108/0002995215|via=Naver|publisher=Star|language=ko|last=Mi-na|first=Gong|date=October 9, 2021|access-date=October 10, 2021|archive-date=October 10, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211010043354/https://n.news.naver.com/entertain/article/108/0002995215|url-status=live}}</ref> In South Korea, it debuted atop the Gaon Album Chart on the chart issue dated October 3–9, 2021.<ref name="Gaon Album Chart" /> The EP also topped the daily and weekly editions of album charts such as Hanteo Chart, Synnara Record, Kyobo Bookstore, and Gaon Retail Album Chart.<ref>{{cite web|script-title=ko:에스파, '새비지' 가온 차트 정상 등극|trans-title=Aespa, 'Savage' topped Gaon Chart|url=https://n.news.naver.com/entertain/article/003/0010769456|via=Naver|publisher=Newsis|language=ko|last=So-yoon|first=Ahn|date=October 14, 2021|access-date=October 14, 2021|archive-date=October 14, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211014151818/https://n.news.naver.com/entertain/article/003/0010769456|url-status=live}}</ref> Within 15 days of release, it was reported that ''Savage'' sold 513,292 copies.<ref>{{cite web|script-title=ko:에스파 '새비지', 하프 밀리언셀러 등극|trans-title=Aespa's 'Savage' becomes a half-million seller|url=https://entertain.naver.com/now/read?oid=144&aid=0000768642|via=Naver|website=Sports Kyunghyang|language=ko|date=October 21, 2021|access-date=October 21, 2021|archive-date=October 24, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211024043707/https://entertain.naver.com/now/read?oid=144&aid=0000768642|url-status=live}}</ref> In Japan, it peaked at number 18 on ''Billboard Japan''{{'}}s Hot Albums chart and at number seven on the Oricon Albums Chart.<ref name="BillboardJapan" />

