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.
The KickFlip machine at JYP Entertainment is firing on all cylinders. Part of that is due to the members’ contributions to their own music, ensuring a natural character and signature sound, but the biggest strength I’ve noticed is that the group follows a strict formula. And you know what? When a formula is working, I love this approach to pop music. Both their new album and their last one took the exact same approach: rock-fueled pre-release followed by a quirkier (but still decidedly rock) title track. Band-Aid/My First Love Song and Twenty/Eye-Poppin’ are total twins and all four songs are winners.
That winning streak continues into the mini-album, which clocks in at a generous seven tracks. Nothing’s quite as strong as the promoted material, but My First Kick is solid all the way through. I thought I’d spotlight Scroll today, simply because it’s the catchiest upbeat b-side (though I’m quite partial to the slower My Direction as well). This song reminds me of something TWS might come up with, which isn’t too surprising given the musical crossover between the two groups. A shuffling beat keeps the energy of the verses brisk, but the effusive chorus is the real star here. I love when choruses open on a high before coasting downward. This melodic structure gives such clear delineation between pieces of the song, building a refrain that naturally makes you want to sing along.
Hooks
9
Production
8
Longevity
8
Bias
9
RATING
8.5