Asian Junkie Asian pop. Without discretion.
In perhaps the most unsurprising K-pop news of 2021, (G)I-DLE’s Soyeon has released her first solo album. I mean, she technically debuted as a soloist in 2017 before re-debuting as (G)I-DLE’s leader — a group practically built around her popularity. She’s one of the most prominent voices in K-pop today, with the ability to compose her own work and confidently establish her own concept.
Regardless of my thoughts on the actual song, I can’t deny how assured “Beam Beam” comes across. Soyeon is a bundle of confidence, and that energy goes a long way. I appreciate the route she took with this song, opting for a quirky arrangement that injects punk rock influences. It matches the devil-may-care attitude that fuels the song, and allows for a hearty drumbeat. As both rapper and singer, Soyeon flirts between styles during the verses. She mixes sing-song melody with charismatic hip-hop, and the blend feels convincing.
But as guitar comes in during the chorus of “Beam Beam”, I can’t help but wish for a catchier refrain. The melody here is dull and repetitive, missing the opportunity to vault the track to another level. It’s not jarring or irritating. It’s just kind of … there. The song’s verses are far hookier, making “Beam Beam” feel a bit off-balance. Still, I like the use of distortion throughout the chorus. It gives the track a scuzzy texture that feels very 90s. Maybe next time Soyeon will go full on riot grrrl?
