Song Review: BABYMONSTER Finally Debut With "BATTER UP" And TAEYEON (SNSD) Comes Back With "To. X"

BABYMONSTER - BATTER UP 

Review

"Batter Up" will definitely be a dividing song. The similarities with Blackpink's songs are way too many and I fear the girls will get a lot of bad reviews for that. BABYMONSTER’s Asa collaborated on both the music and lyrics for “BATTER UP”, with contributions to the lyrics from several well-known YG Entertainment labelmates. Alongside Asa, the song’s lyrics were crafted by Jared Lee,  TREASURE’s Choi Hyun Suk, AKMU’s Lee Chanhyuk, WHERE THE NOISE, and BIGTONE, while the music was co-created by Chaz Mishan, YG DEE.P, Jared Lee, and Asa. That is to say, that Blackpink's producer Teddy was not involved in the production of the song.

"Batter Up" is the definition of formulaic K-pop girl-crush, with a chorus resembling a lesser version of "DDU-DU DDU-DU". The song redeems itself in the last 30 seconds when it switches to a club beat, becoming more anthemic. The most unfortunate thing is that "Batter Up" does sound like a Blackpink B-side track, that is to say it is rather underwhelming and it is lacking originality. Sure, Teddy wasn't involved but all the other producers really went out of their way to mimic him as closely as they could. The statement that the song simply has "that YG sound" is not an excuse.

BABYMONSTER's debut also suffers from the saturation of girl crush concepts in modern K-pop industry, making it difficult for them to stand out. Therefore, trying to sound like Blackpink-lite sure won't give them any extra points. In conclusion, the overall experience is mostly uninspired and rehashed. I wish they had incorporated a more original concept.

The members are very talented. We have known that for years. But there aren't much in this song to showcase their charms and abilities. A debut with just one digital track, no promotions, no physical album, no photobooks and no merchandise, feels like no debut at all. Their company is doing the absolute minimum!

Release Info & Mini Bio

BABYMONSTER is a six-member girl group under YG Entertainment consisting of members: Ruka (루카), Pharita (파리타), Asa (아사), Rami (라미), Rora (로라) and Chiquita (치키타). The group made its debut on November 26, 2023 with their first digital single "BATTER UP". 

TAEYEON (태연) - To. X 

Review

Taeyeon returns with a more pared-down concept and sound on "To. X", following her ambitious "INVU" release. The track features a smooth R&B vibe and talks about a toxic relationship. It explores her relationship with a narcissist, its realization, and its ending. "To. X" is primarily based on simple instrumentals and Taeyeon's smooth voice. Although it may not stand out as much as her past singles, it is easy to put on a playlist for a specific mood, which is what it seems to want to be. Even though the whole mini album is cohesive and well-crafted, it could use a bit more power. 

Release Info & Mini Bio

TAEYEON is a South Korean singer-songwriter under SM Entertainment and a member of the girl group Girls' Generation. She is also a member of its sub-units Girls' Generation-TTS and Girls' Generation-Oh!GG, and a member of the project groups S.M. THE BALLAD and GOT the beat. TAEYEON made a comeback today on November 27, 2023 with her fifth mini album "To. X" and the same-titled song as the album's title track. The album will contain six tracks and the physical release on a CD will come out in four versions. Three photobook versions: To, X and Myself version and one digipak version. This album is the follow-up to her third full-length album "INVU" that was released on February 14, 2022. 

Track List 

1. "To. X"
2. "Melt Away"
3. "Burn It Down"
4. "Nightmare (악몽)"
5. "All For Nothing"
6. "Fabulous"