In the world of silly K-pop names, “SMORZ” is pretty cute but also ridiculous when you realize that it’s a combination of “S’mores” and “Generation Z” and means that you’ll want more of… Gen Z? This project group has debuted with an English-language EP, showcasing their global ambitions.
K-pop in English always gives me pause because it means I have no choice but to hear and understand the lyrics. This can pull down an otherwise fine track, and that’s exactly what happens with I Want You To. It’s like one step forward, two steps back with this song. While I’m so happy to hear a girl group inject a bit of bright, upbeat energy into its approach, this track is about as generic as you could possibly get. The lyrics are so inane that you could’ve easily convinced me AI wrote them. The girls overuse a chirpy affectation to the point where it becomes completely ineffective, veering dangerously close to Kidz Bop territory. And beyond this, I feel like we’ve heard I Want You To before. I can’t come up with a direct comparison, but I swear these exact melodies exist in other pop songs — maybe even ones released this year.
Overall, I Want You To is completely harmless and may even find a niche audience, but I can’t find much to recommend about it.
Hooks
7
Production
8
Longevity
7
Bias
7
RATING
7.25