Support your favourite KPOP artists, songs and performances in the 2024 KPOPREVIEWED Awards by clicking here to vote today!

ONEUS is back? I missed the news of their return with the digital single, Rupert’s Drop, which dropped last Monday. It’s not surprising though, since the official announcement of the release didn’t happen until mid-way last week. Still, keep your eyes out for the special album release dropping early next year. We last saw ONEUS through their Now comeback earlier this year and on Road to Kingdom: Ace of Ace.

Compared to their earlier releases (which have been of the dance variety), Rupert’s Drop is a change of pace for ONEUS. It is a mellow and soothing ballad track, with an acoustic-like pop-leaning instrumental and pleasant, straightfoward and easy-going melodies. It isn’t the most mind-blowing track ever, but it is still a really nice listen. The guitars riff in Rupert’s Drop reminds me of the guitar riffs in IU’s Blueming. This evokes a nostalgic feeling for me, which works in Rupert’s Drop‘s favour. I like how the instrumental builds as it progresses, peaking when the electric guitar comes into play in the bridge. Mellow material like Rupert’s Drop allows the song to focus on the vocals. And in Rupert’s Drop, ONEUS executes the track quite well. All the members sound so good in Rupert’s Drop and I particularly like the oomph they give during the choruses. ONEUS also bring a comforting tone to Rupert’s Drop. This makes the track feel warmer and fitting for the colder season in Korea. Overall, a hearty and likable song from ONEUS.

I am unsure if the music video is relevant to the song. The video only features the members singing amongst some flowers. Aesthetic-wise, it is pretty and works well with the likableness of the song. But my understanding of Rupert’s Drop lyrics is it depicts the idea that a connection is formed between two people when they cry. The tears and associated feelings are likened to Rupert Drop’s, the tadpole-like shaped drop that dripped molten glass solidifieds into when its cooled. Apart from falling snowflakes, which is the closest thing in the video we get to ‘drops’ in this video, I can’t see how else the video is relevant to the song.

Song – 8/10
Music Video – 7/10
Overall Rating – 7.6/10