SECRET NUMBER Really “Got That Boom” and More

Posted on November 9, 2020 by thekpopsenpai

Gimme gimme that
Gimme gimme that dough
Oh!
Tic tac toe

And here I was thinking that I prefer “Who Dis?” when it came out, but guess who’s now hooked and actually going dance dance get up dance with “Got That Boom”? First impressions aren’t really accurate.

The second listen and up made me addicted. Whoever is composing Secret Number’s title tracks so far knows what’s up and is most likely inspired. It’s just that this comeback song is packaged wholly—every part of the song is there for a purpose with nothing misplaced. AND THE CHORUS. Pure genius and poetry. That dough? Tic tac toe? Shakespeare whomst?!

Visual wise, the neon lights in the beginning reminds of early 4Minute vibes. The neon colors, both in the lights and in the clothes, add up to the energy of the group while they dance. And speaking of dance, the sideways shoulder dance is nothing short of, I dare say, iconic. It’s just a perfect match to the chorus’ rhythm. Also, the makeup and the group’s styling is retro future done right, right on trend but modern. They all look good given the extreme color selection.

Not sure if it’s just me or are they actively promoting this time around? I mean, as they should because this comeback song is a solid 10 that simply doesn’t feed off the throwback synth-pop trend.

All in all, K-pop is good again.

And Secret Number, we’re not so secretly excited for more.

LOONA’s Why Not continues the Loonaverse Narrative

Posted on October 19, 2020 by thekpopsenpai

Woah, woah, woah, woah, woah

Finally, the Kpop group that I stan has returned to add some pump to my lonely existence. Anyway, LOONA’s back with “Why Not?” and I’m glad that the Loonaverse story line lives on.

If you’re able to be at least familiar with the theories connecting every LOONA MV ever, then “Why Not?” continues to confirm or maybe refute some speculations behind their Möbius strip. I won’t go into the details, because Google and Reddit are your best friends when it comes to that. A lot of the details seen throughout the MV are waiting to be dissected: the one eye color, the moons, Cheorry’s mirror, the sub-units gathered, 12:00, etc.

On the surface level, I’m glad to see ViVi rocking that orange hair with multiple lines. Sis deserves it! And Yeojin with that new styling is growing up right before my eyes. AND BLUE-HAIRED GOWON?? YES PLEASE! Bulma would be so proud. Of course, the rest of the members are good looking and fine as usual. It’s just that I’m lazy to describe each of them, but yeah #STANLOONA .

Song wise, it takes multiple listen for it to grow on me. As of now, I’m remain a “Butterfly” supremacist. Maybe I’m attached to the old LOONA sound that doesn’t cater to the mainstream girl crush trope. The chorus sounds good but can still do more. Still it’s a dance song that I wouldn’t hate, yet I obviously expect a lot more from my bias group. Perhaps I’ve been spoiled too much with their predebut releases. But hey, I’m here for the long term with them. love4eva, amirite?

So what’s next for LOONA? Will the next comeback still fall under the “girl crush” sound, will it be the return of the Butterfly era, or will it be something we’ve never seen before? It’s hard to predict what’s up with them, and I’m always thrilled for what they will serve. And while we’re at it, Why Not #StanLoonaIn2020 ?

DAWN’s DAWNDIDIDAWN is Quite the Energizer

Posted on October 9, 2020 by thekpopsenpai

The year 2020 is the rise of P Nation, and I am unironically hyped. We all know the recent success of NUNU NANA and might as well say that DAWNDIDIDAWN is released at the right time as a good follow-up.

Personally, I like me some black & white minimalist aesthetics. Dawn still looks like a “psycho” joker but now in monochrome, and I’m not complaining. It’s funny and so on brand on how he dances so well and enthusiastically while having that “sick boy” aura. Also the black eye shadow reminds me of early 2000s K-pop which is a choice.

I like how upbeat the song is without being annoying and excessively noisy. The overall use of the whistle sound just works. The beat and the snapping honestly just mesh everything so well. I won’t deny that this song kind of reminds me of GD’s “One of a Kind” era. But you know, pop music and art can be derivative so it’s not that serious. Lastly, featuring Jessi is the cherry on top.

All in all, I like this comeback better than “Money.” It is a treat to get to know Dawn more both as an artist and as a performer under P Nation. Can’t wait to see where it goes from here.

Weki Meki’s COOL is Actually Cool and Interesting

Posted on October 8, 2020 by thekpopsenpai

I found myself lowkey rooting for Weki Meki, because they are a group of talented girls. Period. And some of my personal faves from them would be Picky Picky and Oopsy.

What made me like those bops was the hook in the chorus. And in the case of COOL, its chorus is… interesting. I don’t know if I dislike it or if it will grow on me. On the other hand, the ttarawa, ttarawa, ttarawa, ttarawa pre-chorus is enjoyable.

The screen time distribution among the members this time is done right. And they all look good while looking cool and mature and all that vibes. Multiple rappers and multiple centers were seen throughout the MV. Finally, we are seeing more of Weki Meki as a group.

Weki Meki as a “girl crush” group works, because they can make it work. I do hope they find that breakout moment ang song soon. Maybe something cooler and something new in the Kpop realm. For all it’s worth, I want to see them rise.

BLACKPINK’s Lovesick Girls is the Comeback We’re Waiting For

Posted on October 5, 2020 by thekpopsenpai

Finally, an inspired-sounding title track from BLACKPINK. So far, Lovesick Girls is one of their better to best releases yet, as per my personal preference.

