Song Review: SUNMI Makes An Impressive Comeback With "STRANGER" And QUEENZ EYE Come Back With "THIS IS LOVE"

SUNMI (선미) - STRANGER 

Review 

Sunmi delivers with "STRANGER" a captivating and unsettling musical experience that pushes boundaries and showcases her artistic genius. "STRANGER" is a genre-defying song that seamlessly blends elements of pop, reggae, and spoken word, creating a disorienting yet addictive sound. Sunmi's vocals range from haunting monotone talk-singing to soaring melodies, perfectly capturing the song's eerie atmosphere. The lyrics explore the idea of being drawn to a stranger and the duality of danger and desire, with Sunmi stating that the "stranger" represents an alternate version of herself.

The music video for "STRANGER" elevates the song's horror concept to new heights, drawing inspiration from classic films like "The Shining," "Suspiria," and "Frankenstein". Sunmi's doubles throughout the video symbolize the splitting of her personality and the multiple musical styles at play. The gothic mansion setting, unsettling imagery, and Sunmi's captivating performance create a visual feast that complements the song's strangeness. Sunmi's commitment to the concept is evident in her styling, which incorporates elements of gothic fashion and distressed details. 

"STRANGER" solidifies Sunmi's reputation as a musical innovator and artistic genius. The B-sides, "Calm myself" and "Call my name," provide a more laid-back yet still unsettling listening experience, rounding out the single album's cohesive horror concept. With this release, Sunmi has once again proven her ability to push the boundaries of K-pop and deliver a truly unique and memorable musical experience.

Release Info & Mini Bio 

Sunmi, the solo singer currently under ABYSS Company and former member of the girl group Wonder Girls, made a comeback today on October 17, 2023 with her tenth digital single "Stranger" and the same-titled song as the single's title track. The single album contains three tracks and is the follow-up to her  ninth digital single "Heart Burn" that was released on June 29, 2022. 

Track List 

1. "Calm Myself"
2. "Stranger"
3. "Call My Name (덕질)" 

Queenz Eye - THIS IS LOVE 

Review 

"THIS IS LOVE" features Queenz Eye's unique vocal harmonies and bright melodies, reminiscent of girl groups of the past. The slick production with its catchy beat, makes the song an ideal late summer track for the spooky season. While the repetition of the captivating hook "this is loveee" is undeniably catchy, equally addictive is the back-and-forth dynamic of the rapid-fire post-chorus, which effectively emphasizes the melody. Moreover, the subtle incorporation of background brass in the chorus adds depth to the overall joyful soundscape.

The decision to utilize the rap sections as a bridge rather than attempting to introduce a different element is significant, as it ensures the continuous momentum of the song. This ultimately culminates in a satisfying finale, and the seamless key change does not disappoint. Many popular girl groups nowadays either struggle or are unable to achieve this, making it truly commendable that Queenz Eye consistently delivers exceptional performances and nicely produced title tracks. 

Release Info & Mini Bio 

Queenz Eye, the five-member girl group under Big Mountain Entertainment that debuted originally with six members on October 24, 2022, made a comeback on October 15, 2023 with their  first digital single "This Is Love". This single is the follow-up to the group's second single album "UNI-Q" that was released on July 6, 2023.