It’s been about a year since Mamamoo returned as a full group, but the ladies have been keeping busy with solo projects. Now, they’ve debuted their first sub-unit. Mamamoo+ brings together Solar and Moonbyul. This release comes as a bit of a surprise, announced only days ago. Better is an inauspicious debut, opting for laid-back vibes rather than a fresh, dynamic sound.
This style of minimalist trap-pop feels slightly behind the trend, but it suits Mamamoo’s talents. Minus a super-strong melody, I’ve never been a big fan of this sound. There’s a fine line between chill, vibey music and a song that feels undercooked. Better has one sticky hook to its name, and it’s repeated often. I could see its chorus becoming an earworm, but the inert production doesn’t give it enough lift. This beat isn’t just subdued – it’s practically D.O.I.
Fortunately, Solar and Moonbyul bring plenty of vocal firepower to compensate for the sparseness of the instrumental. The harmonies sound great, delivering an airy texture that’s quite pleasant. It’s not enough to make Better stand out, but fans of this sound will enjoy getting lost in the soundscape. Way too much time is spent on Big Naughty’s rap verse, which feels too aggressively performed for such a laid-back track, and Better ends with a whimper instead of a bang. However, the song meets its modest ambitions. Even if I won’t be going back to it, I can imagine a playlist where this would work quite well.
| Hooks | 7 |
| Production | 6 |
| Longevity | 7 |
| Bias | 6 |
| RATING | 6.5 |
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 
Do they really need Big Naughty? Moonbyul is already a great rapper. What’s the purpose?
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I wanted a position swap with this unit. I wanted Solar rapping and Moonbyul full main vocal. That would have been fun and interesting. Plus debuting rapper Solar.
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MAMAMOO members can do anything but I love when they stick to their strengths. Solar’s power vocals, Wheein’s chilling harmony, Hwasa’s sultry delivery, and Moonbyul’s deep charismatic vocals and rap. Decalcomanie, their best song, understood this.
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Not my cup of tea. I usually find stuff like this to be uninspiring, and the downbeat aura this track has got bores me to tears. I’d rather go listen to Woodz’s stuff at any time, what’s more, he’s my number one k-pop soloist. Agree with the rating.
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WOODZ Slay!!
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can’t believe THIS is what mmm are releasing. 😭
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I express full solidarity with you!
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Classic mmm since 2019
It is hard to believe one of the biggest 3rd gen kpop acts get lost and not enjoyable
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“slightly behind trend” is the story of my whole adult life. Meh, whatev. As with this song.
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Hello Nick👋!
I was wondering how you feel about Rina’s latest single
At this point I’m pretty sure the album is definitely not gonna be like her debut album
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It’s definitely my least favorite of the four, but that probably says more about my ambivalence toward ballads than anything else…
I’m excited for the album! Apparently, those who have heard it said the best songs haven’t even been revealed yet 🙂
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Meh…just meh, the song is meh. Too mellow throughout the whole song
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Let’s hope their vehicle was being towed. Otherwise, I’m never hitching a ride with Solar.
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What are your thoughts on Youha’s album?
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