While fellow Boys Planet alum ZEROBASEONE opted for a lighter sound, EVNNE debuted with the edgier beats of Trouble. That song didn’t do much for me, though I appreciated its energy. Ugly faces a similar dilemma. Its thumping beat is incredibly addictive, but the composers have neglected to form much of a song around it.
Over the past year, there’s been an increased amount of boy group tracks that sound like this. Producers find a great beat and simply have the guys talk or chant over it for the chorus. Ugly‘s centerpiece is flanked by vocal-heavy moments that are quite impressive, but this is also when the instrumental loses its intensity. I don’t understand why we can’t have both things at once.
Ugly will no doubt result in great, choreo-focused stages. The song is fun if you check your expectations at the door and simply focus on its groove. However, I’m a greedy listener who always wants music to surpass its own potential. With some tightening and shifting around here and there, Ugly could be so much more.
Hooks
7
Production
8
Longevity
8
Bias
8
RATING
7.75