Two and a half years have have gone by in a flash, and Kep1er’s contract was set to come to an end within the next few weeks. In a move that not many fans expected, all members except Yeseo and Mashiro are to renew their contracts with WAKEONE entertainment and continue as a 7-member group. Personally, in spite of their controversial management, I think this renewal is ultimately the safer and better option for most of the girls, who don’t have any real plans set if they return to their respective agencies. Moreover, I believe that the overall quality of Kep1er’s discography has been increasing over time, and they had been able to produce some hits here and there that I still frequent today (for example, ‘Up!’ is still one of my favourite K-pop summer songs). My first impressions of ‘Shooting Star’ shows me that my optimism is not unwarranted.
‘Shooting Star’, judging from its lyrics and atmosphere, was set to be Kep1er’s disbandment song. I have no idea how long they have withheld from releasing it, but I believe that this song encapsulates what Kep1er’s concept should have been from the start- elegant, interstellar girls singing about the cosmos. Not only is ‘Shooting Star’ their best produced track yet, but also where the members’ singing have sounded the best all round. It has utilised their singing voices to their maximum potential, and they sound absolutely brilliant, be in in their individual parts or backing vocals and adlibs.
The melodies of ‘shooting star’ do a phenomenal job in evoking emotions. If you have read my blog for a while, you will notice I do have a tendency to be biased towards more emotional songs, especially if they are done well. I think that the melodies couldn’t have been written AND arranged any better to produce a more convincing outcome that both suits the concept and meaning of the song as well as making for a great listening experience. In particular, the pre chorus where almost all the instrumentals are slicked back really give the impression of being left in the dark and focusing on the one voice that seems to be the light to guide you to wherever you need to be. They feel hopeful, dreamy, and uplifting, yet also feel bittersweet, emotionally charged, and melancholic.
The production does a stellar job in establishing the mentioned atmosphere and emotional undercurrent that runs through the track. The use of vocal layering, vocal effects, dreamy synths, among other elements really shone. Not to mention, the track successfully played with dynamics that created a very natural buildup. The first pre chorus was really well executed, but if it was repeated right before the second chorus, it would start to lose its novelty. Yet, they made the unexpected decision to wait until right before the final chorus to makes its appearance, which gives the track some sense of evolution and variation that will lend will to its longevity.
Overall, ‘Shooting Star’ is a phenomenal track that I will be playing for the months and potentially, years to come. I look forward to what the girls will continue to release in the future, and I wish the best of luck to Yeseo and Mashiro as future members of ‘LIMELIGHT’.
PS: I may be overrating it, but this rating reflects my instinctive reaction towards the first listen, and I’ve played it around 5 more times since and my thoughts remain unchanged. Time will tell if I still enjoy this song as much as I currently do.
Hooks – 10
Production – 10
Vocal Delivery – 10
Rap Delivery – 10
Overall – 10
K-pop Evaluated 
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