When we last heard from SoRi, she was collaborating with performance group Folded Dragons for the dramatic EDM of I Am Not Alone. Though that song didn’t stick around my playlist for long, it pointed toward a willingness to experiment that bode well for her future as a pop artist. With new single Initial S (이니셜 S), SoRi has aimed straight for my retro synth-loving heart, swerving in a new direction that matches pop music’s current 80’s revival.
Initial S hinges on an icy synth loop, the kind you’ve heard dozens of times before if you’re at all familiar with 80’s pop. It’s a sound that’s never quite gone out of style, as specific as it is. Here, it’s used as a through-line that gives the track a nice sense of propulsion. Its music video prominently features motorcycle-riding, and that image is a good encapsulation of the forward-moving sensation the instrumental delivers. Even the opening of Initial S feels like revving up for a race.
Immediately, the track’s verses reminded me of something Sunmi would sink her teeth into. SoRi’s vocals don’t have quite the same presence, though their clear tone is perfectly suited to pop music. She’s also a great compliment to Initial S’s sharp synth textures, particularly during the catchy chorus. I love how this track feels consistent throughout. And, while I crave a more developed hook, the simple refrain works well alongside the robust instrumental. I have a feeling this is one of those songs that’s going to stick around for a while, pulled by the sheer force of its momentum.
| Hooks | 8 |
| Production | 9 |
| Longevity | 9 |
| Bias | 9 |
| RATING | 8.75 |
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The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 
Yes! Given the enormous success of The Weeknd’s Blinding Lights I thought it was just a matter of time to see more k-pop acts starting to recreate this sound. I love it.
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do gotta credit Carly Rae Jepsen and Emotion album too but that was 5 years ago I guess
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This song is nostalgic alright, it sounds like 2012 kpop girl group meets 1980’s synth pop. Its alright!
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Immediately thought it sounded like it belonged in an old anime show and it turns out the song does reference the anime Initial D
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Wow, the song is an absolute bop! It sounds so refreshing. Kind of ironic since it’s so 80s 😉 Really catchy and the melodies are so nice.
By the way, any chance you’re still going to review BOTOPASS’ debut song “Flamingo” or even BLASTAR’s “One Way”?
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Not planning on doing either, sorry. Maybe if they have a killer follow-up?
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Ok, thanks for replying. Let’s see what the future brings 🙂
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Yesss, actually ini dont expect much from this comeback but Sori serve us 80s BOP and to be honest this song is much better than BTS, Blackpink, Rocket Punch, Cherry Bullet release this August.
And can we talk how they MV really-really look like retro Jdrama
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Yesss, actually ini dont expect much from this comeback but Sori serve us 80s BOP and to be honest this song is much better than BTS, Blackpink, Rocket Punch, Cherry Bullet release this August.
And can we talk how they MV really-really look like retro Jdrama
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can you please do a review of baby you’re mine by high school cause i like your reviews. that is quite good and 2nd gen type song.
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I love retro tracks like these as well!! I’m a big fan of 80’s synthpop. This might be SoRi’s last single too, so it’s great she’s going out with a bang rather than some simple ballad. Her music has always been super fun.
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I like it, but for some reason I kept hearing ‘Initial Ass’the entire song
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(me too)
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We really don’t get enough retro releases in K-pop, while that is what K-pop happens to excel at. Love me some 80s pop perfection, come on, bring up the synths.
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