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[Review] SUNMI(선미) - Pporappippam(보라빛 밤)

In a year where the K-Pop world is in dire need of some solid title tracks, Sunmi's new comeback single Pporappippam (보라빛 밤) is probably one of the strongest contenders so far in 2020. The reason that I got into K-Pop in the very first place is because of its take on reimagining the retro sounds from the 80s. And Sunmi's new single offers everything that represents the older K-Pop scene that we used to remember: retro, funky, breezy, nonconforming to trends, and most importantly, over-the-top pre-chorus.  Though the melody of the chorus isn't the strongest material we have heard from Sunmi, the song's strength lies within the repeated hook, "Pporappippam (보라빛 밤)," and the funky guitar that gives just enough drive throughout. The choice of the breezy flute synth is also welcomed, as it reinforces the song's imagery of depicting a midsummer's night. The strings also give off that anime-like vibe, similar to WJSN's "Dreams Come True."  Ppor
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[Review] CHUNGHA - BE YOURSELF

Before the arrival of Chungha’s first full-length album, we are once again blessed by VINCENZO with another bop following “Stay Tonight.” Though “Be Yourself” is essentially an ad for Sprite in Korea, it is able to present itself as a solid candidate for the “summer anthem" in 2020. “Be Yourself” can be messy at some times, but Chungha’s airy vocal pierces through this complex kaleidoscope of sounds. The most enjoyable moment is perhaps the post-chorus, where the influence of the tropical backbone starts to fade and straight-forward pop starts taking over the scene. This particular production choice seems to be quite popular which a tropical drop precedes the actual highlight of the song (similar to WJSN’s "As You Wish"). - The addition of ad-lib brass synth throughout the song is definitely welcomed, especially when the brass becomes more prominent in the bridge section and the last chorus. The texture of the brass synth kinda reminds me of Lady Gaga’s “The Edge of the
HEIZE - We Don't Talk Together (Prod. SUGA)  Co-produced by Heize and SUGA, “We don’t talk together” does give me high hopes for this song, and it didn’t disappoint.  The song begins with an organ synth, which I thought was an interesting choice as it forebodes the content of the song - burying an old relationship. Next comes the swing-ish woodblock that immediately propels forward and sets the whole vibe of the song. Moreover, the chorus is just like any Heize typical songs, with airy humming and woos at the background, plus that signature bouncy synth that was commonly used (including her recent winter release “First Sight”).  But it doesn’t mean that this song doesn’t have its weak moments. For instance, its unnecessary trap breakdown which arrives in the middle of the rap session (or verse 2 as I call it) disrupts the flow of the song, and the amount of autotune in the rap conforms to typical rap music. I feel like Heize and SUGA did not need to make that compromise
EVERGLOW - BON BON CHOCOLAT Follow me for more kpop reviews!!!  The debut of Everglow is easily one of my most anticipated debut of the year, and also one of my personal favourites. When I first heard the teaser, I knew this IS the song and I was scared that the song will be executed in a not-so-great direction. Kick-starting with the catchy and powerful hook in the beginning, the song quickly spirals into its ever-growing energy. The hook foreshadows the drop beat pattern in the chorus which works in a similar way as Blackpink's last year summer hit, DDU-DU-DDU-DU.  Bon Bon Chocolat draws heavy influences on some trap/hip-hop beats (ex. 808 snare kit and bass), but the most surprising element is the pre-chorus and the variability of the chorus. The 3-3-2 rhythmic pattern in the first two pre-chorus really draws a nice contrast with the quarter-note length handclaps at the background. I really appreciate the songwriters to not copy and paste the chorus drop and change