With so many K-pop acts releasing Japanese material this week, CSR’s Higher almost got lost in the shuffle. But a day late, it’s time to feature the song. This quickly follows their latest Korean comeback, released only a few weeks ago.
If ever there was a group primed for the Japanese market, it has to be CSR in their debut era. Their bright sound borrowed from J-pop influences much like GFriend before them, but the group has since gone on to adopt a more “mature” concept. Higher continues that evolution, mixing their past and future into an unsteady mix. There are points where the song shows promise — namely the bounding chorus and post-chorus. Unfortunately, the vocals here are rough and the execution doesn’t hit with the power it needs to. I can hear the great song that might have been, fighting to claw its way out from Higher‘s mediocre arrangement. A bit more focus and polish could easily turn this around.
Hooks
8
Production
7
Longevity
8
Bias
7
RATING
7.5