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.

The Kpop Senpai

the Kpop blog that no one asked for

Monthly Archives: October 2020