In a double-hitter, two of Wanna One’s most prominent members have released new music this week. Kang Daniel went first yesterday with the slick 2U, and Ong Seong Wu is right behind him with Gravity. So far, Seong Wu’s music has played things down the middle, opting for pleasant, generic fare over more daring material. This isn’t all that surprising. I always imagined that his career would involve more acting than music. I’m actually a little shocked that he’s released as many songs as he has.
Gravity fits right within his wheelhouse. It’s a song that could have been performed by anyone, though Seong Wu brings some spark to the proceedings. Lauded as one of Wanna One’s strongest dancers, he’s actually a solid vocalist as well. That can be heard clearly during Gravity’s cathartic hook, which draws on a piercing power note to harness the song’s emotion. Elsewhere, Seong Wu’s performance is more pensive and airy – perfectly polished but relatively faceless.
The same could be said of Gravity as a whole. It ties together elements of EDM, trap and acoustic pop to create a familiar brew that’s atmospheric but somewhat inert. Most of the track is too tightly structured to have the explosive effect it seeks. The surging arrangement goes for broke, but never in an unexpected or novel way. Instead, we’re left with a pleasant showcase for Seong Wu’s talent. There are worse things to release at this stage of a career. I just wish Gravity offered a better glimpse into the kind of recording artist he wants to be. But, judging by his composition and lyrical credits on the track, he’s probably just content to craft solid, mainstream pop music for now. That’s totally fine. However, I doubt I’ll remember Gravity in a year’s time.
| Hooks | 8 |
| Production | 7 |
| Longevity | 7 |
| Bias | 7 |
| RATING | 7.25 |
Be sure to add your own rating by participating in the poll below!
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 
I enjoyed this song way more than I expected.
About Ong being content with just doing mainstream pop, I believe that’s the case, what i’ve gathered from his interviews is that he seems to be more focused on his acting career and made this album just to give something to the fans who met him as a singer.
LikeLike
He made this album with the way he wants, with his whole heart. He’s always want to make music that can move people heart. He’s also the type of person that likes normal pop generic songs. I guess that’s the reason why.
It’s true that he wants to be more focused in acting as of now but he also said he want to do it all. It’s not like he wasn’t interested in singing and dancing.
LikeLiked by 1 person
There is nothing wrong with the song and performance per se, other than it lacks ambition.
LikeLike
It may be a reflection of his own lack of ambition as a singer and performer. His b-side doesn’t even have a choreography.
LikeLike
Watch him on yu huiyeol’s sketchbook, you’ll know how his passion as a performer.
His songs are made to convey his emotion to fans. Not create a masterpiece that will fulfill everyone’s expectations. He likes to sing. He likes being on stage. He said he missed it.
LikeLike
Watch him on yu huiyeol’s sketchbook, you’ll know how his passion as a performer.
His songs are made to convey his emotion to fans. Not create a masterpiece that will fulfill everyone’s expectations. He likes to sing. He likes being on stage. He said he missed it.
LikeLike
I apologise if my comment sounded a bit rude about Ong. I love him, and I follow his activities closely.
What meant saying he lacks of ambition, is that I feel like his goal isn’t to have a #1 song on the charts, or being a singer as his main job, I can’t imagine him going to festivals or having a solo concert soon. He just wants to create enjoyable music for his fans and for himself, and that’s not a bad thing.
I loved Layers, I couldn’t stop listening to it the day it came out, every song is different from each other, but at the same time, it feels like they belong together.
LikeLike
That i agree
LikeLike
I wouldn’t go so far as to say that Ong Seong Wu himself is unambitious. He survived trainee days and the grueling chaos that is those trainee survival shows. Someone needs something special inside to get through all that, and come out thriving.
His _choice of songs_ however is unnambitious.
LikeLiked by 1 person
What I want him to be is a R&B singer, not kpop. I just want to listen to his voice, just like on Our Story song. Still, it’s OSW, so I’ll love whatever he does❤️❤️❤️❤️
LikeLike
Idk but i love this album so much
My type of songs
Anyway have you tried his bsides? Cafe, bye bye, and guess who are really good
LikeLiked by 1 person
Watch him on yu huiyeol’s sketchbook, you’ll know how his passion as a performer.
His songs are made to convey his emotion to fans. Not create a masterpiece that will fulfill everyone’s expectations. He likes to sing. He likes being on stage. He said he missed it.
LikeLike
Perhaps his music may seem ‘generic’ to some but I like the fact that Ong Seong Wu gets involved personally in the creative making of the entire album. Every song contain his own emotions and stories which he hoped to share with not just fans but also other people who may resonate with his type of music. Sometimes music doesn’t always need to be loud, catchy or complicated in order to grab people’s attention, and personally I find the meaning of the songs matter more. When you try to convey a message through songs, people can feel it and appreciate it on a deeper level. Most kpop idols (not all), because of their company restriction, do not have total creative control over their songs and most title tracks were picked mainly based on selling points, whether they would be able to top charts or attract fangirls with the numerous confession love songs. Not saying that there’s anything wrong with that; you can still appreciate their choreography and dancing/singing talent, just that sometimes the performers themselves may not even feel their own music. (Special emphasis: not all)
LikeLike
Agree
LikeLike