Asian Junkie Asian pop. Without discretion.
A lot of stinkers, to be honest.
But also a bit of a pleasant surprise.
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YOUNITE – “Bad Cupid”
Abrasive seemingly for the sake of it while going in a lot of different directions, but none of them good.
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VIVIZ – “Rum Pum Pum”
Can’t think of a more backhanded compliment than saying that this is one of the better songs released for the UNIVERSE app, but that’s what came to mind.
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NATURE – “LIMBO!”
It almost seems like they want to be a meme group but their company is too chickenshit to commit to the bit. A shame cause I think they could do it (certainly Kim So Hee can). Anyway, you’re not gonna sell me this chorus as addictive, but the other elements were actually quite nice.
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Me:us – “Nothing Changed”
Obligatory former Nine Muses members promo. Hyemi certainly delivers one of the ballads of all time.
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Highlight – “Alone”
The funky bassline that continues throughout is a nice foundation, but it’s not really built on at any point, opting for an anti-drop after a tension-building pre-chorus. That can work if there’s a slickness to the production and delivery, but it just doesn’t happen here. Still, one of the better efforts in this Rundown.
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Kim Jonghyeon (Formerly NU’EST’s JR) – “Lights”
He sounds as uninterested in the song vocally as the song itself does in being melodically appealing.
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YooA (Oh My Girl) – “Lay Low” & “Melody”
YooA is an idol who I thought had potential as a soloist but nothing she’s done has moved me thus far, and these two have to be among her worst efforts even as B-sides.
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NINE.i – “Young Boy”
Easily my favorite track here as it’s really good until it seemingly takes the foot off the gas a bit for the chorus even though an explosion there really could’ve sent it into the stratosphere. The vocals also aren’t able to match the instrumental, but still a potential playlist addition for me that should work when you need something upbeat.
