Recently, fromis_9 have made their bid for K-pop’s beloved “summer queens” title, releasing their past few albums during this season. That title used to come along with a killer Duble Sidekick, Brave Brothers or Black Eyed Pilseung track, but in the era of song camps we just don’t get those idiosyncratic sounds any more. However, the group did conquer last summer with the bounding Like You Better.
Almost any track is going to feel like a comedown after that one, and Vitamin ME‘s more reserved nature is almost designed as such. The song is still aiming for “summer bop” status, but takes a more relaxed approach. Instead of the banger you blast full volume on your drive to the beach, this is the one you play at a lower volume as you lay on a towel soaking in the sunshine.
For me, Vitamin ME is a tale of two parts. I’m not a fan of the verses at all. They pass by with no real presence, lacking the dynamic melodies needed to make their coffeehouse-esque sound work. On the other hand, the chorus punches with more engaging hooks and pleasant instrumental touches. It’s still nowhere near the best summer track I’ve heard, but manages to cast a shimmering vibe that suits the season well. These contrasting sections even out to a score just above a “meh,” making me wonder who (if anyone!) will finally release that big mid-summer highlight I’ve been craving.
Hooks
8
Production
8
Longevity
8
Bias
8
RATING
8