Asian Junkie Asian pop. Without discretion.
Whether related to the pandemic or not, SM Entertainment’s reach into the Japanese market seemed to stall in 2020. I’ve always considered them one of the few K-pop agencies that really put an effort into their J-pop discography, with incredible catalogs from SNSD, TVXQ, SHINee, and EXO. However, last year’s release slate was relegated to a few singles from the agency’s veteran acts, so at least 2021 already seems to be kicking into gear with a new song by EXO member Baekhyun.
I’ve had my issues with Baekhyun’s solo work so far. Mostly, I’ve just found it boring. But, I loved him as part of sub-unit EXO CBX. “Get You Alone” feels much closer to that project, harnessing his smooth vocals for a laid-back funk track. This is a sweet spot for him, and although the song never really goes anywhere, it’s a satisfying listen.
“Get You Alone” opens with a bed of airy vocals before kicking into its synth-assisted groove. The backing vocals continue to buttress the verses as Baekhyun gives a slinky performance that draws upon the track’s rhythmic construction. By the time the chorus rolls around, the production remains largely unchanged. I appreciate this consistency, though I think the song could have done with something punchier at its center. The whole thing is relentlessly smooth but lacks a bit of dynamism.
Still, I’d listen to Baekhyun deliver this kind of material forever, so it’s hard to complain. He brings touches of playful falsetto, twisting the melody in just the right places to give “Get You Alone” a pulse. It all culminates in a well-earned key change that sends us out on a high.
