One of my biggest K-pop new year’s wishes was that boy groups would ditch the moodiness and go brighter, so I was delighted when it was announced that Big Hit’s new group TXT would debut with an upbeat, youthful concept. Based on agency clout alone, the guys were destined for massive out-of-the-gate success — the kind of success that could potentially steer an entire industry. Because of that, I’m thankful that Crown feels fresh and energetic.
Much of the lead-up to TXT’s debut has been shrouded in mystery, driven by a morse code teaser theme that replays as Crown begins. In contrast, the song itself is relatively simple. Beyond the odd/awkward horn-as-puberty metaphor, there aren’t layers and layers of lore to decode. Instead, Crown is a shot of cheerful pop, well-performed and disarmingly catchy. Its instrumental largely sidesteps the trendy synth blips of the day, preferring a more classic electro bounce that hinges on one particularly sticky riff.
With that said, Crown’s real draw are the guys themselves, who drive the track with bucket-loads of personality. The rhythmic chorus doesn’t work without them, dependent on a call-and-response structure that plays with vocal filters to addictive effect. There’s some wonderful textures here, but the effects never go overboard. The verses are a little more forgettable, but hit a few nice melodic moments while building to a harmony-rich pre-chorus. If I had my way I would’ve removed any hint of trap elements (including that eye-rolling “skrrt” in the second verse), but otherwise Crown is a very strong debut that feels as if it’s going to enjoy real longevity as we move into spring and summer.
| Hooks | 9 |
| Production | 9 |
| Longevity | 9 |
| Bias | 9 |
| RATING | 9 |
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The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 
I’m so happy that I like TXT. I’m glad you do as well! Usually our tastes line up fairly well, but I was just the slightest bit worried you’d find the verses too underwhelming to ignore, though I like them fine.
Like it or not, TXT will be a force in the genre for the forseeable future, and I was so worried that they’d be a bad one. The teaser hinted at an empty chorus (albeit with a strong instrumental) so maybe I just had low expectations to begin with, but I’ve listened to the song a dozen times already. I’m really not the type to do that. Here’s hoping they stay consistent and that their influence rubs off on others!
I found their B-sides to be nothing special on the first listen, but they’re perfectly pleasant (I’m almost inclined to say I’m surprised that BigHit played it safe, but now that I think about it the synth composition in Crown is a blend of new material and slight influences from current trends, which makes the whole experience much for fun). Any thoughts?
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I’ll let you know when I get around to listening to the album. Too much new music today = too much review writing.
Honestly, I didn’t anticipate giving Crown a “9” when I first listened to it. I was a bit underwhelmed. But subsequent listens have really improved its standing. I think this is going to be one of those songs that is appealing for a long time, rather than a quick burst of excitement followed by exhaustion. Time will tell!
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I knew you’d love it as much as I do! But I just can’t understand why so many people are saying that this is just a “typical boy group song” when it’s clearly anything but that these days…
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I think that’s what I like most about it. It’s not trying too hard to be anything but a fun boy group song… and those are in short supply these days.
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Ooo same about the skkkrrt. I heard it and winced a little because I think it really dates the track. I wonder when skkkrrt and other trap motifs will fade out of Kpop… maybe when trap falls out of popularity in the American industry.
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I, for one, like the “skrrt,” but that’s because it reminds me of Dreamcatcher’s “Wonderland” special clip where SuA randomly throws in a “skrrt” for no reason.
Anyway, I too have gone from being really disappointed in this track to actually rather loving it, though I still think the Itzy debut was the strongest this year (ok, it’s the Verivery debut, but not enough people talk about it so). Funny how that works out, huh?
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Agreed about Verivery. As of now, it’s the best debut.
And TXT’s Crown is quite a pleasant surprise. Yeah, it’s safe but at least it has enjoyable vocals and melodies.
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I was never disappointed. I just thought it was only “okay” on first listen. Then came the second listen and everything clicked. Now I’m kinda obsessed. Such is the way of K-pop…
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Haha I also wish for the boy groups to drop the “moody” concept… but I’m not a HUGE fan of the cutesy bright concept either… so I guess our opinions half match this time?
I do quite like TXT’s album and downloaded a couple of their songs, but I didn’t think it was amazing. I tend to prefer more real? concepts (like, nobody is that angsty and dark, but equally it’s kind of a little bit strange to me when someone my age is just CONSTANTLY bright and happy in their music), so this will definitely be something I listen to when I’m in a very specific mood, but I do still enjoy it… just only when I’m in the mood for something bright and happy.
As for the album, I was slightly disappointed. Not because the songs were bad, but because a certain thing (weird animal sound things) at the end of Cat & Dog took the song from being my favourite to not being downloaded.
I look forward to seeing where TXT go with their music in the future.
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