STAYC aren’t just a run-of-the-mill debut group. They arrive bolstered by producers Black Eyed Pilseung, and are the first act signed to their new agency High-Up Entertainment. Black Eyed Pilseung have been responsible for quite a few major K-pop hits, including songs from Twice, Chungha and Apink. So, have they saved their best material for their own girl group?
So Bad arrives right as K-pop’s retro trend is in full swing, offering its own version of that sound. Fueled by a bright synth arpeggio and insistent kick, the verses deliver the kind of atmospheric drive we’ve grown accustomed to these past few months. Their structure isn’t particularly melodic, but the girls hit us with plenty of attitude right off the bat. I’m particularly drawn to the group’s diverse set of vocal tones. There are a few lower-toned moments within the track, which hasn’t been all that common within this generation of girl groups. This variance gives the track a jolt, ensuring that it doesn’t feel too samey.
So Bad’s chorus brings in a shuffling trip-hop beat that helps distinguish it from similar retro efforts. The hook has a simple sing-song appeal that fits right within Black Eyed Pilseung’s wheelhouse. There are times I would have brought the pitch down a bit, but this is the kind of chorus that works its way into your head whether you like it or not. So Bad isn’t perfect, but it offers a glimpse at what could become a very promising discography. It will be interesting to see if STAYC continue down this retro path with future releases, and if Black Eyed Pilseung’s sought-after production touch becomes exclusive to them.
| Hooks | 8 |
| Production | 9 |
| Longevity | 9 |
| Bias | 8 |
| RATING | 8.5 |
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 
Nick, you are at least an hour earlier than usual, you doing OK out thataway?
Wow, so much energy packed in here. Very catchy. I don’t know if I like it well enough to buy it … … she writes after listening to it a dozen times or more already, so give me another day or three and I will probably put my $1.29 down on it.
A few comments in passing
I wish them the best. I don’t see any real music shows up yet for the debut, only a poorly shot showcase with bad audio. (I don’t remember (or care) what music show is on Thursday’s in Korea.) The video was clearly on a budget, clever at times, but they still picked and chose where to spend the money.
Also, those “low notes” in the verses seem low but aren’t actually low. In the first verse, the “You stole my heart” “I need your love” is only a Bflat, which isn’t low at all. It’s the same fake throaty singing that G-idle affects at times. Now, if she had sung the implied lower low note, the “You” and “My” which is an E, that would have been interesting, but it is only so briefly intoned and half spoken so it doesn’t count for me. A girl can’t really hit a low E note like that if she is pushing throaty at Bflat, you have to open, open some more, yawn, use a lot of breath. So we shall see on future songs.
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This month’s just CRAZY with work and other stuff, so I’m trying to squeeze these all in when I can. In some cases, that means early in the morning. Hopefully I can form coherent sentences 🙂
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I’m into it. This kind of driving beat has been lacking in a lot of songs really, so it’s nice to have one. I keep listening to it because of that beat and the song is just produced well enough that I find myself clicking repeat more times than I realize. That’s good for a debut.
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I mean, I’m a sucker for those percolating BEP synths but the melody’s great too! And I love that it doesn’t slow down for a moment once it hits its stride.
It’s my favorite debut track of the year so far, I think. We’ll see if æspa’s “powerful dance track” is capable of taking that crown!
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(Whisper: It’s gonna sound like wolf, I can feel it)
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I am betting on NCT, one octave up. Since all SM these days sound like NCT. (except SuJu and TVXQ who are old enough to do their own thing)
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I really don’t care as long as the right kind of NCT sound, there are quite a lot of them under 1 huge umbrella I just wish SM can just let girl groups do at least some beats that are not 4 on the floor, to their girl groups it really feels like the high heels for music
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The description brought early f(x) to my mind, to be honest! I’m crossing fingers to summon their Electric Shock.
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The Lucy song “Snooze” released today is also pretty good. They are getting closer to a unique sound that I would like to hear from them more, and using that fiddle better.
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See, and I feel like they had that unique sound from the get-go! I don’t believe Flare was ever graced with an MV, but it’s one of my favorite songs and always gets me a little too emotional for comfort. Their other songs and Superband covers are excellent as well, but that one’s really special to me.
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I’m really into this! It’s probably my fav gg debut of the year, I adore the retro concept they did with a bit of teen crush and poppy sound. It reminded me of a bit of old Twice actually. The chorus is ridiculously catchy and their vocals stand out to me. We’ll have to see if aespa’s song tops this but it will be hard I think. I missed this sound in kpop. I know retro is the trend right now but it’s swallowing a lot of group’s signature style while this was so recognizable right away. I heard the teaser the other day, not the mv teaser but the one with their vocals only, no instrumental, and it’s been replaying in my head ever since. This will be on repeat for sure and I’ll probably stan.
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This was actually so damn good! I won’t say I’m totally in love with it yet, but by far one of the best girl group debuts this year.
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Omg i love it at first listen. I like this debut so far.
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This is actually my favourite track so far in this particular retro style! MV budget is obvious, I hope they will do well though because this sounds very promising!
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