A K-pop act’s title track isn’t always the best song on their album, even if it’s the one most people will hear. Sometimes, b-sides deserve recognition too. In the singles-oriented world of K-pop, I want to spotlight some of these buried treasures and give them the props they deserve.
This has been an extremely mediocre week for K-pop, but the whole year has been tricky when it comes to “buried treasures.” I’ve struggled to find b-sides ranked above an “8.5.” That won’t change today, but I still want to spotlight the strongest track on AMPERS&ONE’s new mini album.
I don’t particularly like this album. It’s mostly generic and forgettable, just like its title track. However, when it comes to “generic” I’ll always flock toward genres I’m predisposed to enjoy. Because of this, I Know You‘s synthwave influences immediately captured my ears. We’ve heard a lot of synthwave-inspired K-pop over this past decade, which is probably why this song doesn’t hit quite as hard as it could, but the energy is pumped up and the melodies crackle with a familiar sheen. The producers seem to be taking cues from Sweetune’s repertoire, especially as we climb into the surging chorus. This refrain could have easily featured on a Snuper album from 2016 (and if you don’t know that reference, you have some immediate digging to do!). I don’t imagine AMPERS&ONE will journey much farther in this direction, but I hope future material will share I Know You‘s confident drive and crisp sound.
Hooks
9
Production
8
Longevity
8
Bias
9
RATING
8.5