It’s been over a year since we last heard from Sunmi, and even longer since she’s released anything more than a digital single. An album is reportedly in the works, but before that we have another standalone song with Blue!, which continues the softer sound of last year’s Balloon In Love.
K-pop’s in this weird spot right now where many idol groups and soloists are making their version of not-so-great indie rock. I guess it’s their answer to global trends happening at the moment, with genres like country and faux worship rock making a return to the mainstream. Like any musical style, a great song will be great regardless of the trappings it’s cased within, but too often the industry seems to be borrowing tone and texture and draping it over underdeveloped melodies.
Blue! has a jauntier pace than Sunmi’s recent work and is a co-write with singer-songwriter Lee Dohee, making this one of the few completely female-driven K-pop title tracks I can remember. That’s very cool. And unlike many of her peers, this style fits Sunmi’s breathy tone and aloof presence quite well. She adds a layer of intrigue that makes Blue! engaging even in its softer moments. Hearing the chorus by itself via teasers, I wasn’t sure how I felt about the hooks. However, it works much better within the context of the full song. This still isn’t anywhere near Sunmi’s best, but it’s a nice teaser for what’s to come next.
| Hooks | 8 |
| Production | 8 |
| Longevity | 8 |
| Bias | 8 |
| RATING | 8 |
