MEOVV pre-released their Hands Up a few weeks ago and, though the song didn’t bowl me over, I’ll admit that its chorus has stuck in my head. Now, it’s time to see what they’ve got for a title track. Drop Top was written by a variety of YG Entertainment staples, responsible for crafting the greatest hits from groups like Bigbang and 2NE1. Add UK singer-songwriter Claudia Valentina to the mix and you’ve got a real nostalgic Avengers team.
Because of this, Drop Top shares many sonic hallmarks with early-2010’s K-pop. Its slow-build verse is straight out of that era, even performed with similar affectation. It’s so interesting how certain producers foster a specific vocal color from their artists. As I’ve written before, MEOVV’s performance is extremely BLACKPINK-coded, but that’s to be expected. Their music has been a bit more daring, venturing to several distinct places. Rather than borrow the euphoric EDM energy that characterized much of the early 2010’s, this song takes a stomping, anthemic approach. Think Katy Perry’s Roar or Taylor Swift’s Bad Blood but make it darker and more K-pop. Unfortunately, this style has never appealed to me much.
I appreciate how Drop Top builds to an actual chorus and makes the most out of the moment when this hook finally crashes in, but I don’t find the actual refrain very impactful. It’s cookie-cutter Top 40 radio in the most insidious way. Sometimes, pop music is built to be so catchy that you can almost see the work that went into it. This robs a song of its magic and makes it come across more like a chore. As well-honed as Drop Top may be, its centerpiece feels functional rather than transcendent.
Hooks
7
Production
8
Longevity
8
Bias
7
RATING
7.5