Kim Jaejoong has been more active as an agency head than a performer this year, debuting two new boy groups under his iNKODE Entertainment. But every once and awhile, it’s important to return to the spotlight and remind everyone what a great singer he is. His bravura performance is on full display on the anthemic new single Tonight.
You all know I’m a sucker for anthemic pop and rock music. As someone who likes to sing along with their favorite songs, I crave those big power notes and sky-high melodies. Tonight doesn’t fully satisfy in this regard, but the song wraps itself in production that makes you feel like you’re listening to a widescreen epic. We’ve got electric guitar solos, footfalls of percussion and bright synth stabs. The entire thing is a big, cheesy slice of 80s stadium rock, which should have me totally raving about it.
Sadly, the melodies here feel less engaging than the over-the-top arrangement. Strip the production away and I’d probably skip this song entirely — even with Jaejoong’s dramatic performance. No hook sticks in my mind after Tonight is over. Instead, I’m left replaying the instrumental bombast in my head, clinging on to that nostalgic, cinematic feeling.
Hooks
7
Production
9
Longevity
8
Bias
8
RATING
8