Rose presents to us a long running K-pop duo who made a comeback this year...
[5.50]
Total writers: 8
Highest score: [9]
Lowest score: [2]
Controversy index: 1.62
[5.50]
Total writers: 8Highest score: [9]
Lowest score: [2]
Controversy index: 1.62
Rose Stuart: I have to admit, TVXQ!'s newest release had big shoes to fill. Infrequent comebacks can create lofty expectations, but "Down" proves what K-pop has been missing during their five-year absence. This dreamy sex song (a genre that also has been rarely heard recently) floats from note to note, with soft, whispery vocals that manage to soar to new heights of TVXQ!'s already impressive range. It's filled with yearning to the point of desperation, the drumbeat an almost maddening ticking clock, and the relaxing guitar contrasted with an almost aggressive electronic breakdown in the chorus beautifully showcases the conflict. When the song reaches its climax, the energy is enough to knock you off your feet in the best way. Sex has been TVXQ!'s signature since "Mirotic," but "Down" feels closer to "Wrong Number" and "Before U Go" in its R&B influences. Throwing back to past songs while also carving out a new direction for themselves is the best thing TVXQ! could have done for this release, and I have only the highest hopes for what their 20th anniversary album will bring.
[9]
Will Adams: A solid update of turn-of-the-millennium boy band pop, right down to the glitchy breakdowns that BT had once provided them.
[6]
Michael Hong: Proven by single "Rebel" from earlier this week, SM's experiments are still alive. That one might feel tame compared to the best of what they've done -- it's further evidence that the company formula has grown rather tiresome -- but "Down" feels like nothing more than a set of ticked boxes.
[5]
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