May 2024 – Page 2 – KPOPREVIEWED

[Weekly KPOP Chart] 2nd Week of May 2024

May 12, 2024Posted in Weekly ChartsTagged SEVENTEENLeave a comment

Welcome back to another Weekly KPOP Chart post – this time for the 2nd Week of May 2024. Still no luck on coverage of new KPOP tracks. Just four reviews this week – one of which at the start of the week and the rest all posted yesterday. Again, I am hoping to be more productive week on the blog from tomorrow. Let’s see how I go. This coming week promises comebacks from ZEROBASEONE, aespa, ENHYPEN, Mark (from NCT), DXMON, ITZY and more. Per usual, you will have to wait to see who I cover in the new week – until then, here is the Weekly KPOP Charts for the 2nd Week of May 2024.

Throwback Song of the Week

Each week I pick a song from the past to feature in this segment. It is recognition for the fact I listen to more than just the currently charting songs. And revisiting these songs are truly a blast from the past. Plus, I am hoping that this segment introduces new listeners to some great songs that I have enjoyed from my many years of listening to KPOP. This week is a song that I forgot about for a while (despite it being featured in this segment before). But it randomly appeared in my mind this week and I had to relive it! The song is titled Dreamer, which was HISTORY’s debut track from 2013. The track and music video features IU.

Non-Korean Song of the Week

As my focus on this blog is primarily on KPOP songs, I draw attention to a particular song that isn’t in the Korean language in this part of the Weekly KPOP Chart post. That song is the top ranking non-Korean song on each Weekly KPOP Chart post. The past week’s non-Korean song of the week is Stray Kids’ fresh new release Lose My Breath, which features Charlie Puth. It ranks in the 11th position this week.

The Charts

SEVENTEEN’s MAESTRO is the top song for 2nd Week of May 2024. Congratulations!

Position	Song Title	Artist	Change
1	MAESTRO	SEVENTEEN	(▲ 3)
2	Magnetic	ILLIT	(=)
3	Mars	Doh Kyung Soo (D.O – EXO)	(NEW)
4	BE SOMEBODY	YOOK SUNGJAE (BTOB)	(NEW)
5	Nectar	THE BOYZ	(▲ 16)
6	Girls Never Die	tripleS	(NEW)
7	Beautiful Maze	DRIPPIN	(▲ 26)
8	But I	Solar (MAMAMOO)	(▼ 7)
9	HEYA	IVE	(▼ 6)
10	Midas Touch	KISS OF LIFE	(▼ 4)
11	Lose My Breath	Stray Kids ft. Charlie Puth	(NEW)
12	I Like The Way	Kim Woojin	(▼ 1)
13	Come Back To Me	RM (BTS)	(NEW)
14	BBB	PURPLE KISS	(▲ 55)
15	Love or Die	BAEKHO & BIGONE	(NEW)
16	Impossible	RIIZE	(▼ 1)
17	Youth2Youth	EPEZ	(▲ 52)
18	Bye My Monster	ONF	(▲ 51)
19	Welcome To My Show	DAY6	(▲ 50)
20	SWEAT	ZEROBASEONE	(▲ 49)
21	Deja Vu	TXT	(▲ 25)
22	Earth, Wind & Fire	BOYNEXTDOOR	(▼ 6)
23	Q&A	HyunA	(▼ 11)
24	Choke	82MAJOR	(▲ 45)
25	Colors	Solar (MAMAMOO)	(NEW)
26	I’ll Be By Your Side	DAVICHI	(▲ 34)
27	PUNK HOT	1CHU	(▼ 8)
28	Psychic	Lay Zhang (EXO)	(▲ 41)
29	As Always	Lee Changsub (BTOB)	(▲ 40)
30	STILL ALIVE	XXIN	(▲ 39)

[Review] Girls Never Die – tripleS

May 11, 2024Posted in KPOP, ReviewsTagged TripleSLeave a comment

When I reviewed Rising by tripleS last year, the group only had 16 members out of the confirmed 24-member lineup. Earlier this week, tripleS made their comeback with their full lineup of 24 members. Along with the additional 8 members, tripleS returned with the title track Girls Never Die, which is featured on their first studio album titled Assemble24.

