Review

Buried Treasure: Cosmic Girls (WJSN) – New Me

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Cosmic Girls (WJSN) - New MeA K-pop group’s title track isn’t always the best song on their album, even if it’s the one most people will hear. Sometimes, b-sides deserve recognition too. In the singles-oriented world of K-pop, I want to spotlight some of these buried treasures and give them the props they deserve.

WJSN have released yet another strong mini album, though I fear they’re beginning to drift from that spacey synth sound I love so much about their music. Of course, they have every right to do this. It’s been over five years since their debut, and every group needs to change eventually. But, my selfish side longs for another I-Yah.

There are several songs on this album that could have been chosen as buried treasures, though none of them totally knocked me out. The synth-fueled New Me comes closest, despite having a more subdued energy than many of the other tracks. So many groups nowadays are riffing on 80’s synth textures, but often they just throw that ornamentation over a standard K-pop track and call it a day. But, New Me is all about its synth-driven beat. In fact, without the instrumental I don’t think the song would be nearly as impressive.

That’s not to take away from the girls themselves, who give a much more compelling and nuanced performance here than on title track Unnatural. I especially love the rap verses, which trigger a stripped-back arrangement that perfectly spotlights their charismatic delivery. New Me’s chorus has a gorgeous, harmonized sound as well, though I think the melody could be a bit stronger. Still, with all those satisfying synth flourishes anchoring the track, there’s no way it could fail. And just when you think New Me is over, it comes roaring back for one final, fade-out salvo. If WJSN are intent on growing their sound, I think this is a great template to follow.

 Hooks 8
 Production 9
 Longevity 9
 Bias 8
 RATING 8.5


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10 thoughts on “Buried Treasure: Cosmic Girls (WJSN) – New Me”

  3. WJSN really do pull off this throwback r&b sound well, I might like this more than You Got

    speaking of full8loom, are you going to review the theme song they made for the new season of Produce 101 Japan?

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    • that’d be nice but i don’t see it happening. ITZY did a track with SOPHIE (24 hrs) and it was cool but the original SOPHIE track is waaaayyy better (Sweet nSour w Lola Blanc).

      i would def like to see some hyperpop/PC Music-type track in Kpop.
      I think WJSN would be a great group to try it out but I think it’s going to come from a younger group!

      Lipstick by NCT 127 from their new Japanese Loveholic EP dips is kinda future pop-y, but much darker and drill-inspired (like a less complex Arca). It doesn’t have that bubbly androgyny that I love so much about hyperpop.

      Maybe if Charli XCX has a real hit, we’ll see it crossover haha.


      love this Dante Red track that does a nice hyperpop/trap blend…

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  5. I like this song but I think “Last Dance” is my b-side fav from Unnatural. I was really impressed by their performance during their showcase and I’m glad they’re also performing it on music shows. I love goofy orchestra trap&b hybrid’s.
    It sounds crisp and their voices sit in flattering registers.

    “New Me” is great. I love hearing a more downtempo take on the retro trend. They sound great and Exy’s rap is a stand-out for sure.

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    • I prefer Last Dance, too! Love the verses, really nice vocals on the prechorus. Funny enough the chorus is the least interesting part of the song for me.

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  6. So far i love pretty much every song except for the title track. New me and Super Moon have hooked. These songs are retro but still spacey, just how i like my wsjn songs.

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