As sure as the sun sets, we can count on J.Y. Park to return each year with a fun retro banger. It’s practically a national holiday at this point. He’s long since eschewed albums for digital singles and this approach gives him a chance to funnel all his energy into one great song at a time. Last year’s Changed Man was a fun 80’s pastiche. New single Easy Lover (아니라고 말해줘) is less rooted in a specific decade, but maintains his love for upbeat funk.
I consider 1998’s Honey to be JYP’s magnum opus. It still sounds fantastic decades later. When Easy Lover started, I thought we might be getting a similarly bombastic, brass-fueled bop. In reality, the song is more vocal-driven than groove-centered. It’s got a classic sound, nodding back to a few 60’s pop trends but keeping Park’s voice at the forefront. It’s not as gimmicky as much of his recent work, which will likely disappoint some listeners.
For my part, I’m not overly enamored with the track. I don’t think JYP works as well within this realm as others and the whole thing feels a bit hokey — like an outtake from a secret stage musical he might work on as a side project. Still, it’s fun to hear organ used as a central part of the instrumental and the song hits its marks overall. I respect its intentions, but I don’t seem myself going back to it in the same way I have with his past few singles.
Hooks
7
Production
8
Longevity
8
Bias
7
RATING
7.5