Whether related to the pandemic or not, SM Entertainment’s reach into the Japanese market seemed to stall in 2020. I’ve always considered them one of the few K-pop agencies that really put an effort into their J-pop discography, with incredible catalogs from Girls’ Generation, TVXQ, SHINee and EXO. Last year’s release slate was relegated to a few singles from the agency’s veteran acts, but 2021 already seems to be kicking into gear with a new song by Baekhyun.
I’ve had my issues with Baekhyun’s solo work so far. Mostly, I’ve just found it boring. But, I loved him as part of sub-unit CBX. Get You Alone feels much closer to that project, harnessing his smooth vocals for a laid-back funk track. This is a sweet spot for him, and although the song never really goes anywhere, it’s a satisfying listen.
Get You Alone opens with a bed of airy vocals before kicking into its synth-assisted groove. The backing vocals continue to buttress the verses as Baekhyun gives a slinky performance that draws upon the track’s rhythmic construction. By the time the chorus rolls around, the production remains largely unchanged. I appreciate this consistency, though I think the song could have done with something punchier at its center. The whole thing is relentlessly smooth but lacks a bit of dynamism. Still, I’d listen to Baekhyun deliver this kind of material forever, so it’s hard to complain. He brings touches of playful falsetto, twisting the melody in just the right places to give Get You Alone a pulse. It all culminates in a well-earned key change that sends us out on a high.
| Hooks | 8 |
| Production | 8 |
| Longevity | 9 |
| Bias | 8 |
| RATING | 8.25 |
Definitely my favorite title track from him! I agree it could stand to be more dynamic. I wish it was a little more uptempo, but I’m really satisfied with the song. I feel like he had a lot of fun filming this mv too since he got to be goofy and sexy.
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This was easily my favourite title track (and music video) from Baekhyun so far which also makes me quite excited for the release of the album. From what I heard of ‘Addicted’, one of the b-sides he performed during his concert, this will possibly be his strongest release yet. Also agree with the sentiment that ‘Get You Alone’ gives off CBX vibes. I miss them now so I’m gonna listen to the ‘Blooming Days’ album.
Bit of a tangent, but during his concert he also mentioned that EXO could be having a group release in 2021 which has me very excited.
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Ooh, an EXO comeback would be very welcome!!
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This is what happens when you order Dynamite (and its moves and choreo) on Wish.
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Hey nick, Have you here of the all girl krock band rolling quartz? They debuted recently
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I have! The sound isn’t really my thing, but I wish them the best of luck!
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Easily the best song of 2021 so far… though that is not saying much.
I liked the easy-to-go-down groove, though, as I noted in my review ( https://108ent.blogspot.com/2021/01/review-baekhyun-get-you-alone.html , for those interested), that it would be hard to differentiate it from the dozens of similar songs of this fun funk style. I wish it had more ambition.
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(I see what you did there)
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Not sure what I did there, other than give a link to my review. I thought I did a good job writing it, and thus gave the link for those curious. Though it would be cool if I did do something interesting which I missed.
Just saw your tweet on the upcoming Yunho song. I to would love for a Smooth Criminal sequel. It is my favorite song from the Jackson family along with Beat It, and truly a musical moment. Still wondering if Annie’s okay.
I read your Alienhits review for Friday after your reply to Myma’s comment. I find Friday still pretty sad. How much would you give it out of 10 on your current system?
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I think he thinks you were making a joke.
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I’m unintentionally funny I guess, though I wonder what I said was funny. Because I read my comment like 10 times and still did not get my joke.
Wow, my confusion looks amusing from the sideline.
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Haha just that Get You Alone was the best song of 2021 so far, when it’s like… the only song of 2021 so far. It wins that very special award!
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Oh, that is a funny point, did not realize that is what you were talking about. Sorry I Don’t Miss U, you held the honor for ONE great day!
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Friday is wonderful crap. I’m fascinated by its existence… drawn to it and repelled violently at the same time.
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Same here, I think it deserves one of my Horrid Song reviews…
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PLEASE BE SWEETUNE! PLEASE BE SWEETUNE!
I hope it’s not BLSSD…
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Second the hope for sweetune! What’ s up with BLSSD? Im not very well-versed in producers..
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BLSSD…. *Ahem* *Ahem* Made Kim Sungkyu’s underwhelming I’m Cold and produced Golden Child’s trilogy which wasted like one year (two actually). Sweetune and Golden Child should collaborate to make more classic pop melodies…. The more the merrier!
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Ooooh. aha. Yep, they are not friends of mine either, then. Musically speaking of course :’) Thank you for the references!
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Lol, I actually enjoyed the BLSSD trilogy. He gave Golden Child a re-face without them losing their charms. Don’t forget, BLSSD was one of the producers of Infinite classics like Back, Wind and Destiny, he knows what he is doing, and he does it well.
Though I do agree that I’m Cold was a dud, but his sound does not fit Sungkyu’s voice that much.
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You’re right but all of his recent material….. sound similar to some extent… or maybe they are all just atmospheric.
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Actually, for the most part I felt uniqueness in the Golden Child trilogy. Agree that they all are atmospheric, but I think that helps them.
Wannabe: Uneven dance track highlighting instrumental production breakdowns.
Without You: Falsetto-driven groove-based track.
One: Experimental dance track with electronic, orchestral, and bass influences.
I enjoyed that each of the three was unique, but there was atmospheric consistency.
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I may not agree with your opinion of BLSSD but I will agree with your comment, Your points were amazing!
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Thank You!
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You won’t see me say that he’s bad at his job! I agree about the dark trilogy being a good way for Golcha to venture into a different concept- I don’t think the songs were bad, especially ONE. It’s just not to my personal taste, and that’s okay (:
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Agreed 🙂
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I am not feeling it. Its a fine song, well done enough but too average of an R&B song for my taste.
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Definitely suits my tastes more than most songs in this genre, but I can’t say if that is a good thing. For me, it means I enjoy this song moderately- I would not go out of my way to listen to it I guess.
Always enjoy Baekhyun’s singing, but I would not rate the song itself very high.
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I really liked the groove here. It was simple and relaxing. Now I do not think I will reach for this song on a daily basis, but absolutely not a skip. I would listen to it more if there was something more dynamic in the song. The song kind of stays on the same relaxed note for the whole song, and as much as I appreciate that, it might get boring after awhile. Baekhyun’s amazing vocals will always draw me in though. Who knows, it could be a grower?
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