Subsidiaries are something we think of with corporations like HYBE and YG, but JYP Entertainment has slowly been branching out in this way as well. Boy group ALL(H)OURS are technically under their extended roster and soon there will also be girl group DDDD 25, formed through the series The Entertainer. Before that, the group’s Youngbin has made her solo debut with Freak Show.
There’s a lot to like about this song. The beat is surprisingly robust, forgoing tinny percussion for an arrangement that feels fuller and more rounded. This is in no doubt thanks to agency head JY Park, who co-wrote and produced the track. He has a longstanding love for classic funk, R&B and disco. Each of those genres can be heard here and Youngbin makes a great conduit for the sounds. Her vocals are strong and showy, recalling the type of singing that used to be K-pop’s standard as recent as a decade ago.
The song itself is a bit repetitive, but in a fun way that gets under your skin. Like so many recent K-pop title tracks, it needs one or two more ideas to stretch itself past the two-and-a-half minute mark. Right now, it feels like only part of a better song. Thankfully, the part that we get is a great time. It earns bonus points for being well-timed for the Halloween season as well!
Hooks
8
Production
9
Longevity
8
Bias
8
RATING
8.25