A K-pop act’s title track isn’t always the best song on their album, even if it’s the one most people will hear. Sometimes, b-sides deserve recognition too. In the singles-oriented world of K-pop, I want to spotlight some of these buried treasures and give them the props they deserve.
I’ve been quite addicted to TWS’s Plot Twist this week, and these rookies have also delivered my favorite K-pop album of 2024 so far. No b-side is as instantly catchy as the title track, but they all work together to create a cohesive energy that signals exactly who TWS are.
I hear shades of their seniors Seventeen, but the overall tone feels a bit more whimsical and light-on-its-feet. Of all the b-sides, First Hooky is the most instantly addictive. It’s also the closest TWS get to straight-up funk. I’ve often written about how important it is for producers to find one fantastic groove and extract as much as they can from it. That’s how all those classic 90’s R&B grooves have become so timeless.
First Hooky does this right. Its beat bounds forward from the start and rarely lets up. Rubbery synth gives the track plenty of weight. It’s not overly complicated but gets the most bang from its buck by keeping your head nodding without interruption. The hooks are similarly simple but resonant — a combination that tends to hold up well over time. I’m heartened to see that TWS are as skilled with rhythmic material like this as they are with the whimsical buoyancy of Plot Twist. They’re definitely a rookie to watch!
Hooks
8
Production
9
Longevity
9
Bias
8
RATING
8.5