Earlier this year, STAYC found their dancefloor groove with the addictive Bebe. Though that song didn’t totally click with me initially, it gradually grew into one of my most-played tracks of the year. With new summer single I Want It, they group keeps the energy high with an early-2010’s EDM twist.
As soon as I Want It‘s rugged electro beat unfurls, it’s hard not to hum Icona Pop’s 2012 mega-hit I Love It in your head. That song has become highly influential throughout the years, so it’s not too surprising to hear its ripples continue to spread here. Derivative or not, I’m just happy to hear a girl group song unfold with a constant pulse. Too many title tracks this year dip in and out of their groove so often they feel fragmented and difficult to parse. I Want It is big, dumb fun — a simple pop song through and through.
This aspect can be both a strength and weakness. At times, I Want It‘s hooks are almost too simple and repetitive to land. I’m not a huge fan of its “I want it!” post-chorus despite that being the song’s catchiest calling card. Its chirpiness leans just a bit too far into the obnoxious side of bubblegum pop for me. The more melodic verses and chorus work better, offering a sugar rush of upbeat summery vibes without resorting to simple catchphrases. In the end, I think I Want It‘s bombastic energy will steamroll over any hesitation I have about the track as a whole, which is actually the exact same trajectory Bebe took.
| Hooks | 8 |
| Production | 9 |
| Longevity | 9 |
| Bias | 8 |
| RATING | 8.5 |
