Maybe it’s because he had limited promotions on music shows, but I often underestimate just how successful Park Jihoon’s solo debut was. His L.O.V.E was certainly a sleeper hit with me, and did a good job catering to his talents. Like most Produce 101 alumni, I still think he’d function better as part of a group, but I’m convinced of his ability to carry a song on his own. New single 360 isn’t quite as memorable as L.O.V.E, but builds on that song’s evocative, synth-driven style.

360 is slightly more upbeat than its predecessor, though I wouldn’t call it a dance track. Instead, the instrumental’s stuttering electronic framework creates a pulsing mid-tempo that builds into brief crests to support the EDM chorus. Jihoon’s vocals are breathy and understated throughout, utilizing heavy processing that’s much more interesting than the simple autotune I would have expected. He’s given both melodic and rap segments, and succeeds equally at both. His tone isn’t particularly distinctive (which is one of the reasons I’d like to see him in a group), but the producers do a good job making his vocals pop.

Melodically, 360 never quite blossoms into something spectacular. Like so many boy group tracks of its style, the song’s phrasing feels kind of cast off — almost conversational rather than tightly structured. In this case, I think it mostly works. 360’s aloofness is matched by its delivery, and the subdued verses help to highlight the standout pre-chorus. I only wish the central hook was a little more memorable. It conjures a great atmosphere, but fizzles when it should soar. Still, I’ve got a major soft spot for this kind of dreamy, synth-drenched pop track.

Be sure to add your own rating by participating in the poll below!