Asian Junkie Asian pop. Without discretion.
This time I actually have an excuse for being behind as I got sick for the first time since the pandemic, which is an amazing thing to realize in itself (and it wasn’t COVID-19!).
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Tzuyu (TWICE) – “Run Away”
Definitely looks the part, but the production is safe but forgettable and her vocal showing makes the song sound flatter than it should. Lacks flavor.
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Xikers – “WITCH”
If you like this kind of track, then you don’t care what I have to say about them anyway, tbh.
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Baekhyun (EXO) – “Pineapple Slice”
Probably the most likely song in this post that people will love, as the groovy synth and the bassline production is amazing. You’ve heard the rest of the formula before, though, so it mostly depends on how much you buy into him as a solo star.
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BOYNEXTDOOR – “Nice Guy”
Okay, so “Dangerous” was indeed one of those hey-we-can-be-cool releases, and now back to the lighter stuff. They’re at their best in that mode, but this is more boring than playful and fun.
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Yeonjun (TXT) – “GGUM”
I appreciate that it wasn’t safe and like designed to coast on his popularity/image at least. That said, am I ever listening to this again? No.
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Hwasa (MAMAMOO) – “NA”
Made to be danced to in a club or something, which is fine in theory, but there’s plenty of other stuff specifically made for that unless the hook is addictive, but I found it lacking. The song unfortunately kinda pushes Hwasa herself to the back instead of using her to make something dynamic. Really, the focus seems to be put on the “edge” of this and the choreo, for better and worse.
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FIFTY FIFTY – “S.O.S”
Aside from non-music reasons related to the ongoing boycott, FIFTY FIFTY’s new lineup fail to really put their stamp on anything. Like continuing on with the easy-listening vibe is fine, but where’s the chorus/hook that made them relevant? I gave it a fair shot, but re-debuting with an anonymous retread is tough. I was rather bored is the issue.
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P1Harmony – “Sad Song”
The loop and the melody seem to go by way too often, as it’s rather repetitive, but the Latin touch is nice and the hook is solid. Honestly, probably one of my favorites from them.
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Something more on NINE.i’s VAHN and RESCENE, assuming I don’t get sick again.
