Given the excellent solos (bar Haneul, sorry) from the KISS OF LIFE members, I was extremely curious to see how their group songs would sound like. Unfortunately, it seems like I will be playing the solos a lot more in my own time, but it is not like the group songs don’t have their merits.
‘Shhh’ acts as a title track to their debut album, and I can see why it was chosen. The production within the song is quite fun, especially within the verses, which switch up quite constantly in a way that feels very cohesive. There were plenty of places to show the group’s chops in all aspects-vocals, dance, or rap- which makes for a great performance song. In particular, the vocal delivery feels self-assured and confident in a way that does not feel like a rookie group. I prefer Belle’s vocal delivery here compared to her solo, and she has a lot of potential to really shine within the industry as a singer because the flairs she adds to her singing feel distinct. As expected, Julie absolutely kills the rap verse. ‘Kitty Cat’ has only risen further with time especially thanks to her delivery, and I really can’t wait to see more of her in the future.
Unfortunately, I feel like I won’t ever seek out to listen to ‘Shhh’ again unless it is to watch the girls perform it in music shows because the the chorus does not stick. It really all boils down to this. The verses were engaging throughout, but with repeated listens, I can’t remember the chorus for the life of me. It is a real shame, because it isn’t as if a beat drop chorus can’t be memorable. We’ve all seen it many times from the likes of BLACK PINK and Everglow (speaking of them, we need a comeback!). In ‘Shhh’, it feels like the chorus is simply… there.
Regardless of how I feel about the song, I wish the KISS OF LIFE members the very best. They bring something very refreshing and different to the industry right now, and I’ve enjoyed their performances so far. This is just their debut, and they have plenty of opportunities in the future to release more standout songs. Not every rookie group can boast to have released a solo for every single member, not to mention very well-produced.
Hooks – 6
Production – 8
Vocal Delivery – 9
Rap Delivery – 10
Overall – 8.25
‘Bye My Neverland’ is the kind of song that you’ve probably heard before, particular when you were a teenager, or when you watch teen movies or series where there was extreme drama and conflict (at least in the perspective of the teenagers) and the characters come together in an anthem with the spirit of moving forward and letting go. This will not bode well if you are not the target audience, but I can’t help but nod to the choice of chords and the strong melodic line.
You know, things are repeated for a reason. Usually because it works. Here, the formula works. Tried-and-true, and undeniably addictive. I’d rather play this song far more than ‘Shhh’ for the simple fact that its melodies stick. Even if it sounds familiar. In any occasion, it has been a while since I’ve listened to that kind of song, so ‘Bye My Neverland’ feels like a welcome return of nostalgia.
On the flip side, the production is slightly weaker than the rest of the songs of the album. I’m not particularly impressed by any section. It does the job well for what it is trying to emulate, but it does not attempt to innovate. The most interesting part was the rap verse within the second verse, but the other sections could use more excitement. Nevertheless, it still works.
Perhaps, the song would also benefit from a slight increase of speed. 1.25 is a bit too much, but around 1.15 sounds about right in making it feel less plodding. It will enhance the song without removing its original sentiment.
Overall, ‘Bye My Neverland’ is the stronger of the two group songs, mainly because the melodies actually stick. I hope they won’t have to sacrifice the production value to release a group song with strong melodies next time. The difference in production value between this and the solos is quite staggering.
Hooks – 9
Production – 7
Vocal Delivery – 9
Rap Delivery – 10
Overall – 8.75
K-pop Evaluated 
Leave a comment