Halfway through their solo Underground Idol series, OnlyOneOf have reunited as a full group for their first original Japanese single. I imagine Zurui Onna as an interlude. Or, maybe it’s just another excuse for the guys to dance around with their shirts off. Whatever the case, it’s an inauspicious move into a market that should be ripe for their daring lore and high-concept releases.
J-pop is too vast and diverse to funnel into a few keywords, but Zurui Onna has a very specific sound that K-pop idols often pursue when breaking into the Japanese market. It’s more lyrical and melodic, but in a way that’s almost understated. The focus isn’t placed upon one big centerpiece or memorable point move. The melody stretches and glides, just out of reach. The song is catchy enough, but I wouldn’t call it hooky. It’s like a beautiful vase sitting on the shelf. You can look, but don’t touch.
This is all to say that Zurui Onna is… fine. It’s not a particularly interesting OnlyOneOf song, nor does it harness any of their most idiosyncratic attributes (shirtlessness aside, of course). It’s nice to hear their individual voices more clearly, and the instrumental offers a satisfying sense of build and payoff. But, too much of the song plays like a straight line, weaving safely along J-pop tropes without the thrilling bumps in the road that characterize the group’s best work. It’s also a bit slow and reserved for a dance track. For me, Zurui Onna should have been built around the cool, muted saxophone that emerges during its dance break. That’s the kind of beguiling hallmark I always love to hear from OnlyOneOf.
**EDIT: it’s come to my attention that this is actually a cover of a 90’s song! This doesn’t change my feelings about OnlyOneOf’s version, but it definitely explains its slightly old-fashioned style.
| Hooks | 7 |
| Production | 8 |
| Longevity | 8 |
| Bias | 8 |
| RATING | 7.75 |
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 
This song is just amazing. While it certainly doesn’t have the technical supremacy J-pop tracks ought to possess. In my opinion, this one is transcending those technicalities with the group’s soothing vocals, the alternative R&B-jazz fusion blend is impeccable and I think it fits perfectly with the rich alternative music scene in Japan, so much that I think this song just stands out from even the major Japanese releases this year. I’m really biased for OnlyOneOf, and I hate to say it but we’ll never get another revolutionary alternative music group adjacent to the pop scene in Asia anytime soon.
Albeit being a rendition of the popular Sharam Q, this song built upon the strengths of the OG and transcends the message to a dreamy, nirvana state. This is just a very good song. High 8s or even 9 for me.
At this point, OOO will be my personal Artist of the Year.
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It seems a little timid at first but ends pretty satisfyingly. I think it will have some staying power. It’s swirly and a little sparkly for them.
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It’s pleasant. “bye bye arigatou sayonara” is catchy. I would describe this as “OnlyOneOf does GFriend/Lovelyz” and “pastel OnlyOneOf.” Would put this in my “Purity” playlist.
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I don’t have much thoughts for the songs besides like instrumental part at the end.
Unrelated but I thought Da-ice’s new song is quite lovely and wanted to know if you had any thoughts on it. https://youtu.be/YB_St-YN3Y8
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The song’s alright but it’s on the better side of alright. It’s still definitely got that OnlyOneOf sound and vibe to it. Not bad
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I found out they covered a Japanese song from 1995!! Here’s the original if you’re curious: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Se8TWSGLVKk&ab_channel=LuckStaPosse
I did feel like this sounded Very Japanese, but I couldn’t really put my finger on it… this explains it–it IS a Japanese song LOL
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I love OOO, but to me this looked and sounded joyless. I guess I got used to the warmth and color in their solo projects.
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