Chart titan IU is back with a special remake album, following up her original work last year. As much as I would have loved it, Never Ending Story is not a cover of the 1984 Limahl hit from the film of the same name. I mean… can you imagine?? Instead, this Never Ending Story was originally performed by band Boohwal in 2002. Its ballad sound is uniquely targeted toward the taste of Korea’s general public.
It certainly helps that this song is quite iconic on its own. I can’t say this style does much for me, but you can hear it lighting up many a karaoke room. The chorus blooms with a nice belt-it-out quality and the arrangement supports these multiple climaxes with lush strings that give Never Ending Story the tug of a great drama. IU is right in her wheelhouse, employing those crystal clear vocals with ease. She brings plenty of emotion to the track, drawing upon nostalgia in both the performance and accompanying music video. Will I ever return to this song? Probably not. But does it deliver exactly what it says on the box? Very much so.
Hooks
8
Production
8
Longevity
8
Bias
7
RATING
7.75