In the United States, Aespa made their debut on the ''Billboard'' 200 chart, with the EP entering at number 20 and becoming the highest-charting debut album by a K-pop girl group in ''Billboard'' history. ''Savage'' also placed first on ''Billboard''<nowiki/>'s World Albums and Independent Albums charts<ref>{{cite web|title=aespa sell half a million copies of first mini-album 'Savage'|url=https://www.nme.com/en_asia/news/music/aespa-sell-half-a-million-copies-of-first-mini-album-savage-3075883|via=NME|publisher=|language=en|last=Chin|first=Carmen|date=October 21, 2021|access-date=October 27, 2021|archive-date=October 27, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211027210413/https://www.nme.com/en_asia/news/music/aespa-sell-half-a-million-copies-of-first-mini-album-savage-3075883|url-status=live}}</ref> and debuted at number two on the Top Album Sales chart with 17,500 units in pure sales.<ref>{{cite web|title=Aespa Joins Blackpink, Itzy And Twice With Their First Hit Album On The Billboard 200|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/hughmcintyre/2021/10/19/aespa-joins-blackpink-itzy-and-twice-with-their-first-hit-album-on-the-billboard-200/?sh=434278f436ef|via=Forbes|publisher=|language=en|last=Hugh|first=Mclntyre|date=October 19, 2021|access-date=October 27, 2021|archive-date=October 27, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211027210845/https://www.forbes.com/sites/hughmcintyre/2021/10/19/aespa-joins-blackpink-itzy-and-twice-with-their-first-hit-album-on-the-billboard-200/?sh=434278f436ef|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Accolades== {| class="wikitable plainrowheaders sortable" |+ Awards and nominations for ''Savage'' ! scope="col" | Ceremony ! scope="col" | Year ! scope="col" | Award ! scope="col" | Result ! scope="col" class="unsortable" | {{Abbr|Ref.|Reference(s)}} |- ! scope="row" rowspan="2" | Asian Pop Music Awards | rowspan="2" style="text-align:center" | 2021 | Top 20 Albums of the Year (Overseas) | {{won}} | style="text-align:center" | <ref>{{cite web|script-title=zh:【APMA 2021】亚洲流行音乐大奖2021年度获奖名单（完整版）|trans-title=(APMA 2021) Asian Pop Music Awards 2021 Winners List (Full Version)|url=https://m.weibo.cn/status/4719125533823070?|via=Sina Weibo|publisher=Asian Pop Music Awards|language=zh|date=December 27, 2021|access-date=December 27, 2021|archive-date=December 28, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211228004016/https://m.weibo.cn/status/4719125533823070|url-status=live}}</ref> |- | Best Album of the Year (Overseas) | {{nom}} | style="text-align:center" | <ref>{{Cite web|script-title=zh:【APMA 2021】亚洲流行音乐大奖2021年度入围名单|trans-title=(APMA 2021) Asian Pop Music Awards Shortlisted for 2021|url=https://m.weibo.cn/status/4709218890550319|via=Sina Weibo|website=|publisher=Asian Pop Music Awards|language=zh|date=November 30, 2021|access-date=November 30, 2021|archive-date=November 30, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211130105237/https://m.weibo.cn/status/4709218890550319|url-status=live}}</ref> |- ! scope="row" | Golden Disc Awards | style="text-align:center" | 2022 | Album Bonsang | {{nom}} | style="text-align:center" | <ref>{{Cite web|title=Nominees – Album Division|url=https://www.goldendisc.co.kr/en/nominees/recordAlbum|publisher=Golden Disc Awards|access-date=December 8, 2021|archive-date=December 8, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211208012919/https://www.goldendisc.co.kr/en/nominees/recordAlbum|url-status=live}}</ref> |- ! scope="row" | iF Product Design Award | style="text-align:center" | 2022 | Main Prize (User Experience – Packaging) | {{won}} | style="text-align:center" | <ref>{{Cite web|script-title=ko:에스파 'Savage' 세계 3대 디자인상 'iF 디자인 어워드' 본상 수상|trans-title=Aespa 'Savage' World's Top 3 Design Awards Winning Main Prize for 'iF Design Awards'|url=https://entertain.v.daum.net/v/EjVRhZHAnu|via=Daum|website=Newsen|language=ko|last=Hwang|first=Hye-jin|date=April 20, 2022|access-date=April 20, 2022|archive-date=April 20, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220420013047/https://entertain.v.daum.net/v/20220420090358288|url-status=live}}</ref> |- ! scope="row" | Korean Music Awards | style="text-align:center" | 2022 | Best K-pop Album | {{nom}} | style="text-align:center" | <ref>{{Cite web|title=Best K-pop Album Award Nominations - 2022 Korean Music Awards|url=https://koreanmusicawards.com/nominees/genre-2022/?_sft_nominee_genre=%ec%b5%9c%ec%9a%b0%ec%88%98-%ec%bc%80%ec%9d%b4%ed%8c%9d-%ec%9d%8c%eb%b0%98|website=Korean Music Awards|language=ko|access-date=February 9, 2022|archive-date=February 9, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220209063737/https://koreanmusicawards.com/nominees/genre-2022/?_sft_nominee_genre=%EC%B5%9C%EC%9A%B0%EC%88%98-%EC%BC%80%EC%9D%B4%ED%8C%9D-%EC%9D%8C%EB%B0%98|url-status=live}}</ref> |- ! scope="row" | Mnet Asian Music Awards | style="text-align:center" | 2021 | TikTok Album of the Year | {{nom}} | style="text-align:center" | <ref>{{Cite web|script-title=ko:방탄소년단, 올해의 앨범상(대상) 수상 [2021 MAMA]|trans-title=BTS, Wins Album of the Year (Daesang) Award [2021 MAMA]|url=https://www.newsen.com/news_view.php?uid=202112111920172410|website=Newsen|language=ko|last=Lee|first=Min-ji|date=December 11, 2021|access-date=December 11, 2021|archive-date=December 11, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211211102939/https://www.newsen.com/news_view.php?uid=202112111920172410|url-status=live}}</ref> |}

==Track listing== {{Track listing | headline = Track listing for ''Savage'' | extra_column = Arrangement  | title_width = 25% | lyrics_width = 25% | music_width = 25% | extra_width = 25%

| title1 = Aenergy | lyrics1 = Yoo Young-jin | music1 = {{hlist|Kill Dave|Pat Morrissey|Jess Corazza|Yoo Young-jin}} | extra1 = {{hlist|Kill Dave|Pat Morrissey|Yoo Young-jin}} | length1 = 2:27

| title2 = Savage | lyrics2 = Yoo Young-jin | music2 = {{hlist|Kirsten Collins|Jia Lih|Yoo Young-jin|Hautboi Rich}} | extra2 = {{hlist|Jia Lih|Yoo Young-jin}} | length2 = 3:58

