Song Review: BABYMONSTER Release "Forever", KISS OF LIFE Come Back With "Sticky", STAYC Come Back With "Cheeky Icy Thang" And CHUU Release MV For "Honeybee"
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BABYMONSTER - FOREVER
Review
BABYMONSTER's latest single "Forever" showcases the rookie girl group's potential, and for the first time the group distances itself from the familiar YG sound and the BLACKPINK formula. Sure, it can be compared to BLACKPINK's "As If It's Your Last" in both sound and style, but the similarities are are not that striking and besides, "As If It's Your Last" is rather unique in BLACKPINK's discography since it doesn't follow the group's formula.
The track opens with a rather bland and uninspired verse, but hits its stride with the colorful, energetic and super-long chorus. However, the "for-or-or-or! eh-eh-eh-ever!" hook feels a bit messy, even though we were expecting something like that. Somehow these annoying parts have become YG's signature lately. A drastic shift in verse two with the off-beat rap throws off the song's momentum, but "Forever" finishes strong thanks to a well-placed key change that highlights the track's strongest melodies. The song is very catchy but all the rap sections feel completely out of place as if inserted lately by necessity and not as an organic part of the song. Overall, the song is still good, despite those awful rap sections.
Lyrically, the song delivers an empowering message about believing in oneself and not compromising to meet others' expectations. Lines like "I got no worries on my mind, I'm never gonna stop" and "I know (I was born like this)" aim to establish "Forever" as an anthem for young girls.
While "Forever" doesn't reinvent the wheel, it's a step in the right direction for BABYMONSTER as they try to distinguish themselves from their predecessors and find their own identity. By leaning more into vocals, the group shows promise, even if the execution is not quite there yet. They just need to limit those unnecessary rap sections or make them feel more part of the song.
Release Info & Mini Bio
BABYMONSTER the currently a seven-member girl group under YG Entertainment that debuted on April 01, 2024 with the mini album "BABYMONS7ER" and the song "SHEESH" as the album's title track, released a new single today on July 1, 2024 titled "Forever" as a pre-release for their upcoming first full-length album that is scheduled to be released on October 2024. This single is the direct follow-up to their debut album.
KISS OF LIFE (키스오브라이프) - Sticky
Review
KISS OF LIFE is back with a refreshing summer hit in "Sticky". The minimalist production provides the perfect backdrop for KISS OF LIFE's robust vocals. While the song takes a few listens to grow on you, KISS OF LIFE's sheer charisma and star power make it work.
The music video, shot to look like a one-take in Poland, perfectly captures the song's refreshing summer vibes. Speaking to Korea JoongAng Daily, member Julie explained their concept: "We are saying that hot girls can also pull off a refreshing concept. We are happy, pleased and confident. That's the way we interpret a refreshing concept."
Overall, while "Sticky" may not have the immediate impact of past KISS OF LIFE title tracks, it's a solid showcase for the group's vocals and versatility. The song grows on you with each listen, becoming an ideal soundtrack for hot summer days. With their steady rise and "miracle of a small company" status, KISS OF LIFE proves they have what it takes to become K-pop's next "Summer Queens".
Release Info & Mini Bio
KISS OF LIFE, the four-member girl group under S2 Entertainment that debuted on July 5, 2023, made a comeback today on July 1, 2024 with their second digital single album "Sticky" and the same-titled song as the album's title track. The single album will contain only two tracks, "Sticky" and "Te Quiero". This single is the follow-up to the group's first single album "Midas Touch" that was released on April 3, 2024.
Track List
"Sticky"
"Te Quiero"
STAYC (스테이씨) - Cheeky Icy Thang
Review
STAYC has made a bold return with the title track "Cheeky Icy Thang". The synth-pop anthem showcases a new side of the girl group, exuding confidence, individuality and a playful attitude. Produced by Black Eyed Pilseung, "Cheeky Icy Thang" features a funky shuffle rhythm and swirling synths reminiscent of their 2022 hit 'RUN2U'. However, the song takes STAYC in a fresh direction, with the members stepping out of their usual roles to deliver an empowering message about embracing one's unique qualities.
Lyrically, the track draws parallels to the unconventional "Beast" in "Beauty and the Beast," with imagery like sunglasses symbolizing shielding oneself from criticism. The addictive "cheeky icy thang" hook emphasizes STAYC's cool yet hot charms. While some may find the song's brevity and heavy focus on attitude over melody a drawback, "Cheeky Icy Thang" reveals its depth upon repeated listens. The single-minded structure is unusual for a K-pop title track but effectively conveys the girls' unapologetic spirit.
Overall, "Cheeky Icy Thang" ushers in an exciting new era for STAYC, solidifying their growth as artists. Though the track has proven divisive among listeners, it succeeds in challenging the group to push their boundaries and delivers an undeniably addictive anthem celebrating confidence and authenticity. As STAYC continues to evolve, "Cheeky Icy Thang" marks a memorable step in their metamorphosis.
Release Info & Mini Bio
STAYC (their name stands for "Star To A Young Culture"), the six-member girl group under High Up Entertainment that debuted on November 12, 2020, made a comeback today on July 1, 2024 with their first full-length album "Metamorphic" and the song "Cheeky Icy Thang" as the album's title track. The album will contain fourteen tracks and the physical release will come out in four versions: two standard photobook/CD versions (Cheeky and Icy version), one Limited Edition QR code (Figure version), and one Platform version (QR code too). This album is the follow-up to the group's third Japanese single "Lit" that was released on December 06, 2023.
Track List
"Twenty"
"Cheeky Icy Thang"
"1 Thing"
"Give It 2 Me"
"Find" (Sieun & Seeun & J)
"Let Me Know"
"Nada"
"Fakin'" (Sumin & Yoon)
"Roses" (Isa)
"Beauty Bomb"
"Gummy Bear"
"Stay With Me"
"Flexing On My Ex"
"Trouble Maker"
CHUU (츄) - Honeybee
Review
"Honeybee" is a cute song about positivity and optimism. The lyrics celebrate the importance of finding joy and light in difficult times. Chuu's warm vocals blend with charming lyrics about leaving old wounds and loneliness behind for authentic love. The calm bossa nova-style guitars and an up-tempo break beat of drum and bass combine to give off a bright and uplifting energy.
The music video for "Honeybee" is also a visual treat, filled with colorful and vibrant sets that reflect Chuu's sparkling personality. The MV tells the story of a forbidden love between Chuu and a male character. Despite the obstacles that stand in their way, they are determined to stay together, defying conventions and following their hearts.
Release Info & Mini Bio
Chuu (츄) is a South Korean idol-singer currently under ATRP and former member of the girl group LOONA and its third sub-unit yyxy, Chuu released her first single, simply named "Chuu", on December 28, 2017 as the tenth part of the "Girl of the Month" project and then she debuted as a member of Loona's third sub-unit, yyxy, on May 30, 2018 with the mini album "Beauty & The Beat". Chuu debuted properly as a member of Loona with the group's full line-up on August 20, 2018 with their first mini album "+ +". After a messy and lengthy legal dispute with BlockBerryCreative, Chuu finally left Loona and their company and joined ATRP as a solo artist. On October 18, 2023 Chuu made her solo debut with her first mini album "Howl" and the same-titled song as the album's title track.
Chuu released today on July 1, 2024 a music video for her song her "Honeybee" from her second mini album "Strawberry Rush" that was released on June 25, 2024.
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