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.
Twice have entered an interesting stage of their career where their music has become almost freakishly consistent. It doesn’t take many risks, nor does it boast the offbeat energy of their best material. It’s just straight, down-the-middle bubblegum pop that delivers every time.
Depending on your perspective, this could either come across as thrilling or monotonous. I fall somewhere in the middle, leaning closer to “thrilling.” Their new album is another collection of airtight bops. There’s not a bad song on there, yet nothing stands out as a career highlight either. Of the b-sides, New New comes the closest.
Twice execute frothy dance pop very well, and New New finds its sprightly energy immediately. Its verses aren’t much to rave about, but once the song climbs into its propulsive chorus, resistance is futile. Chirpy synths accentuate a pounding house beat that compliments the rhythmic repetition of the melody. It’s feel-good pop music at its most concentrated, which is what we’ve come to expect from Twice.
Hooks
8
Production
9
Longevity
9
Bias
8
RATING
8.5