I find Girls Never Die to be a pleasant dance-pop track. As initial thoughts to the song, Girls Never Die feels well-polished and seamless as a whole piece. The beat in the background felt very rhythmic and groovy. But at the same time, the background is also quite paced, which creates an easygoing and interesting aesthetic. But I have explained in the past that some ‘pleasant’ tracks do have a flip-side. At the moment, Girls Never Die does come off positively to me. But I fear that through repeat listens to Girls Never Die, that aesthetic might fizzle out and the underlying plainness in the song’s instrumentation would take over. Girls Never Die lacks excitement and a powerful eventuating peak, hence why I worry the plainness will prevail. Rather than being stuck in the same gear for the entirety of the track, Girls Never Die should have shifted a bit in momentum, tone or energy. The electric guitars was a nice addition to the song that could have impact in this area, but they were only added to the end, so too late to actually have an effect. As for tripleS themselves, there was some really nice vocals/rapping in the song from the members. Those ad-libs from Dahyun were very impressive. The song itself had a decent chorus, though the main “La La La” feels plain and unimaginative. Overall, Girls Never Die is a good song and starts off their next chapter of their careers as a full group strong. I just wished, like with most songs nowadays, there is more to Girls Never Die.

The music video was quite aesthetic. But that shouldn’t come as a surprise, given how MODHAUS is co-founded by the creative director (Jaden Jeong) who was behind LOONA’s aesthetic solo, unit and initial group music videos. Girls Never Die is a song about girls being resilient and stronger together. And that is what we see in the video. Different members of the group hanged out with one another and supporting each other. I think the following lines in the bridge sums up the music video and lyrics quite well: “If we ever stay together during fear and more, Nothing will scare us now“. When one of the members looked like they were going to give up (i.e., the bathtub scene), we see another member join them later to help them rise back up against their difficult circumstance. The funeral scenes look to be a bit counter intuitive to the messaging/intent. But I think the members surrounding the grave site weren’t lowering a member down (even though it was alluded), given one of the members was kneeling by the grave. Now that last bit is me speculating. The rest of the group could just be there to support one another to the very last moment, but that didn’t feel as fitting to the broader meaning of the video.

24 members on the stage for a performance sounds like a big mess waiting to happen. But tripleS handled it well. They started off on stage and ended the routine as a whole group, but broke into smaller group for the body of the performance to make everything more manageable and less overwhelming. They also performed classy moves that wouldn’t create a mess should a member miss a beat. However, better sychronisation could have enabled an even more refined performance to wow me even more.

Song – 8/10
Music Video – 8/10
Performance – 8/10
Overall Rating – 8/10

[Review] Come Back To Me – RM (BTS)

May 11, 2024Posted in KPOP, ReviewsTagged BTS, RM (BTS)Leave a comment

Gearing up for a comeback very soon (i.e., end of this month) is RM (from BTS). But ahead of the release of his second studio album Right Place, Wrong Person, RM has pre-released the all-English single Come Back To Me, which will be the focus of this post. RM is currently undertaking his mandatory military service and won’t complete it until 2025. But he joins V and j-hope who have been also been busy preparing new music pre-enlistment for us to enjoy despite their absence from the stage.

RM takes us down an indie pop route with Come Back To Me, with a slight jazzy influence coming into play down the line. This track is unlike anything that RM has released before. It is extremely paced and purposely dragged out to make the entire piece quite thought provoking. Despite not enjoying tracks that take their time to build, I find Come Back To Me quite welcoming for some reason. I think I put it down to beautiful execution by co-producers RM and HYUKOH’s Oh Hyuk (who is quite well known in the Korean indie scene and you can hear of his influence in Come Back To Me). That purposefulness is also deliberate in other fronts in Come Back To Me. Instrumentally, the acoustic guitar sets the thought-provoking tone to the song, while the slight jazzy influence amps up Come Back To Me to make it more engaging and changes the tone to be a little more uplifting. Even RM’s various vocal styles that he employs throughout the track felt carefully selected to ensure that it captivates and steals the audience’s attention. The melodies were so easy to get lost in, and the “Your are my pain, Divine, Divine” was quite an artistic hook. Overall, I quite enjoyed Come Back To Me and I am excited to hear the rest of the Right Place, Wrong Person album when it is released on 24 May 2024.

