Song Review: SHEESH – BABYMONSTER

BABYMONSTER, in their short-run in the K-pop industry so far, is the very definition of a group that their talent overshadows the quality of their music. Though, I would have to admit that that they are gradually winning me over.

There aren’t too many melodies within the song, but those that are there are quite memorable. Special shout-out to the pre-chorus and the bridge in this aspect, those are well-constructed.

SHEESH’s song structure echoes the likes of BLACKPINK’s title tracks, with clearly defined song sections by introducing bombastic/contrasting elements between sections to signal the shift. I am a fan of this style, despite its predictability, because it has worked, will work, and continues to work as seen in ‘SHEESH’. They found as what many would call it, the ‘YG formula’. It is this same formula that helped propelled BLACKPINK to their undisputed top K-pop girl group, despite many people’s misgivings with it.

SHEESH does not sound like a complete copy and paste of the formula either. The distinct samples and instrumentals used (such as the creepy piano within the opening) give it an identity of its own, though you can certainly find similarities in songs such as ‘How You Like That’. The mixing is really clear, which enables the members’ voices to be in full spotlight.

However, the unique production choice to slow down the outro is still something I am not completely sure about. I have gotten used to it, and it does give the song a unique flair, but when I question myself, is it effective in improving the song itself, I struggle to answer the question. Not to mention, although the whispering of ‘B-A-B-Y-M-O-N, tell a friend, tell a friend, etc.’ was a nice twist, the part that does come after feels a little bit disconnected with the rest of the song due to its childishness in both the lyrics and the juvenile-sounding delivery. This somewhat undermines the strong persona they have successfully built through the rest of the song. Perhaps, after all, they are ‘baby’ monsters, and they still need to show it, but this disconnect still ultimately makes the song a bit distracting.

Not to mention, ‘SHEESH’, gives me the impression that some of the group’s potential is still purposely hidden or withheld to keep the suspense and interest in them going. YG entertainment has had a long history of doing this ever since their debut of ‘BLACK PINK’, and I think I’m quite over it.

For example, one part the continuously bothers me, even after streaming this song ever since its release, is the rap section. Asa is the group’s best rapper, yet it feels like her rap was purposely cut short to accommodate for a shorter running time in the song, perhaps to cater to to TikTok trends. She came in so strong, but her presence was diminished by the end. Whatever she did rap was amazing, but I needed more. Ahyeon and Ruka got more spotlight than she did, which I don’t see the logic in, because she was definitely the star rapper.

On the flip side, credit needs to be given where it is due. Chiquita’s opening is perfect. Rami’s vocals, from her powerful pre chorus, with her textured, firm voice, cutting through the atmosphere, was probably the star of the whole song. As I said, Asa’s rap was great, and Ahyeon and Ruka also delivered. Rora’s line in the bridge completely suits her voice and she delivered both in the vocals and facial expressions. Ahyeon’s delivery of her high note provides the necessary grand and climatic effect. Unfortunately, one thing that I am still not convinced by is Pharita’s voice. Especially when contrasted with Rami, it simply does not hold enough power, even though she is clearly trying to express it. While I like her tone, I hope her technique improves over time so that I will not keep making this comment about her. I really do not wish to.

Overall, ‘SHEESH’ has its moments, and the girls make the most out of what they get. Still, I think they have more to give than this. At least, it is an improvement from ‘BATTER UP’.

Hooks – 8
Production – 8
Vocal Delivery – 9
Rap Delivery – 10
Overall – 8.75