| title3 = I'll Make You Cry | lyrics3 = Kenzie | music3 = {{hlist|Kenzie|Kirsten Collins|Timothy "BOS" Bullock|Brandon Green|Hautboi Rich}} | extra3 = {{hlist|Timothy "BOS" Bullock|Brandon Green|IMLAY}} | length3 = 3:34

| title4 = Yeppi Yeppi | lyrics4 = {{hlist|{{ill|Deez (producer)|lt=Deez|ko|디즈}}|SAAY}} | music4 = {{hlist|{{ill|Coach & Sendo|ko}}|Deez|SAAY}} | extra4 = {{hlist|Coach & Sendo|Soultriii}} | length4 = 3:33

| title5 = Iconic | lyrics5 = Jo Yoon-kyung | music5 = {{hlist|Sophie Curtis|Val Del Prete (153/Joombas)|Timothy Tan}} | extra5 = Timothy Tan | length5 = 3:11

| title6 = Lucid Dream | note6 = {{Korean|hangul=자각몽|rr=Jagakmong}} | lyrics6 = Ellie Suh (153/Joombas) | music6 = {{hlist|Kill Dave|Pat Morrissey|Hayley Kiyoko|Paul Phamous|Marcus Lomax}} | extra6 = {{hlist|Kill Dave|Pat Morrissey|IMLAY}} | length6 = 3:30

| total_length = 20:13 }}

==Credits and personnel== Credits adapted from the liner notes of the EP.<ref name="credits">{{cite AV media notes|title=Savage|publisher=SM Entertainment, Dreamus|location=South Korea|at=Credits|type=photobook|others=Aespa|year=2021}}</ref>

'''Musicians''' {{div col}} * Aespa (Karina, Giselle, Winter, Ningning){{Spaced en dash}}vocals {{Small|(all tracks)}}, background vocals {{Small|(all tracks)}} * Yoo Young-jin{{Spaced en dash}}Korean lyrics {{Small|(tracks 1–2)}}, composition {{Small|(tracks 1–2)}}, background vocals {{Small|(tracks 1–2)}}, arrangement {{Small|(tracks 1–2)}} * Kenzie{{Spaced en dash}}Korean lyrics {{Small|(track 3)}}, composition {{Small|(track 3)}} * {{ill|Deez (producer)|lt=Deez|ko|디즈}}{{Spaced en dash}}Korean lyrics {{Small|(track 4)}}, background vocals {{Small|(track 4)}} * Saay{{Spaced en dash}}Korean lyrics {{Small|(track 4)}}, background vocals {{Small|(track 4)}} * Jo Yoon-kyung{{Spaced en dash}}Korean lyrics {{Small|(track 5)}} * Ellie Suh (153/Joombas){{Spaced en dash}}Korean lyrics {{Small|(track 6)}} * Kill Dave{{Spaced en dash}}composition {{Small|(tracks 1, 6)}}, arrangement {{Small|(tracks 1, 6)}} * Pat Morrissey{{Spaced en dash}}composition {{Small|(tracks 1, 6)}}, arrangement {{Small|(tracks 1, 6)}}, keys & synths {{Small|(track 6)}}, piano & bongos {{Small|(track 6)}}, bass {{Small|(track 6)}} * Jess Corazza{{Spaced en dash}}composition {{Small|(track 1)}} * Kirsten Collins{{Spaced en dash}}composition {{Small|(tracks 2, 3)}}, background vocals {{Small|(tracks 2, 3)}} * Jia Lih{{Spaced en dash}}composition {{Small|(track 2)}}, arrangement {{Small|(track 2)}} * Hautboi Rich{{Spaced en dash}}composition {{Small|(tracks 2, 3)}} * Timothy 'Bos' Bullock{{Spaced en dash}}composition {{Small|(track 3)}}, arrangement {{Small|(track 3)}} * Brandon Green{{Spaced en dash}}composition {{Small|(track 3)}}, arrangement {{Small|(track 3)}} * Imlay{{Spaced en dash}}arrangement {{Small|(tracks 3, 6)}}, bass {{Small|(track 6)}}, sound fx {{Small|(track 6)}} * {{ill|Coach & Sendo|ko}}{{Spaced en dash}}composition {{Small|(track 4)}}, arrangement {{Small|(track 4)}}, keyboard {{Small|(track 4)}} * Sophie Curtis{{Spaced en dash}}composition {{Small|(track 5)}} * Val Del Prete (153/Joombas){{Spaced en dash}}composition {{Small|(track 5)}} * Timothy Tan{{Spaced en dash}}composition {{Small|(track 5)}}, arrangement {{Small|(track 5)}}, drum programming {{Small|(track 5)}}, sampling {{Small|(track 5)}} * Hayley Kiyoko{{Spaced en dash}}composition {{Small|(track 6)}} * Paul Phamous{{Spaced en dash}}composition {{Small|(track 6)}} * Marcus Lomax{{Spaced en dash}}composition {{Small|(track 6)}} * Kwon Ae-jin{{Spaced en dash}}background vocals {{Small|(track 5)}} * Ciara Muscat{{Spaced en dash}}background vocals {{Small|(track 5)}} * David Dahlquist{{Spaced en dash}}keys & synths {{Small|(track 6)}}, piano & bongos {{Small|(track 6)}}, bass {{Small|(track 6)}} {{div col end}}

