Last time we heard from The New Six, they were kicking it old school with the upbeat Kick It 4 Now. That track leveraged nostalgia to its advantage, melding new jack swing beats to catchy hooks. But this being K-pop, we can’t simply build on a good thing. New single Fuego offers a completely different sound for the group.
Fuego is also the first release in nearly two years to include member Junhyeok, and acts as a harbinger for a mini album slated for later this spring. That’s a lot to live up to, and Fuego plays things safe. It’s the nth boy group release of this style, melding brash, attitude-driven verses to an electronic drop that takes place of an actual chorus. For a group managed by the ever-inventive PSY, I expect something a little more unique and creative.
As far as song templates go, Fuego is a fine example of this specific form. It’s performed well and the electro throb at its center is suitably propulsive. Yet, there’s not a single hook or melody driving Fuego that sticks in my head. “Fire fire” and “we rollin’ rollin’” are such overused clichés they’ve become meaningless. The track only heats up when everything comes together during its finale. Even here, it’s too little too late, making me wish the group had abandoned all the posturing and headed to the dancefloor right from verse one.
Hooks
7
Production
8
Longevity
8
Bias
7
RATING
7.5