Rookie group POW burst out of the gate with the solid pop/rock of Favorite last year, but have struggled to find songs as equally strong since then. So rather than reinvent the wheel, they’ve embraced a proven hit with their remake of Avril Lavigne’s 2007 smash Girlfriend.
The guys have K-popped the whole thing, cribbing Girlfriend‘s chorus but dragging it down with limp verses. This combination is not very successful. The chorus is everything we’d expect without bringing anything new to the mix. It simply makes me want to listen to the original. Meanwhile, the verses interrupt the energy with boring melodies and dated trap production. The discrepancy between these two ingredients makes for an awkward listen, equal parts punchy and despondent.
Boyfriend is at its best when it leans into the punky energy of the original, but that precedent sets up another roadblock. When covering past hits, I strongly believe artists should stick to songs that are a bit unknown or underappreciated. Girlfriend‘s chorus is so memorable and specific to Avril that it’s impossible not to hear it while trying to enjoy Boyfriend on its own merits. This sets up an unwelcome comparison that doesn’t work in POW’s favor. Sadly, this comeback was just one ill-conceived idea after another.
Hooks
8
Production
7
Longevity
7
Bias
7
RATING
7.25