'''Technical''' {{div col}} * Yoo Young-jin{{Spaced en dash}}directing {{Small|(tracks 1–2)}}, recording {{Small|(tracks 1–2)}}, digital editing {{Small|(tracks 1–2)}}, mixing engineer {{Small|(tracks 1–2)}}, mixing {{Small|(tracks 1–2)}} * Kenzie{{Spaced en dash}}directing {{Small|(track 3)}} * Deez{{Spaced en dash}}directing {{Small|(track 4)}} * Hwang Hyun{{Spaced en dash}}vocal directing {{Small|(track 5)}}, digital editing {{Small|(track 5)}} * Kim Yeon-seo{{Spaced en dash}}vocal directing {{Small|(track 6)}} * Noh Min-ji{{Spaced en dash}}recording {{Small|(tracks 3–6)}}, mixing engineer {{Small|(tracks 3–4)}}, digital editing {{Small|(tracks 4, 6)}} * Kang Sun-young{{Spaced en dash}}recording {{Small|(track 5)}}, digital editing {{Small|(track 5)}} * Kang Eun-ji{{Spaced en dash}}recording {{Small|(track 6)}}, digital editing {{Small|(tracks 4, 6)}}, mixing engineer {{Small|(tracks 4–6)}} * Coach & Sendo{{Spaced en dash}}computer programming {{Small|(track 4)}} * Lee Ji-hong{{Spaced en dash}}digital editing {{Small|(track 3)}}, mixing engineer {{Small|(track 6)}} * Jang Woo-young{{Spaced en dash}}digital editing {{Small|(track 3)}} * Kim Chul-soon{{Spaced en dash}}mixing {{Small|(tracks 3–4)}} * Jeong Eui-seok{{Spaced en dash}}mixing {{Small|(track 5)}} * Nam Koong-jin{{Spaced en dash}}mixing {{Small|(track 6)}} * Jeon Hoon{{Spaced en dash}}mastering * Kwon Nam-woo{{Spaced en dash}}mastering * Shin Soo-min{{Spaced en dash}}mastering assistant {{div col end}}

