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.
Hwasa’s new mini album is a departure from past projects, taking a surprising swerve into dance music. Although O is bookended by two tracks that feel more like classic Hwasa, the five songs at its center aim straight for the club. Their success varies, but I appreciate the upbeat energy. She’d be great on an epic house track like Robin S’s Show Me Love.
Late album highlight Just Want To Have Fun takes its influence from even further back than the 90’s, adding a colorful 80’s touch to its perky pop sound. Of the dance tracks on O, it’s the only one not built on a spoken, catchphrasey hook. The song is sung all the way through, taking advantage of its effervescent production to supply Hwasa with a melody that swerves from breezy to commanding. It sounds a bit like Katy Perry, but in a good way. The track is too slight and derivative to stand as an enduring classic, but I really enjoy this sound from Hwasa. It’s nice to hear her tackle something a little different.
Hooks
8
Production
9
Longevity
8
Bias
9
RATING
8.5