Come Back To Me‘s lyrics explores the idea of ‘right’ and ‘wrong’, which is also the central theme for the upcoming album from what I am reading. In the music video, we see RM appear in multiple potential lives – from being a person who constantly hang out with his friends, to being a dad, to being in a relationship where he is constantly fighting with his partner, to being a son of parents who have high expectations for him. Part way through the video, he crosses path with another lady who makes him encounter a happier and smiling version from himself. From this encounter, he becomes more him appreciative of all of the potential lives he could have been in – going from the idea of exploring those potential lives that are wrong for/to him to exploring potential lives that could be right for him. Ultimately, he re-meets the same lady who made him happier and change his outlook, and follows her to be with her. His unlocks the door that has been constantly locked throughout the entire video, opening a new life outside the many lives we have seen him apart of already. It is definitely a thought-provoking video and the paced nature of the song really emphasises this. I also enjoyed RM’s acting in the video, as well as the other actors who helped make the video engaging.

Song – 8.5/10
Music Video – 9/10
Overall Rating – 8.7/`10

[Review] BE SOMEBODY – YOOK SUNGJAE (BTOB)

May 11, 2024Posted in KPOP, ReviewsTagged BTOB, YOOK SUNGJAE (BTOB)2 Comments

Sorry again for the radio silence since Tuesday. Work has been busy again. But I am back for the weekend and that means more reviews for you! Restarting the roll is YOOK SUNGJAE’s solo comeback with his same name single album and latest single BE SOMEBODY. This follows his 2020 solo debut with Come with the Wind and Yook O’Clock.

Like his solo debut back in 2020 with Come With The Wind, I had expected YOOK SUNGJAE’s solo return to be of a balladry kind. So hearing the pop rock behind BE SOMEBODY actually felt quite refreshing. Now, the pop rock style that BE SOMEBODY opted for isn’t anything new or innovative. But it was still good. The climb towards the choruses created some good momentum towards the chorus. The eventuating intensity in the chorus from the instrumentation was quite remarkable and help give the song a well-rounded punch. To complement that, SUNGJAE employed some gusto behind his vocals, which helps makes BE SOMEBODY even more more impactful. While this shows me his vocals, BE SOMEBODY could have used some variety in the same department. I noticed that once he enters high territory (about 40 seconds into the song), SUNGJAE remains in that territory for the remainder of the song. I would have loved it if he explored more of that deeper tone that he kicks off BE SOMEBODY with throughout the track. It could have grounded the song a bit better and not feel too neutrally high from that 40 second mark and onwards. There are some examples in the song (i.e., the rap-speak lines between the pre-chorus and choruses) where there are attempts to ground BE SOMEBODY, but they were rather brief and limited in number to really make a mark. But overall, I still find BE SOMEBODY to be a great song. Just more could have made it stronger.

The song conveys the message of breaking free to become somebody, rather than being someone they are not. This, along with the music video, feels linked to the fact that he has more freedom to be himself now that he has left CUBE Entertainment (but not BTOB – an important distinction there). In the video, we see him as an art exhibit, but people don’t pay much attention to him. It isn’t until he is put out there more via performances and the internet (different mediums) does he gain more attention. With the performances and internet, he isn’t bound to just one particular artform anymore. The art smashing to pieces towards the end of the video is representative of breaking that ‘one artform’ boundary he is expressing through this comeback. A well thought out video, overall, that I hoped I correctly interpreted.

Song – 8/10
Music Video – 9/10
Overall Rating – 8.4/10

[Review] Mars – Doh Kyung Soo (EXO)

May 7, 2024Posted in KPOP, ReviewsTagged D.O (EXO), EXO2 Comments

I am a bit late to start the new week. But as the saying goes, better late than never. Doh Kyung Soo (otherwise known as D.O from EXO) made his solo comeback today with a new single titled Mars and his 3rd mini-album Blossom. This follows his pre-release single Popcorn (which I will return to review in the future) last week, and his 2nd mini-album Expectation from last year (led by the single Somebody).

