TWS’s last single ‘hey! hey!’ didn’t fully capture my heart when it was released due to my gripes with vocal delivery and the melodies. However, it has since grown stronger over time (sitting at around an 8.5), although I am not as taken with it as others in the K-pop review community are (see TheBiaslist’s review). I still believe that ‘Plot Twist’ is the superior track. ‘hey! hey!’ was the pre-release to their 2nd mini album, which had just been released yesterday. ‘If I’m S, Can You Be My N?’ is their latest title track, and in my most humble opinion, a definite upgrade from the latter.
From the very first line of the first verse of the song, I fell in love. I may not have mentioned it much in the blog, but I am a huge fan of GFRIEND. The melodies of the first line of the song was of a similar wavelength to the melodies of the opening line of GFRIEND’s iconic ‘Time for the Moon Night’ and their other emotional songs of their discography. As thebiaslist has rightly pointed out, TWS’s signature sound combines elements of early GFRIEND/APINK with early seventeen. So far, no other song in their discography hits the GFRIEND influence as strongly as ‘If I’m S, Can I Be Your N?’. If you are a longtime listener of GFRIEND and the melodies present in their songs, you will be able to notice the similarities and the same kind of emotions and atmosphere it evokes. This comparison is emphasised as a form of the highest praise I can give.
The GFRIEND similarities don’t end there! From the way the instrumental is crafted in the transitions between section to section, and the extremely dynamic nature, it makes me extremely emotional to see how GFRIEND’s legacy is kept alive in the form of other groups. The dynamism present in this song is one of the best I’ve heard recently in K-pop. The instrumental keeps alternate from being ‘full’ and letting moments of silence and minimalism peak through. This is also one of the things that I had been looking for in ‘hey! hey!’ that I didn’t find. Not to mention, it appears that there is a key change present right before the chorus begins, which is becoming more of rarity in the current K-pop sound-sphere. This choice gives them extra points.
Additionally, throughout the song, the members seem a lot more comfortable singing the song here compared to ‘hey! hey!’, and they sound greater than ever. I really have no qualms, the producers and the vocal directors really brought the best sound of the members, just as was done in ‘Plot Twist’.
Overall, ‘If I’m S, Can’t You Be My N?’ is an utter success. I have absolutely no complaints. This is peak bright boy-group music, bringing back the best of the youthful and innocent schoolboy/school girl concept within the K-pop industry. So far, this is their Magnus Opus.
Hooks – 10
Production – 10
Vocal Delivery – 10
Rap Delivery – 10
Overall – 10
K-pop Evaluated 
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