When CSR made their debut in the summer of 2022, I hoped they might inherit GFriend’s “powerful innocence” concept, releasing upbeat, melodic showcases that defied many current girl group trends. That first mini album is still their best. But as comebacks have become more infrequent, their sound has also started to shift. New single Pretty Mob is the most drastic change yet, casting them in a downbeat light.
I don’t understand what CSR’s team is trying to do here. I’m all for artists showing versatility, but this group is still trying to cement their fan base and discography. They had a musical lane almost all to themselves, and rather than capitalizing on that they’ve released a so-so track that sounds nothing like them. If you’re going to push against expectations like this, the song better be an undeniable standout.
Pretty Mob pulses along a subdued, almost haunting groove. There are moments of interest as rhythmic stabs give the production some kick. However, the instrumental doesn’t really go anywhere and the absence of a good top line hurts its overall appeal. There’s a surprising amount of rap in the track, ranging from passable to head-scratching. And to make matters even more confusing, the chorus seems to be asking for a “black ocean” — a term that isn’t exactly favorable in K-pop circles.
Hooks
7
Production
8
Longevity
8
Bias
7
RATING
7.5
Grade: C
(The music video has been delayed. This post will be updated when it’s released.)