Mars is a song about loving someone so different to you, it is as if you and that someone are from two different planets. From that little reflection on the song, you can imagine how heartfelt and comforting the track is. I felt that Doh Kyung Soo portrays that messaging and tone very well in Mars, through all aspects of the track. I enjoyed the simplicity and straightforwardness of the medium-tempo pop track from the very first listen. The acoustic and band instrumentation was profound, with the guitar work being a big driver towards Mars‘ bright and meaningful outlook. Similarly, I felt the sincerity and affection behind Doh Kyung Soo’s vocals. The melodies were great. And altogether, Mars does bring a smile to my face when I listen to the track. I think a slight challenge to the song are the hooks. And this challenge isn’t necessarily unique to Mars, but more so to all ‘simple and ‘straight forward’ songs. To ensure longevity of a song like Mars, the song itself needs to be memorable and the melodies/hooks play a big part in this. Personally, I find Mars‘ hooks to be okay, but I think this aspect of Mars is also a little lacking. I am not too sure how Mars can hold its ground amongst the stiff competition. But as it stands, the song is still a great listen.

I found the music video to be a very cute watch and works well with the simple nature of the song. We see Doh Kyung Soo in his own little world throughout the video as he attempts to communicate with his special someone who is on a completely different planet to his. We see him get ready for the day ahead and ride his bike to the primary site in which he has set up to communicate with the world beyond his. On his bike are all the flowers he could find, which he later uses to write ‘I Miss You‘ on the ground in a bold colour for the other someone to see. In the end, his attempts to communicate work, with the special someone leaving simple and literally small messages for him. At the very end of the video, we see the different messages left behind for Doh Kyung Soo, that he has kept as little momentos. The outro sees him do it all again the next day (the presence of the rain helps us differentiate it is a new day), excited to extend the communications even further.

Song – 9/10
Music Video – 9/10
Overall Rating – 9/10

[Weekly KPOP Chart] 1st Week of May 2024

May 5, 2024Posted in Weekly ChartsTagged Solar (Mamamoo)Leave a comment

Welcome back to another Weekly KPOP Chart post for the 1st Week of May 2024. It was another standard week. Lots of releases (as mentioned last week) and I didn’t cover much of it – just what I perceived to be the big releases. Hopefully I have better luck this coming week, which promises comebacks and debuts from Doh Kyung Soo (D.O from EXO), KIM JAE HWAN, BM (from KARD), Kep1er, tripleS, Yook Sung Jae (from BTOB), Stray Kids and so much more. Per usual, you will have to wait to see who I cover in the new week – until then, here is the Weekly KPOP Charts for the 1st Week of May 2024.

Throwback Song of the Week

Each week I pick a song from the past to feature in this segment. It is recognition for the fact I listen to more than just the currently charting songs. And revisiting these songs are truly a blast from the past. Plus, I am hoping that this segment introduces new listeners to some great songs that I have enjoyed from my many years of listening to KPOP. Following the theme of hitting hard as per the last few weeks, the song that did it for me this week is SECRET’s Love is MOVE from 2011.

Non-Korean Song of the Week

As my focus on this blog is primarily on KPOP songs, I draw attention to a particular song that isn’t in the Korean language in this part of the Weekly KPOP Chart post. That song is the top ranking non-Korean song on each Weekly KPOP Chart post. The past week’s non-Korean song of the week is YUQI’s FREAK. It ranks in the 8th position this week.

The Charts

SOLAR from MAMAMOO and her solo comeback single But I are the top artist and song for the Weekly KPOP Charts for the 1st Week of May 2024. This one surprised me a bit, as I was expecting IVE or SEVENTEEN to emerge as the top artist with their songs. But nonetheless, congratulations to Solar and But I!

