Review

Song Review: Wonho – Crazy

Wonho - CrazyWonho continues to be one of K-pop’s most consistent soloists, taking the reigns of his career by co-composing his work. This gives his music a sense of authenticity, but not the kind of “sit in the corner of a coffee shop with your guitar” authenticity that often colors our idea of a singer-songwriter. You can tell Wonho likes being a pop star and enjoys the sound of pop music.

All of his title tracks have been solid, but new single Crazy is his strongest since last year’s Lose. It certainly boasts one of his most irresistible grooves. The production is crisp and exciting, melding an elastic bassline to evocative synth textures and a Beat It style guitar riff. Wonho’s vocal may lack the presence to make this a legendary effort, but he’s got a natural sense of rhythm that effortlessly rides the dynamic track. Everything feels so taut and intentional. No needless breakdowns or meandering pre-choruses here.

Crazy’s hook is effective, tracing the guitar line with a simple melody that sticks instantly. The song misses the opportunity to go bigger, and would have improved with a more robust refrain at its center. But, I love the spoken-word post-chorus. This rap also opens the song, with its warped vocals and rapid-fire delivery. For a track this rhythmic, these melodies must echo the instrumental’s drive and energy. By slowing down and speeding up his performance, Wonho ensures Crazy never grows boring. It’s early days, but I wouldn’t be surprised if this ends up being my favorite track in his discography.

Hooks 8
 Production 10
 Longevity 9
 Bias 9
 RATING 9

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16 thoughts on “Song Review: Wonho – Crazy

  1. It feels like Wonho saved the entire k-pop industry with this comeback. The song is great, and I can already hear myself humming it 25/8. After the first listen, the melody seemed to be lacking fullness for me, but now I’m totally in love with the track.
    Rating is about right.

    Liked by 2 people

  2. Wonho, the most consistent kpop performer these days. OK, Dreamcatcher is on that short list too, but Wonho releases twice as often. Solid pop song, sounds like him, right in his style, builds his oeuvre. For me, this one is somewhere in the upper-middle of the pack of his releases.

    Sometimes we demand our songs to color outside the lines. And sometimes it is fine if a song colors inside the lines well and neatly and nicely. How many songs did the Beach Boys do about surfing and girls and cars? About four or five years’ worth, and it is the core part of their brand to the very day. They still tour on it to this day.

    So, well done, WonHo, once again.

    Liked by 5 people

  3. I remember initially having no idea what to expect musically out of Wonho as a soloist. Now, we’re at the point where he has effectively delivered some of my favourite Kpop singles of the past two years.

    The dude is such a reliable purveyor of hits and it’s amazing to see him continue to do what he does best and further refining his already irresistable sound in the process.

    Like

  4. Open Mind is still my favorite Wonho title track, probably because, as not a fan of Monsta X’s Korean releases, I had no idea what he would sound like solo and was pleasantly surprised. This is pleasant, too. Good for him for finding his niche.

    Liked by 1 person

  5. I think it’s a very well made track for sure. There was definitely a lot of thought put into it, which is surprisingly rare nowadays.

    Still, I don’t think I like it as much as everyone else seems to. It’s definitely better than most songs that’s been released but it’s not one I would put on repeat or listen on my own. It’s personal taste more than anything.

    Liked by 1 person

  6. I’ve never been a fan, but this song delivers. Man it is a gourmet feast after being asked to survive on gruel. He’s confident, knows what he’s aiming at and delivers it with professional polish. Water in a desert I guess.

    Liked by 1 person

  7. I love all of wonho’s song but his vocals tend to leave me wanting more. Like he’s not a bad vocalist at all, but I wish he’d really attack the melodies sometimes. This song has a great groove, probably my favorite of any of his songs

    Liked by 1 person

    • I agree with wanting Wonho to really attack the vocals more. But the songs are so good that I’ll forgive it.

      I still think “Lose” is his best (to this day, I am still playing it a lot) but this isn’t too far behind. Wonho has been consistent and good and I think I might just be a fan

      Like

  8. I was skeptical when Wonho annouced solo debut. But man I’m happy he did debut solo, this man just serves some of the best solo content ever!

    Like

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