From their late-2021 debut to 2023’s I Am, IVE unveiled one of the most bulletproof singles runs we’ve seen in the past few years in K-pop. Song quality became more hit-or-miss as we moved into 2024 and the group expanded their sound. I firmly believe they’re at their best when delivering mini pop epics. Pre-release single Rebel Heart seeks to rekindle this approach, even enlisting Swedish mega-producer Thomas G:Son (of Loreen – Euphoria/Tattoo fame) as part of its composition team.
On the surface, Rebel Heart does many things right. Its bombastic sound recaptures the glory of I Am, even building toward a similarly overwhelming finale. The mix of stomping percussion and powerful guitar gives the track a hulking presence befitting its anthemic ambitions. And overall, the melodies echo this sense of bigness. I love the sound of the group’s vocals layered together, especially as the instrumental chugs behind them. So with all of these great ingredients, why is Rebel Heart simply “good” and not “excellent”?
Well, there are many reasons for that, too. First off, the chorus is too repetitive to work. I never have an easy time with K-pop idols shouting about being rebels within the most tightly-wound music industry in the world. It rings hollow and feels more like branding than an authentic manifesto. Rebel Heart drives this mantra into the ground, failing to find a more interesting lyrical structure to contrast its increasingly plodding hook. Then there’s the playground chant of a bridge, which takes the song full Kidz Bop for a moment. These elements collide with an otherwise solid pop track, making it difficult to fully embrace Rebel Heart in the way I had hoped.
Hooks
8
Production
9
Longevity
8
Bias
8
RATING
8.25