Position	Song Title	Artist	Change
1	But I	Solar (MAMAMOO)	(NEW)
2	Magnetic	ILLIT	(▲ 20)
3	HEYA	IVE	(NEW)
4	MAESTRO	SEVENTEEN	(NEW)
5	Relax	LEE JIN HYUK	(▲ 58)
6	Midas Touch	KISS OF LIFE	(▲ 2)
7	Little Things	Xdinary Heroes	(NEW)
8	FREAK	YUQI ((G)I-DLE)	(▲ 58)
9	Little Light	DOYOUNG (NCT)	(▼ 8)
10	FUNK JAM	N.SSign	(▲ 56)
11	I Like The Way	Kim Woo Jin	(▲ 55)
12	Q&A	HyunA	(NEW)
13	Flip The Coin	The KingDom	(NEW)
14	GEEKIN	YOUNITE	(NEW)
15	Impossible	RIIZE	(▼ 13)
16	Earth, Wind & Fire	BOYNEXTDOOR	(▲ 1)
17	SIREN	RIIZE	(▲ 6)
18	DEAD LOVE	MINSEO	(▲ 48)
19	PUNK HOT	1CHU	(▲ 47)
20	ROCK THANG	TIOT	(▲ 46)
21	Nectar	THE BOYZ	(▼8)
22	Renegade	LUCAS	(▲ 44)
23	SPOT!	ZICO (BLOCK B) ft. JENNIE (BLACKPINK)	(▲ 34)
24	Broken Heart	AMPERS&ONE	(▲ 42)
25	DESSERT	E.SO & ISHA	(▲ 41)
26	Planet Girl	COiBLEN	(▲ 40)
27	Popcorn	Doh Kyung Soo (D.O – EXO)	(NEW)
28	1000 YEARS	TABLO (Epik High) ft. J.Sheon	(▲ 25)
29	ON MY LIPS	ICHILLIN’	(▲ 37)
30	Little Prince	PICKUS	(▲ 36)

[Album Review] BORN TO BE (2nd Studio Album) – ITZY

May 4, 2024Posted in Album Reviews, KPOPTagged ITZY1 Comment

Moving along with the albums released this year, I am reviewing ITZY’s second studio-album BORN TO BE today. It was released back on 8 January 2024 and follows on from their KILL MY DOUBT mini-album (which features CAKE as the lead single). BORN TO BE features a total of 10 tracks, including the pre-release with the same name as the album, the title track UNTOUCHABLE and five solo tracks from each member of ITZY (including LIA, who has been on a hiatus since September 2023). Regarding the solo tracks, I have not reviewed them separately ahead of time despite them having a short video released to promote them for a few reasons, but I have included each video down below.

Overall, BORN TO BE is strongest in the solo tracks and most of the side tracks. UNTOUCHABLE has grown on me a bit and was definitely a highlight. But there were some other tracks on the album that had more potential and I personally felt had more of an edge over the title track. Continue reading to find out which songs they are.

1. BORN TO BE (Pre-Release Song) – Click here to read the full review for BORN TO BE. (7/10)

2. UNTOUCHABLE (Title Track) – Click here to read the full review for UNTOUCHABLE. (8/10)

3. Mr. Vampire – Click here to read the full review for Mr. Vampire. (6.5/10)

4. Dynamite – Dynamite lifts the song quality on the album back up with a very upbeat and loaded dance track. It is super engaging and I personally felt that was a lot of ITZY energy coming off it. The percussion keeps Dynamite dynamic and bouncy. I did think the members’ vocals were pushed a little too far, but there was some nice control on the members’ part. I am also not a massive fan of the abrupt ending. It didn’t finish Dynamite off satisfyingly. (8/10)

5. Crown on My Head (YEJI Solo) – We now turn to the solo songs and first up is YEJI. Crown On My Head is a rock track. I liked the different ways the electric guitar was employed in the song. In the first verse, the guitar work is exhilarating and electrifying, and I constantly wonder why it wasn’t continued in the more typical synth-based second verse. In the chorus, the guitar work takes on more of a grungy vibe. But the best use of the guitar comes in the instrumental break, where we get a shreddy effect. As for YEJI, her vocals definitely soared throughout and upped the intensity of Crown On My Head. She had full command of the track and delivered it superbly. (9/10)

6. Blossom (LIA Solo) – Despite being on hiatus, LIA does feature in this album through her solo track Blossom. The song takes us down an alternative R&B route, thanks to its more experimental instrumentation. This EDM-based adds a lot of energy and the synth work gives off a dreamy affair. LIA’s vocals fit the R&B style really well, especially with the slight rasp to her vocals. There are a few varying vocal styles in Blossom from LIA, all of which makes it an engaging solo track. (9/10)