The overall sound has indie pop vibes that reminds me of Charli XCX’s SuperLove which is a song that I actually enjoy, hence making Lovesick Girls an instant bop. I also like the acoustic guitar bits sprinkled here and there. Each member’s part blends in well together to form a song that is made for a group. The chorus also has that LSS (Last Song Syndrome) factor which makes it hard to forget.

Now onto the MV, Rose’s bit of acting while in tears is actually eye catching. And their outfits are now more fashionable than ever with the emphasis of not outshining the other members. They have become fashion icons and are brand ambassadors that deserve to serve looks during their comeback.

I don’t wanna go over comparing the song to that of 2NE1, because it is never BP’s fault. So yeah, in itself, I like it. It’s a bop, it’s replayable, and it’s actually music.

Now YG, stop being sick for your ONLY GIRL GROUP’s releases. Do better!

EVERGLOW’s LA DI DA is the KPOP Song We Deserve

Posted on October 4, 2020 by thekpopsenpai

Got no time for haters so I’m just gonna write about how GREAT and ACCURATELY Kpop EVERGLOW’s LA DI DA is.

If you started listening to Kpop during the wave of the second generation, just like my millennial self, then you know the feel of the recent Kpop songs that feels a bit “dull”. Fortunately, the energy and the strength of the 2000s Kpop era have returned, thankfully, with La Di Da. Maybe it’s just me, but there is no lazy music production or only following the current music trend with this song.

It has that punch that takes me back to the time when I was exploring and genuinely enjoying Kpop. The chorus hooks us without being shy. Sure, I have a bias with the synthwave genre, but for a whole Kpop girl group song with a choreo that slaps? Who would object? Who. Freaking. Would?!

I just love this comeback song, period. It just felt right and makes me feel that Kpop is great again. I have no complaints. I am at peace with this. Sure, I did enjoy Bon Bon Chocolat and DUN DUN. But La Di Da is just superior from start to finish. SOTY? I don’t see why not.

Give it a listen and more for no regrets. 2020 is already tough, so don’t forget to allow yourself to enjoy the good stuff while we’re still here.

TWICE is Now MORE & MORE Pretty with More and More Dancing

Posted on June 7, 2020 by thekpopsenpai

Trust me, I’ve been there since Sixteen with JYP, and their visuals continue to soar high. But of course, looks are not everything yada yada, so allow me to say what I have to say.

I honestly like this comeback for TWICE. It has a song that fits the vibe of their group perfectly. It’s a song made for TWICE and not just another song for any KPOP girl group. They deserve this well-thought comeback concept. I wish that the members are enjoying it though. And I sincerely wish them more to get more and more rest time in the future. ‘Cuz they deserve it, deserve it.

Personally, the song is just alright. Not bad but not great. The chorus is a selling point, but the song is not remarkable after only hearing it once. Although the choreography is no joke, especially the dance break. All the ladies are moving this time, not just Momo. Also, the TikTok edits on the MV. Your faves better take notes.

It’s TWICE, so it will chart nevertheless. I’m just glad that this is a comeback that embodies TWICE and their aesthetics. But it wouldn’t hurt to look forward to another hit just like TT from them, no?

So What is LOONA’s first win

Posted on March 12, 2020 by thekpopsenpai

So What now that LOONA had their first win on a Korean music show?

First of all, FREAKIN’ FINALLY!

And as much as So What still delivers, with more screen time for some members, Butterfly should have won during its time! Period.

Obviously, we still #stanloona in 2020 and beyond.

I won’t be reviewing So What, since it deviates from the signature LOONA sound that I’m used to. It’s overall okay for me, but not mind blowing. The standard was set high with Butterfly; you can’t blame me for expecting more.

As of now, no eng subs yet for the encore but So What, amirite?

GFRIEND gets hot with Fever

Posted on July 1, 2019 by thekpopsenpai

Guess who’s back in here? Me. And who’s also also back today? GFRIEND!

It’s been quite a while for an upbeat comeback from the girls. Sure, their “slower” songs are still good, but their dance tracks are always superior. The teaser was up for a mature-than-ever vibes. And it’s about damn time for that!

The visuals, the colors, and the dance are on point. Is this the post-summer anthem? I don’t know. But I like it! And I am more than thankful that the “tropical house” sound is only heavy in the chorus. No offense, but I’ve had enough of it in Kpop.

They all look gorgeous in the MV. Makeup, outfits, and hair. Like, woah! Chill, sis. But the new look of Yerin and Yuju just snapped.

It seems that GFRIEND is slowly transitioning, sound wise. But is the change worth it? Absolutely!

Sunmi’s “Noir” Doesn’t Lie

Posted on March 20, 2019 by thekpopsenpai

When the MV came out, I have nothing but respect for Sunmi for calling out all the bullsheet and widespread online toxicity.

The warped reality of today, all for the sake of social media craze and online validation, is absolutely not worth it.

Doing challenges and filtering every little thing in life for online content? Really? Humans, we’re better than this. Since no one cares about what I say, at least listen to Madame Sunmi’s wisdom through her music. If what you do online seems meaningless, it really is useless. It’s not fun. You do you. Don’t be a normie.

Anyway, Noir’s strongest suit is the visual– the music video itself. Song is good too, but I personally like Siren’s groove better. And Sunmi, as a soloist, continues to deliver.

Sunmi is the Kpop we need and deserve!

The Kpop Senpai

the Kpop blog that no one asked for