Last August, the three-member Limelight released one of 2023’s strongest singles. The shimmering Madeleine offered counterprogramming to current girl group trends, harnessing a full-throated melody over propulsive production. Now, the group has rebranded as MADEIN and added four members (including Mashiro and Yeseo who had previously promoted as Kep1er). This member upgrade demands equally exciting music. Does Uno paint a new way forward?
Well, the song is no Madeleine. It feels much more indebted to 2024-era tropes, meaning it’s a bit spacey and intangible at points. With that said, this is a solid example of the format, painting an evocative soundscape that pairs its dreaminess with a few sonic surprises. I’m most enamored with the stuttering electro percussion during its chorus. Filtered vocals form gorgeous texture deep within the mix as trippy instrumental quirks give the arrangement an otherworldly twist.
I wish more of Uno echoed its final moments. I love the layered vocals that close the track, but too much of the song feels noncommittal. Its verses go nowhere, discarding fragments of melody as soon as they’re laid out. The “uno, dos, tres” hook has a similar issue, failing to merge its counting gimmick to a compelling tune. In short, MADEIN would be infinitely better off if the strength of Uno‘s songwriting matched the evocative atmosphere swirling around it.
Hooks
7
Production
9
Longevity
8
Bias
8
RATING
8