7. Run Away (RYUJIN Solo) – Out of all the solo tracks, Run Away was the one that I instantly liked when I first checked out the album back when it was released. I remember it was the chorus that caught my attention, which brings together a passionate delivery from RYUJIN and some amazing guitar work that reminds me of pop-rock from the early 00s. I also like the mellow direction the bridge took, which was a nice yet brief break from the pop-rock energy. If I had to pick, RYUJIN’s Run Away is my top pick from the solo tracks on this album. (9/10)

8. Mine (CHAERYEONG Solo) – CHAERYEONG has the shortest solo track of the bunch, spanning less than 2 minutes. Mine is a synth pop track with a groovy tinge. CHAERYEONG brings a very sensual and sultry vibe to the song, which makes it very alluring. Of the five solo tracks, I think Mine was one that stood out the least. Not on the merits that it was bad song, but rather not reaching its full potential. An easy way to do this in Mine is to give CHAERYEONG’s vocals more definition and boldness. This would have helped oomph up her parts to give them more depth amongst the instrumentation. (8/10)

9. Yet, But (YUNA Solo) – Yet, But is YUNA’s solo contribution to the album. It is a rather straight forward track that feels like a good embodiment of what KPOP is. It brings a fun and playful energy to the album. This pairs with YUNA’s youthful vocals. Personally, I do feel like Yet, But is a little too sweet for my liking. It also stays within the lines and feels rather ‘safe’. But I enjoyed the exploration into the light-hearted territory of pop. (7.5/10)

10. Escalator – Bringing the members (sans LIA) back together for the final song is Escalator. It is an experimental dance track, that features a fierce demeanour from the members and loud synth work. It was definitely a blast on all fronts. I did like the way the vocals were processed at the start, panning from either side. I also like the shouty motif the members went for the chorus, which felt right for such a loud and strong song. Lastly, I also like the techno synth work at the end, adding a lot more flair and bombast to the song. (9/10)

Overall Album Rating – 8.1/10

[Review] Relax – LEE JIN HYUK

May 4, 2024Posted in KPOP, ReviewsTagged LEE JIN HYUKLeave a comment

Last week, LEE JIN HYUK made his solo comeback with his 6th mini-album, New Quest: Jungle, and the lead single Relax. This comeback serves as LEE JIN HYUK’s first solo comeback since leaving UP10TION (officially) and TOP Media over a year ago. He signed with Bill Entertainment, which is the home of other soloists – Yerin and Minseo. His last comeback was Crack, released back in 2022.

The new single Relax is an urban dance-pop anthem that has charm. It has taken me a few listens to the song to get into it, with the instrumentation growing on me considerably. The tinny-sounding chorus registered as interesting at first. But I find it quite appealing now. It is different and it draws your attention in. LEE JIN HYUK’s really gritty and raspy rap-sing vocals in the chorus felt plain at first. But upon reflection and more listens, I find that his deep vocal delivery actually pulls the chorus together to create a overall trance. While LEE JIN HYUK’s rapping and pre-chorus vocals were engaging and well-delivered, it wasn’t enough to make the rest of Relax memorable, unfortunately. The chorus definitely took centre stage and serves as Relax‘s strongest sequence. I do think Relax could have been punchier is all aspects. This potentially could have taken the rest of Relax to the next level and gave the song a stronger presence amongst its competition.

Unsurprisingly, Relax conveys the simple message of taking some time to take a break in our busy world. The video is set in a Korean bathhouse, which is probably an optimal location to take that break to relax. The video begins with a fight inside the bathhouse. But with LEE JIN HYUK’s presence and message, the fight turns into more of a chill party. We also see him get a massage in later parts of the video and hang around the ladies who are looking very comfortable. The dance break part of the music video sees what looked like the bathhouse set break apart, which is probably a symbolic way of reaching that peak relaxation, as if you are floating away. Overall, a neat music video.

The choreography for Relax strikes a fine balance between being energetic and relaxing. There are some moves that represents the relaxing side of it, while the rest of the choreography focuses on some more energetic moves without feeling too intense or complicated. I really liked the bouncy vibe of the choreography and also the footwork in the routine.

Song – 7/10
Music Video – 8/10
Performance – 9/10
Overall Rating – 7.7/10

[Review] But I – Solar (MAMAMOO)

May 3, 2024Posted in KPOP, ReviewsTagged MAMAMOO, Solar (Mamamoo)4 Comments

Also making her solo comeback on Tuesday this week was Solar from MAMAMOO. We last saw her promote on stage two years ago via her HONEY comeback and her first mini-album, 容 : Face. Tuesday saw her release her second mini-album COLOURS and the title track But I.

