As a massive fan of K-pop’s summery tracks, I’ve been waiting for my song of summer to arrive. Usually, the month of June gives us one or two future classics, but we’ve yet to hear anything that competes with past years. So, when the highlight medley for VIVIZ’s new mini album dropped, my spirits instantly rose. A fully summer-themed project with a classic K-pop sound? Yes, please!
Loveade scratches my summer itch, but just barely. There’s a ton of squandered potential here, even if the general vibe is fun and fresh. In the song’s plus column is its bubbly instrumental, bounding along bright synths and an addictive groove. I love the percussion, which forgoes trendy hi-hats for a more dynamic set of textures.
But here’s the problem: Loveade never really does anything. From arrangement to vocal performance, the entire song is weirdly reserved. VIVIZ sound disinterested, but I think most of this is due to the post-production, which smooths out any character. The synths feel desperate to break into full-on Sistar Shake It bombast, but they’re never given a chance. Instead, Loveade bops along with an almost monotonous energy. It’s one of the strangest contrasts I’ve heard this year. All the ingredients are here for a knockout summer track. It’s as if the producers were intent on shaving off anything that might make the song memorable. Instead, we’ve got a decent melody and a strong (if sterilized) instrumental with nowhere to go. It feels like the shadow of a much more exciting single.
Hooks | 8 |
Production | 8 |
Longevity | 8 |
Bias | 8 |
RATING | 8 |
Loveade has some really nice sounds, but I do think the production could’ve been pushed more. I don’t even think the underlying melody needs to change too much since there is a bit of pull there, but the backbone instrumental is lacking or too unambitious.
Obligatory Love Love Love as the “b-side that should have been the TT” though I’m sure someone will disagree. I think the melodies and hook on that song are way stronger, plus the pronounced bounce and beat just feels so much more exciting.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I agree – also the vocals are pitched so high there is no way I see them singing this live. The B-sides are better, especially Love Love Love which they sang at the showcase.
LikeLiked by 3 people
they just sang it live…
LikeLike
Also please cover H1-Key’s comeback – their B-side Heart Light might be THE song of the summer in my opinion. It scratches every possible summer itch.
LikeLike
Oh gosh! I can’t agree more, Heart Light was the standout track of their mini album for me…and is certainly my summer song for 2022. It’s been played a lot over the last 6 hours in my house…it’s addictive and just such a bop. I’ve gone through a cycle of knowing nothing about H1-KEY this morning, to seeing some tweets about them, to absolutely loving the group and their songs by this afternoon.
LikeLike
reminds me of oh my girl’s bungee (especially with everyone singing in a high pitch) idk why but this is exactly what appeals to me as a k-pop listener
at least an 8.75 rating from me and i can see the rating go higher once im familiar with the song
LikeLike
I expected A LOT more from their first comeback. As Nick has said, Viviz sound completely disinterested and exhausted during the song. Rather than opt for a big, energetic arrangement, it focuses on its moody, subdued atmosphere. Low-8’s for me probably, though I don’t think I’ll be listening to this often, except for rainy/cloudy days.
LikeLike
as everyone is saying, this song feels too restrained from reaching its potential. ratings just about right
LikeLike
Idk maybe I just have different vocal taste but I quite love the sistar esque instrumentals with their airy vocal tone – I think it’s a nice middle ground of not super easy listening but also not a party anthem. Fills a niche that I enjoy listening to
LikeLike
I actually Like this song, big L. Something about it, especially the chorus, reminds me a girl version of Astro Crazy Sexy Cool. Also that it is sung through with no distracting obligatory rap sections, and a sung bridge too. It seems like the ladies also like their own song, it suits them and isn’t put upon them. Maybe closer to mid’8 for me.
Yes, high, like Banana Allergy Monkey high.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I certainly can understand the negative opinions on this song but I think it’s great!
LOVEADE goes for lightweight, jittery, shimmering bop instead of summer anthem and I actually think the girls get away with it.
The fact that the more grounded, robust b-sides on the album complement the song also helps enjoying it. Love Love Love & #Flashback are ace.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Definitely agree that it feels weirdly restrained, with something just feeling like its missing. But I may still enjoy the song for what it is, but its a different kind of summer vibe than I was hoping for.
Excited to listen to the mini later, the highlight medley sounded pretty good!
LikeLike
The song sounds monotonous to me. It didn’t convince me at first, it’s as if I was waiting for something to happen, but it never does. However, I like their proposal, maybe I will like “loveade” more after hearing it a few more times. I’m listening to their mini, some bsides stand out more than the title, as it happens with most of the releases nowadays.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I initially thought this song was a 9. Then I realized that the only reason I liked it so much was because the chorus had a melody, and it actually sounded like the rest of the song. My standards have been destroyed.
LikeLike
I was expecting the song to build and was kinda disappointed that it didn’t. However, not all songs need to be big and I’m not gonna let my desire for a big summer anthem get in the way of my enjoyment of the track. I really like the melodies throughout and thought the rap was fun.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Not every song needs high energy
Summer is not only about parties
I’ll rate this higher, closer to 9 than to 8
LikeLike
Incredibly, this “monotonous” song feel more refreshing than your typical
Chorus+ “Im the baddest” bi rap section+ dubstep/trap dance breakdown+ high note near the end
Kpop song
LikeLike
Not feeling this one, my personal rating is probs 7.5
LikeLike
I think one of strong/weak point of Viviz is the straightforwardness. They never really had that twist and turn hooks/songs, which at times can be dull if the production doesn’t justify it. The problem here, the arrangement limits the song to give the chorus a climax it deserves by giving same key to the girls from beginning to end. It can be an okay song, but I don’t know why they produce it that way.
LikeLike
Their voices are kinda shrill at points but the song is pretty cute. Not something I would listen to regularly.
LikeLike
I feel like one problem I have other than the instrumental being unwilling to go ham is at times they’re just constantly singing in that really high register which can grate over period of time
LikeLike
Try give the bside “Love Love Love” a listen. Personally find it better than the title track
LikeLike
As a group they don´t quite get me but i love this song! it´s a 8.70 for me.
LikeLike
I’ve been trying to understand why this song hits the right spots but at the same time it doesn’t. I quite like the first part of the chorus and instrumental even though it could go a little harder, especially at the end. However, I think the verses and especially the overly long “i love it ice loveade” section end up killing the song’s momentum. It’s a weird song for me because its chorus is both the high point of the song and one of the low points. We’ll see how it ages, I guess.
LikeLike
The bridge breakdown is really fun!
LikeLike