==Charts== {{col-begin}} {{col-2}}

===Weekly charts=== {| class="wikitable plainrowheaders sortable" style="text-align:center" |+ {{sro|Weekly chart performance for ''Savage''}} ! scope="col" | Chart (2021–2023) ! scope="col" | Peak<br />position |- {{album chart|Flanders|193|artist=Aespa|album=Savage|rowheader=true|access-date=November 28, 2021}} |- ! scope="row" | Croatian International Albums (HDU)<ref>{{cite web|title=Savage – Week 9, 2023|url=http://www.top-lista.hr/www/lista-prodaje-strano-9-tjedan-2023/|publisher=HDU|language=hr|date=March 6, 2023|access-date=March 10, 2023}}</ref> | 17 |- {{album chart|Oricon|7|date=2021-11-01|rowheader=true|access-date=October 27, 2021}} |- ! scope="row" | Japanese Combined Albums (Oricon)<ref>{{Cite web|script-title=ja:週間合算アルバムランキング – 2021年11月01日付|trans-title=Weekly Total Album Ranking – November 1, 2021|url=https://www.oricon.co.jp/rank/coa/w/2021-11-01/|website=Oricon|language=ja|date=October 18–24, 2021|access-date=August 4, 2022|archive-date=October 30, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211030234806/https://www.oricon.co.jp/rank/coa/w/2021-11-01/|url-status=live}}</ref> | 6 |- ! scope="row" | Japanese Hot Albums (''Billboard Japan'')<ref name="BillboardJapan">{{cite web|title=Billboard Japan Hot Albums: 2021/10/13|url=http://www.billboard-japan.com/charts/detail?a=hot_albums&year=2021&month=10&day=18|language=ja|date=October 13, 2021|access-date=October 13, 2021|archive-date=October 13, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211013143622/https://billboard-japan.com/charts/detail?a=hot_albums&year=2021&month=10&day=18|url-status=live}}</ref> | 18 |- ! scope="row" | South Korean Albums (Gaon)<ref name="Gaon Album Chart">{{cite web|script-title=ko:2021년 41주차 Album Chart|trans-title=Week 41 of 2021 Album Chart|url=http://gaonchart.co.kr/main/section/chart/album.gaon?nationGbn=T&serviceGbn=&targetTime=41&hitYear=2021&termGbn=week|via=Gaon Chart|publisher=Korea Music Content Association|language=ko|date=October 3–9, 2021|access-date=October 14, 2021|archive-date=October 14, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211014023916/http://gaonchart.co.kr/main/section/chart/album.gaon?nationGbn=T&serviceGbn=&targetTime=41&hitYear=2021&termGbn=week|url-status=live}}</ref> | 1 |- ! scope="row" | US ''Billboard'' 200<ref>{{Cite magazine|title=Billboard 200 – Week of October 23, 2021|url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/billboard-200/2021-10-23|magazine=Billboard|access-date=October 19, 2021|archive-date=October 19, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211019102234/https://www.billboard.com/charts/billboard-200/2021-10-23|url-status=live}}</ref> | 20 |- ! scope="row" | US Independent Albums (''Billboard'')<ref>{{Cite magazine|title=Independent Albums – The Week of October 23, 2021|url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/independent-albums/2021-10-23|magazine=Billboard|url-access=subscription|access-date=October 19, 2021|archive-date=October 19, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211019121816/https://www.billboard.com/charts/independent-albums/2021-10-23|url-status=live}}</ref> | 1 |- ! scope="row" | US Tastemaker Albums (''Billboard'')<ref>{{Cite magazine|title=Tastemaker Albums – The Week of October 23, 2021|url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/tastemaker-albums/2021-10-23|magazine=Billboard|url-access=subscription|access-date=October 19, 2021|archive-date=October 19, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211019122000/https://www.billboard.com/charts/tastemaker-albums/2021-10-23|url-status=live}}</ref> | 4 |- ! scope="row" | US World Albums (''Billboard'')<ref>{{cite magazine|title=World Albums – The Week of October 23, 2021|url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/world-albums/2021-10-23|magazine=Billboard|url-access=subscription|access-date=October 19, 2021|archive-date=October 19, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211019091118/https://www.billboard.com/charts/world-albums/2021-10-23|url-status=live}}</ref> | 1 |} {{col-2}}

===Monthly charts=== {| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center" |+ {{sro|Monthly chart performance for ''Savage''}} ! scope="col" | Chart (October 2021) ! scope="col" | Position |- ! scope="row" | Japanese Albums (Oricon)<ref>{{Cite web|script-title=ja:月間アルバムランキング – 2021年10月度|trans-title=Monthly Album Ranking – October 2021|url=https://www.oricon.co.jp/rank/ja/m/2021-10/p/2/|publisher=Oricon|language=ja|access-date=January 7, 2022|archive-date=November 10, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211110183243/https://www.oricon.co.jp/rank/ja/m/2021-10/p/2/|url-status=live}}</ref> | 18 |- ! scope="row" | South Korean Albums (Gaon)<ref>{{Cite web|script-title=ko:2021년 10월 Album Chart|trans-title=October 2021 Album Chart|url=http://gaonchart.co.kr/main/section/chart/album.gaon?nationGbn=T&serviceGbn=&targetTime=10&hitYear=2021&termGbn=month|publisher=Gaon Music Chart|language=ko|access-date=November 11, 2021|archive-date=October 7, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211007123905/http://gaonchart.co.kr/main/section/chart/album.gaon?nationGbn=T&serviceGbn=&targetTime=10&hitYear=2021&termGbn=month|url-status=live}}</ref> | 4 |}

