Oh My Girl’s voice is severely missed in the modern K-pop landscape. And to be clear, I’m talking about pre-2020 Oh My Girl, back when the group sang gorgeous melodies over ornate, fantastical instrumentals. That’s a strain of girl group music we just don’t hear anymore and as far as I’m concerned it’s a vital part of K-pop’s musical ecosystem. Here today to ease that burden is the group’s leader Hyojung, making her solo debut with digital single Purple Note (나의 작은 청춘에게).
Those expecting some spacey synth-driven pop crystal will likely be disappointed by Purple Note, as she’s gone a different route for her solo work. The song sounds more like the OST of a youth drama. It’s one of those bombastic rock tracks designed to soundtrack teens reaching for their dreams. That’s a pretty solid approach as far as my personal taste is concerned, but Purple Note doesn’t work nearly as well as it should. For one, the mixing makes the instrumental feel too muted. I assume they were going for more of a “live band” sound, but all this does is rob the track of its character. Hyojung’s voice is put front and center, which is great, but the balance feels off to me.
Secondly, Purple Note just isn’t that melodically interesting. It’s not as punchy as a song like this should be and the chorus doesn’t hit with a memorable hook. It really leans into its OST schtick, coming across as background music rather than delivering undeniable presence that stops you in your tracks and forces you to listen.
Hooks
7
Production
7
Longevity
8
Bias
7
RATING
7.25