Song Review: Samidare – &TEAM

I have a special spot for &TEAM. In my most humble opinion, they released the best song in 2023 out of the many HYBE labels in the form of ‘Firework’, making it to the top 5 of my most favourite songs of 2023 overall. Among all HYBE groups, they find themselves in a distinct niche from the likes of ENHYPEN and TXT through adapting a different sound palette. While &TEAM, ENHYPEN and TXT, have all dealt with the theme of youth in some way or another through their songs, TXT’s song’s have generally felt the most whimsical and at times, severely angsty. ENHYPEN songs, especially recently, have the darkest undertones, and find emotional magnetism through them. Meanwhile, &TEAM’s songs find themselves dealing with youth in the most realistic and grounded way, with is perhaps ironic considering their werewolf concept. Nevertheless, their werewolf concept seems to be used as a medium to channel the realistic side of coming into age. These observations are quite general, but at least from my understanding, are still generally accurate.

Now talking about ‘SAMIDARE’, I hold these observations in mind as I critique this song. Some songs are really not created with the intention to be bombastic, loud, high in energy, and instead reflects a more realistic reflection of reality. This is what would enable one to appreciate ‘Samidare’.

This is not to say that it is a perfect song. Indeed, it could have leaned even more into its best aspects- the emotional undercurrent of its melody, as well as its restrained and almost contemplative execution. Unfortunately, it doesn’t fully get there.

&TEAM is able to match their vocal delivery to their concept very well. This was already clear in ‘Firework’, and ‘Samidare’ continues the trend. I don’t need to say much on this department.

Ultimately, ‘Samidare’ is best enjoyed when one feels a little more in tune a calm, rather uneventful reality where one begins to linger in a slight tinge of longing and searching for something even when life is still overall relatively bright- just like its English translation of ‘early summer rain’. Knowing this synergy with the song’s sound palette and its meaning helped me gain a significantly greater appreciation for it. By no means is this &TEAM’s best. But by no means does it feel like a worthless/boring release. And at its core, it feels very much ‘&TEAM’.

Hooks – 7
Production – 9
Vocal Delivery – 10
Overall – 8.25