Asian Junkie Asian pop. Without discretion.
While sorting through title tracks I wanted to review over the last few weeks or so, I found myself left wanting more than I expected. It continues a general trend of musical/creative downturn for K-pop this year, at least for my ear/taste, but these two boy groups made an impression by being refreshing to me for one reason or another.
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The Wind – “Only One”
The Wind have lovingly been given the nickname of “BFRIEND” internationally due to a certain similarity in sound, and with “Only One” they live up to the moniker. It’s probably their best yet, providing nostalgic and innocent vibes backed by refreshingly dramatic production that builds into and is centered around a fleshed-out chorus with a great topline melody. The choral refrain is solid but not immediately addictive, so the “na na na” section might be the most important addition as it puts a nice bow at the end of things.
The bridge just existing is noteworthy these days, but it also serves to provide a vocal peak to the song before launching into the final reprise of the chorus, which again is a familiar (and welcome) format. While I’m not saying “Only One” or The Wind hit the peaks of GFRIEND (we might not see that again, really), it’s nice to see them put a boy group spin on it and to just see some ambition to K-pop songs in general.
Maybe it’s my headphones or something, but the mixing seems much better on Spotify than whatever YouTube did to compress it, hence the inclusion of that version above.
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CLOSE YOUR EYES – “All My Poetry”
This one is probably more of a surprise inclusion, as CLOSE YOUR EYES choose to debut with a classic mid-tempo R&B formula that is more chill and vibey than big and powerful — though given the dearth of this sound in the current landscape that might be an inspired way to set them apart. Regardless, the intricate and dreamy song benefits from repeat passes, as eventually the smooth groove and flowing melody embed themselves, providing a strong foundation for the vocals. The group’s colors and tones fit this style like a glove and help make it an engaging listen, while the bells and whistles like the ascending synth (?) and snapping/clapping hits keep things from feeling too bogged down and repetitive.
While the lyrical subject matter isn’t broaching new ground (poem to a true love), the fact that they aren’t clumsy and indeed read as poetry (it’s called “All My Poetry“, after all) contributes not only to its meaningfulness but also the smoothness of the delivery as well. It recalls some of B1A4‘s slower efforts, which likely explains how it’s effective in invoking feelings of nostalgia, and at bare minimum it ends up as one of those songs that’s an easy playlist inclusion with upside for more if it’s in your sonic wheelhouse.
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Not to grade on a curve in retrospect, but I may end up revisiting some stuff I briefly covered before that I now have extended thoughts on, so look forward to that maybe.