===Year-end charts=== {| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center" |+ {{sro|2021 year-end chart performance for ''Savage''}} ! scope="col" | Chart ! scope="col" | Position |- ! scope="row" | South Korean Albums (Gaon)<ref>{{Cite web|script-title=ko:2021년 Album Chart|trans-title=2021 Album Chart|url=http://gaonchart.co.kr/main/section/chart/album.gaon?nationGbn=T&serviceGbn=&targetTime=2021&hitYear=2021&termGbn=year&year_time=3|publisher=Gaon Music Chart|language=ko|access-date=January 7, 2022|archive-date=January 7, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220107022522/http://gaonchart.co.kr/main/section/chart/album.gaon?nationGbn=T&serviceGbn=&targetTime=2021&hitYear=2021&termGbn=year&year_time=3|url-status=live}}</ref> | 23 |}

{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center" |+ {{sro|2022 year-end chart performance for ''Savage''}} ! scope="col" | Chart ! scope="col" | Peak<br />position |- ! scope="row" | South Korea Albums (Circle)<ref>{{Cite web|title=Circle Album Chart – 2022|url=https://circlechart.kr/page_chart/album.circle?nationGbn=T&targetTime=2022&hitYear=2022&termGbn=year&yearTime=3|website=Circle Chart|language=ko|access-date=January 14, 2023|archive-date=January 13, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230113031815/https://circlechart.kr/page_chart/album.circle?nationGbn=T&targetTime=2022&hitYear=2022&termGbn=year&yearTime=3|url-status=live}}</ref> | 80 |} {{col-end}}

==Certifications and sales== {{Certification Table Top|caption={{sro|Certifications for ''Savage''}}}} {{Certification Table Entry|region=South Korea|award=Platinum|number=3|certyear=2021|certmonth=12|title=Savage|artist=Aespa|type=album|access-date=November 10, 2022|salesamount=757,202|relyear=2021|salesref=<ref>Cumulative sales of ''Savage'' on Circle Chart: * {{cite web|title=2021 Album Chart|url=https://circlechart.kr/page_chart/album.circle?nationGbn=T&targetTime=2021&hitYear=2022&termGbn=year&yearTime=3|publisher=Circle Chart|language=ko|access-date=February 20, 2022|archive-date=January 7, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220107022158/http://gaonchart.co.kr/main/section/chart/album.gaon?nationGbn=T&serviceGbn=&termGbn=year&hitYear=2021&year_time=3|url-status=live}} * {{cite web|title=2022 Album Chart|url=https://circlechart.kr/page_chart/album.circle?nationGbn=T&targetTime=2022&hitYear=2022&termGbn=year&yearTime=3|website=Circle Chart|access-date=January 14, 2023|archive-date=January 13, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230113031815/https://circlechart.kr/page_chart/album.circle?nationGbn=T&targetTime=2022&hitYear=2022&termGbn=year&yearTime=3|url-status=live}} * {{cite web|title=Circle Album Chart – Week 1, 2023|url=https://circlechart.kr/page_chart/album.circle?nationGbn=T&targetTime=01&hitYear=2023&termGbn=week&yearTime=3|website=Circle Chart|language=ko|access-date=January 12, 2023|archive-date=January 12, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230112023951/https://circlechart.kr/page_chart/album.circle?nationGbn=T&targetTime=01&hitYear=2023&termGbn=week&yearTime=3|url-status=live}} </ref>}} {{End}}

==Release history== {| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" |+ {{sro|Release history for ''Savage''}} ! scope="col" | Region ! scope="col" | Date ! scope="col" | Format ! scope="col" | Label |- ! scope="row" | Various | rowspan="2" | October 5, 2021 | {{hlist|Digital download|streaming}} | rowspan="2" | {{hlist|SM|Dreamus}} |- ! scope="row" | South Korea | CD |}

==References== {{Reflist}}

Category:Aespa EPs Category:2021 debut EPs Category:Korean-language EPs Category:2020s Korean-language albums Category:SM Entertainment EPs Category:Hyperpop albums