[#39] Song Ji Eun - "Twenty-Five"

From: "Twenty-Five"
Released: October
Territory: South Korea
Previous Best of Entries: 2013: [#33] "Vintage"
Other notable song(s) from 2014: n/a

I liked Ji Eun's first solo release last year, mainly because I think she pulled off the R&B sound well and it was a welcome break from the way Secret's repertoire was degenerating into cutesy releases with little substance (as opposed to their early cutesy stuff like "Shy Boy"). But I also enjoyed this year's release -- not as much as "Vintage," but enough to save Ji Eun a place on my Top 50.

Like pretty much all the other songs on the countdown, "Twenty-Five" is well-produced (that's one my basic requirements, actually) -- but two things set it apart and secure it's spot. First, the song shows off the strengths of Ji Eun's vocals -- it's in a mid-range with a spattering of belting, but for the most part it's in a range where her voice sounds not only comfortable, but proficient. The verses bring out the pretty timbre of her vocals, the bridge takes advantage of her girly falsetto-esque side, and the chorus provides enough dynamics between her higher and mid-ranges.

And second, "Twenty-Five" is unashamedly pop. From the potentially cheesy trumpet line, to the repetitive hook and the pseudo-"Latin" motif, it embraces them instead of being pretentious about their use. What you get is a confident, no-nonsense fun track that isn't a drag to listen to. "Twenty-Five" is well-done, effortless-sounding, fun.



0 comments:

Post a Comment

Want to share any of your thoughts on the above post? Drop a comment here! I read all comments and reply occasionally, especially if you have specific questions for me. :D

Note that comments are moderated. Spam, self-advertising (K-Pop-related and otherwise) and overly vulgar submissions will NOT be accepted. If you want me to promote/endorse/follow/link to your site, please e-mail me at popreviewsnow@gmail.com instead.

 

Recent Tweets

Like Pop Reviews Now on Facebook!

Statistics (Since May 2009)

Music - Top Blogs Philippines Follow on Bloglovin

Blog Archive

You're reading an award-winning blog

The K-Pop Writers' Workshop


A workshop for writers of critical pieces on Korean entertainment -- formal reviews, expository essays/Op-eds, and personal essays/Creative Non-Fiction.
Learn from the best in K-Ent writing