Despite the music video teasers released in the lead up to But I hinting at the two very different sound profiles, But I still managed to surprise me upon release. The song starts off soft as a ballad, with beautiful vocals from Solar herself, and a delicate and stilling piano backdrop. But that balladry motif quickly changes once we reach the choruses. The drumming and guitar work morphs But I into a rock track. It blasts us with some strong energy and Solar really kicks it up a few notches with her passionate and intense delivery. The melodies and hooks here are quite easy to get into. I particularly cannot get the “Your body, your money, your face, your vibe” out of my head. Following the first chorus, But I keeps the rock presence in the second verse, but tones it down considerably from the chorus. So, once the chorus returns for the final time, the strong energy still feels like a blast. The outro of But I does returns the song to its balladry beginnings and it drew the song to a wonderful end, as if she is now at peace with the hatred that she sings passionately about in But I. No doubt, But I is surprising. But it does so in a balanced and captivating manner that I personally enjoyed very much.

The lyrics of But I depicts one’s hatred for their a bad ex, which comes off crystal clear in the lyrics. But I (ha!) found it interesting that the pre-chorus for the song includes a line of what people external to the relationship had expected of Solar when she was part of the dead relationship (“Everybody thinks I was happy, happy but I I I I“) vs. when she was supposed to be heartbroken post-relationship (“Everybody thinks I’m not happy, happy but I I I“). I bring these two lines up in question for a particular reason. While not directly linked to what I am saying next, the two lines shows a contrasting expectation on Solar, and the video depicts a different two contrasting sides to Solar related to this post-breakup. On one hand, she is seen to be in mourning and is heartbroken following her failed relationship. And on the other hand, we see how vivid and freeing she truly feels after leaving the bad ex.

Song – 9/10
Music Video – 8/10
Overall Rating – 8.6/10

[Review] Little Things – Xdinary Heroes

May 3, 2024Posted in KPOP, ReviewsTagged Xdinary Heroes2 Comments

Xdinary Heroes officially returned on Tuesday with their first studio length album Troubleshooting. Leading the charge on this new album is the title track Little Things (어리고 부끄럽고 바보 같은). This release is their first since October 2023’s Livelock (their 4th mini-album) and the single Break The Brake, which earned them a win for Best Band Performance in the 2023 KPOPREVIEWED Awards.

Little Things is Xdinary Heroes’ most straight forward rock title track since their debut. And I feel my comments on the song are relatively similar. Xdinary Heroes have promoted some wacky tracks and also some intense ones previously. But nothing feels as ‘simple’ or ‘safe’ as Little Things. There isn’t anything wrong going down this path (but it does come with its own flaws), especially when it invokes an early 2000s pop-punk nostalgia. If you have not yet caught on, this is the era of music that I grew up on. The nostalgia and execution of band’s vocal and instrumental delivery appeals to me. The punchiness of the instrumental is well-liked. I also liked the emotional tinge Little Things features. Xdinary Heroes really made sure that was heard from the get-go with the autotuned intro. I think the downside of going down the ‘simple’ and ‘safe’ road, and I do feel it as part of this release, is that Little Things feels inherently plain. The lack of innovation and excitement does hold it back slightly. But nostalgia and Xdinary Heroes’ ongoing consistent high-quality execution/delivery trumps in Little Things.

Little Things expresses the message to one’s younger self that no matter how lost you become, you will always find a way out of that lost feeling. In the music video, we see the members perform in a side-walk drain, representing their lost mindset. I am presuming the feeling of lost is liken to how we think certain items becomes ‘lost’ once you drop it down a sidewalk drain (as those items become hard to reach and it is difficult to recover them). In other close-up of the members, we see them alone and surrounded by darkness. Mid-way into the video, we see the drain closes in on the members and water/paper falls down, which might represent that pressure of ‘being lost’ on the members. However, in the end of the video, the members do escape the drain, which ultimately emphasises the message of the song.

Song – 8/10
Music Video – 8/10
Overall Rating – 8/10