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.
tripleS’s first full album has a consistent vibe despite exploring several distinct genres. The music often has a veneer of coolness that makes for a somewhat detached listen, but their A&R team have assembled a strong roster of producers to guide this ambitious project.
On first listen, 24 was the track that stood out most to me. The second half of the album feels stronger than the first and this marks its peak of energy. The song is still fashionably aloof, but its swinging groove gives it a funkiness not found elsewhere. This is most apparent during the chorus, which explodes with splashes of synth and rhythmic brass that give it real punch. The post-chorus breakdown is even better, moving into an old-school hip-hop beat for the second verse. And although there are many musical ideas stuffed inside 24, it’s the rare track that actually works well with its short 2:33 running time.
Hooks
8
Production
9
Longevity
9
Bias
8
RATING
8.5