Girl group Primrose haven’t made many waves since debuting, but they’ve got a few solid songs under their belt. Last summer’s Cinema became a staple on my playlist, offering the kind of bright, uplifting pop sound that’s well-suited to the season. New single Cosmic takes the opposite approach, opting for a muted 90s R&B sound.
As I’ve written so many times before, there’s plenty to love about 90s R&B. It’s a genre I grew up with and feel a natural draw to, but K-pop doesn’t always know how to make it stick. Cosmic is muted and drowsy, capturing a soundscape that’s very nostalgic. I like the beat and especially like the synth strings running through the chorus. The girls sound great, too. The problem with Cosmic is a familiar one: the melodies just don’t stand out. The songwriting is overly flat, delivering plenty of vibe and atmosphere but little hookiness to hang your hat on. I need K-pop to realize that R&B is about more than a vibe. These songs can be every bit as dynamic as any other genre and deserve to thrive in that way.
Hooks
7
Production
8
Longevity
8
Bias
7
RATING
7.5