Since her ambitious, sc-fi-themed debut, AleXa’s sound and concepts have swerved all over the place. Last time we heard from her, she let us know what she likes on her burger and fries. As cringy as Xtra’s lyrics could be, they succeeded in giving the track some character. When it comes to new single Tattoo, nothing really sticks out.
This song feels like the very definition of “generic.” Both the production and melody crib from hundreds of other tracks, refusing to bring anything new to the table. Don’t get me wrong – it’s not easy to reinvent pop music. The genre cannibalizes itself constantly. But, even twisting one element can result in a very fresh, compelling take on the sound. Tattoo plays things so middle-of-the-road that it practically fades into the background.
Given its English-language lyrics and L.A.-set music video, Tattoo feels like AleXa’s most globally-focused track yet. With that in mind, she’s going to run into a ton of similar-sounding competition. I think she’s up for the challenge, but not with material that hinges on a tired tattoo metaphor and a dull, predictable hook. The song just plods along in a straight line, failing to grab attention. AleXa does what she can to inject personality and is most successful when her phrasing accelerates to become more rhythmic. But even here, the final product is too glossy and pre-formed to allow any sense of emotional rawness to poke through. I’m pulling for AleXa to receive the ballsy material she deserves. After a promising debut year, it feels like her agency is just spinning its wheels.
| Hooks | 7 |
| Production | 7 |
| Longevity | 7 |
| Bias | 6 |
| RATING | 6.75 |
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 
Truth be told, if I ranked my 2021 year end list regardless of release year, SHINee “A-Yo” would be ranked surprisingly high. (B-side from the album with Lucifer on it.) It is an uncomplicated sing song sing-along.
Alexa “Tattoo” is just like that, except solo girl version promoted as a single instead of a beloved b-side, and sans the SHINee shine.
‘https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E4qus20GX90
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Have you checked out H1 Key’s “Athletic Girl” yet? It’s a new girl group debut that I found to be very interesting musically and conceptually…..
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It’s not bad! Not something I’d rush to hear again, but I appreciate some of the choices made.
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My big issue with the song comes from Sitala’s political controversy, which has nothing to do with the track. I enjoy the trap elements in the song though.
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Yes, I wanted to suggest it too. It reminds me highly of loona’s not friends.
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I agree with this. What drew me to Alexa in the first place was that dynamic sci-fi theme. I really loved Revolution! Maybe this is a pattern? Last year we had that nice but “I don’t remember the name now” song in January and then Xtra later. So maybe we will have the exciting cb later this year lol.
The small teaser at the end for the next song (hopefully) looks kinda cool. Fingers crossed! 😀
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I liked Bomb, then didint like the any of the others after that exepct for Xtra. I admire AleXa, but I wish she had stayed with the powerful but fun stuff.
There is hope though. In the description of the music video it says that this is the “human AleXa singings” so maybe when the universe focuses on her as an ai… robot? she will be back to the powerful stuff. Xtra was from her as a “human” though, so idk.
Speaking of female soloist though, are you going to be writing a review on Jeon Somi’s “Anymore” from her latest ep? It recently got a music video on December 25 2021
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wow i forgot to spellcheck
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I feel like Somi could have sung this song? Questionable lyrics aside, Xtra showed a lot more personality…
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Wait a second…
You gave that God awful GOT song a 7.5 but gave this one a 6.5?
You even gave Revolution a 7.25 even though it was at least a solid 8 – 8.5.
You just don’t like Alexa, you are extremely biased against her and it makes me sick.
This review site has lost all credibility.
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Deep breaths, my friend. Deep breaths. Find your zen. Think of a beautiful sunset or a cute puppy.
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LMAO 7.25 to 8 its not that far off. And its his opinion, open ur mind a little bit. AND I LOVE GOT SONG I GIVE IT 9/10 PERSONALLY, can u give me ur top song?
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Well, this goes right next to that BZ-Boyz song – I won’t mind if it pops up on a playlist but fairly unmemorable. I increasingly think AleXa would be better off as part of a group rather than a soloist. She’s got the charisma for a smaller group, is an amazing dancer, but she doesn’t really have the vocal chops to elevate material like this.
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I actually quite like this song. It’s refreshing since no song in K-Pop is quite chill. Yes it’s not very chill but like it’s on the slower side. The melody is very good and I think it’s a good song if you just wanna study or just relax on your bed!
Hooks: 9
Production: 8
Longevity: 9
Bias: 8
Rating: 8.5
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I actually quite like this song. It’s refreshing since no song in K-Pop is quite chill. Yes it’s not very chill but like it’s on the slower side. The melody is very good and I think it’s a good song if you just wanna study or just relax on your bed!
Hooks: 9
Production: 8
Longevity: 9
Bias: 8
Rating: 8.5
A good summer song although it’s not summer.
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Personally, I think this is her best song. Sure, it’s a bit basic and doesn’t have too much of a hook to it but the overall vibe of it keeps me captivated. I definitely prefer this vibe compared to the traditional edm-esque sound her company has her do. This song highlight’s AleXa’s vocal strengths, not doing much for her dance talents. The dance itself is kind of boring and the tiktok challenge her team made up for it is watered down and boring. Overall, I think the song didn’t really need a dance. The vocals are where it’s at and it’s a nice song to listen to either on a night drive or just chilling at night. It has that early 2000s chill ballad vibe to it.
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it’s likely that y’all are hearing a familiar “2000s sound” bc the melody is identical to jason mraz’s have it all and that song was used in a lot of western media upon its release.
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