OnlyOneOf are among the most compelling artists working in K-pop right now, but I have a bone to pick with their agency. The group rarely releases new music, touring incessantly instead. I’m happy they continue to visit a multitude of countries (I’ve gotten to see them twice) and I’m sure that’s where the bulk of the money is, but we’re now in a situation where a key member (Rei) has enlisted and the group’s small catalog is unlikely to grow much bigger as inevitable hiatuses loom.
Rather than scheduling a killer comeback before this inevitable transition, the guys have delivered the kind of fan service ballad we often associate with disbandments or anniversaries. There’s nothing wrong with Stay, especially if it had simply been a b-side on an album. But for fans waiting over a year for new material, it feels like the agency is simply kicking things down the road. It’s nice to hear the group’s vocals front and center and the guitar-heavy instrumental injects new texture to their music, but the track is not among their best. The melodies do what’s expected of them within this type of song — vaguely anthemic yet unlikely to endure or resonate beyond their core fanbase.
Hooks
7
Production
8
Longevity
7
Bias
8
RATING
7.5