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.
TWS’s first Japanese single Hajimemashite (Nice To Meet You) is right around the corner, and as with any J-pop single it could be pre-released at any moment. Before that, the group has unveiled their first anime OST — a pairing with popular Japanese act Ayumu Imazu.
When I first heard about this collaboration, my feelings were mixed. Ayumu Imazu is well-known and adds real clout to the TWS brand, but his songs are often hit or miss for me. Either they’re funky and fun or a little mundane. Not only did he write Bloom, but his vocals also feature prominently. Thankfully, the song strikes a great balance between his and TWS’s sound, making the collaboration feel very natural.
Bloom isn’t quite as pop-forward as most of TWS’s work, but its bright, summery energy meshes well with their discography. As usual, I absolutely love their vocals. It’s so nice to hear a boy group with such distinct tones. Being able to instantly differentiate voices adds so much character. This buoys an otherwise simple song, though Bloom‘s incredibly catchy chorus would be successful in any realm. It’s the kind of hook that sneaks up to you — laidback but quite potent on repeat listens. The good vibes are strong with this one.
Hooks
8
Production
8
Longevity
9
Bias
9
RATING
8.5