After their incredible 2018 success, Momoland are in the process of navigating the tricky business of follow-ups. Their name is known throughout Asia, and they’ve attempted to capitalize on that by recording material aimed at different regions. When it comes to Japan, they’ve already exhausted their most notable Korean output, recording versions of Bboom Bboom and BAAM for the J-pop market. Pinky Love marks their first original Japanese single, and it does little to advance their sound.
Pinky Love’s first few seconds are promising, bursting forth with big, synth-fueled production reminiscent of Twice’s Likey. Sadly, this potential is not capitalized on, as the girls’ vocals are pitched unbelievably high for an affected performance that grates right from the start. Now, Momoland’s success was never based upon their ability to belt out a big power note, but Pinky Love’s cheerleaders-on-helium delivery has no grit or texture to it. Add a generous dose of infantile chants and the song becomes nearly unbearable.
Unlike their propulsive, Shinsadong Tiger-produced Korean hits, Pinky Love sees the girls trying too hard to replicate the success that Twice has seen in Japan. This feels very much like a bargain basement Twice track, but without the unique star power that those girls can bring. Momoland are quite capable of unleashing their own goofy brand of charisma, but Pinky’s lightweight, sing-song hooks don’t give them a chance. Coming off the heels of March’s lackluster I’m So Hot, it’s becoming clear that Momoland are in search of another big hit that just isn’t materializing. I’m pulling for them, but reductive songs like this aren’t going to sustain a lasting career.
| Hooks | 6 |
| Production | 7 |
| Longevity | 6 |
| Bias | 6 |
| RATING | 6.25 |
Be sure to add your own rating by participating in the poll below!
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 
.
“cheerleaders on helium” is a perfect description.
Alvin and the chipmunks do jpop.
Needless to say, I am not the target demographic for this song.
LikeLike
The production just feels a little anemic for me, which wouldn’t be a problem if it had a lot of vocals or melodies on top but it doesn’t. Especially since the autotune thins out their voices even further. And the “cheerleader breakdown” bridge seems a little cliche in a bad way, and it fails because it’s relying on power that isn’t there.
It’s a shame because this is exactly the kind of pop that I love and so if I’m underwhelmed, they didn’t do their job.
LikeLike
I am a stan but this is overwhelming for me. Thank god, it is just a B-side and the title track is coming soon which is Chiri Chiri! I hope they deliver tho
LikeLike
“I’m pulling for them, but reductive songs like this aren’t going to sustain a lasting career.”
You nailed perfectly what I am feeling right now for this group.
Honestly, I pity the group, as they are dealing with problems. Will do also a review of it some time.
LikeLike
Ok look, when you say “high-pitched” in a negative light I generally think “yeah I’m a Twice fan I’m basically impervious,” but this time I stand corrected – THAT is APOTHEOSIS of high-pitched vocals. Wow.
Also, I think at this point “Twice Japanese single” has become like a universal burn towards unsuccessful cutesy girl group singles, no?
LikeLike
Honestly, TWICE is in quite a lot of burns.
LikeLike
Pingback: MOMOLAND – Pinky Love: MV Review – TweetNewscaster
Love Momoland music is uplifting down to earth. They make my day. Love it better than American rap harmony and cheerful, and that’s what I call smart, entertaining, youthful, uplifting, inspiration, and fun. Thank you all 👍👍s UP
LikeLike