Life has gotten in the way of these articles, but I’m slowly getting back into my groove. Nevertheless, there have been some amazing late summer tracks that’ve been stuck in my head this August! Look forward to Volume 4 coming this week covering September’s latest jams.
Red Velvet - 음파음파 (Umpah Umpah)
With recent polarizing title tracks, Red Velvet releases Umpah Umpah (음파음파) that is more classic pop. The song is breezy and has that iconic summer sound. The tight vocals elevate the song from forgettable to title track status. I love that the song is light and funky. I’m use to the beat dropping or a grating element to the arrangement. The tight harmonies along with a melody during the chorus is very refreshing.
Rating: 8.8/10
Everglow - Adios
Everglow’s newest comeback firmly aligns them with other girl crush groups. I really enjoy the whispered refrain leading up to the drop. The drop is reminiscent of Blackpink’s Kill This Love, but with more brass. The bombastic energy saves the song from an otherwise stereotypical big room house song. The added brass instruments at the end keeps the energy through till the end.
Rating: 8/10
Weki Meki - Tiki-Taka (99%)
Summer ended on a high note with a slew of summer jams. Weki Meki releases one of my favorites. A two-part chorus is what makes this song a standout. The main chorus is followed by a rhythmic post-chorus using the title in the vocal riff. The song is perfect for the summer with its pulsing pop beat.
Rating: 8.75/10
Oh Hayoung - Don’t Make Me Laugh
From the get go, the song feels and sounds like a throwback to early-00’s. Don’t Make Me Laugh is best described as cotton candy. The song is very sweet and light, but only lasts an instant. If it wasn’t by Oh Hayoung of APink, I may have skipped the song. The melody refreshingly suits Hayoung’s light vocals and is comforting for those cold days.
Rating: 7.5/10
The Boyz - D.D.D.
This is the first The Boyz song if listened to and it does not disappoint. D.D.D. has this irresistible charm to it with its bright instrumental and funky bass line. The explosive chorus is what really drew me to the song as it really does make me want to “Dance, dance, dance.”
Rating: 8.6/10
IZ - Final Kiss
I love this song for the stadium vibe. A great late-summer track, Final Kiss has that indie feel to it, but more bombastic. The beginning sounds like a Day6 song, but that changes quickly with the influx of the electric guitar and soaring vocals. This is the first I’ve heard of this band and I’m looking forward to more releases.
Rating: 8.1/10
X1 - Flash
I don’t watch any of the Produce 101 shows, but I definitely pay attention to any debut songs as they are always fantastic. Flash is no different with its high production value. It isn’t Energetic level of good, but the synths and escalating dance beat makes it a satisfying listen. There is the ubiquitous drop-style chorus laden with electronics. However, the pre-chorus is my favorite part with the layered vocals and the constant climb of energy.
Rating: 8/10
Sunmi - 날라리 (Lalalay)
A very much anticipated comeback, Lalalay is a latin inspired song focusing heavily on the instrumental loop like her previous hit Gashina. There isn’t enough backing the melodic material to really propel this song. The moment the aggressive loop enters, it spoils the atmosphere when I feel like the song to needed to explode at that time. The Latin influenced instrumentals keeps the song fresh and chugging along. I hope her next song allows the spotlight to be on her vocals.
![What are your thoughts on LOONA 1/3? Let us know![MV] 이달의 소녀/ViVi (LOONA/비비) “Everyday I Love You (Feat. HaSeul)”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZNcBZM5SvbY
[MV] 이달의 소녀 1/3 (LOONA 1/3)](https://neomuhae.com/wp-content/webp-express/webp-images/plugins/feeds-for-youtube/img/placeholder.png.webp)
