Past a return to unbelievable songs, the primary facet I’ve been lacking in present woman teams is power. STAYC’s Bebe managed to beat a spoken-word refrain via sheer, explosive verve, proving {that a} blazing dance beat could make up for so-so melodies. The identical may be stated about Kep1er’s new Japanese single Yum. Though a lot of the music is mired in irritating sing-talk, it touches greatness from time to time.
I wish to being with Yum‘s most enjoyable second. The primary half of its refrain, when the women’ voices are layered right into a mighty wall of sound, completely compliments the explosive instrumental. We simply don’t hear these peaks of drama anymore, and this section immediately brings me again to the times of Kara and 9 Muses. Had your entire observe adopted this template, we’d be speaking about a simple song-of-the-year candidate. Sadly, this flash of brilliance stays considerably elusive all through Yum.
Many of the music is pre-occupied with the type of “speaking over the observe” fierceness that’s lengthy since misplaced most of its chew. Yum‘s verses and repetitive post-chorus are main missed alternatives to develop one thing extra distinctive and timeless. Nonetheless, I’ll circle again to my opening remark about power. The sheer depth of the manufacturing retains Yum participating regardless of its shortcomings. It’s much like (ALL)HOURS’ Gimme Gimme on this approach, and it is a development I’d like to see proceed all through 2025 (with higher songs, in fact).
| Hooks | 8 |
| Manufacturing | 9 |
| Longevity | 8 |
| Bias | 9 |
| RATING | 8.5 |
Grade: B
