We last heard from Cignature in late 2021 when their title track Boyfriend opted for familiar “Top 40” pop tropes that could have been pulled from any global music market. New single Aurora (오로라) returns to a more quintessentially K-pop sound, offering a straightforward take on the bubbly energy that fueled past comebacks like Arisong and ASSA.
Your experience with Aurora will likely hinge on your feelings about chirpy, truncated melodies. The song’s verses are filled with these cutesy sing-talk moments. It’s not a style I’m very fond of, but there are moments when Aurora takes flight. After a fitful verse, the pre-chorus sweeps in with renewed focus and drive. If the entire song sounded this way, we could have a real standout on our hands. Unfortunately, the track reverts to chirpy hooks for its boisterous chorus. I like how the instrumental fleshes out here, and the melodies are certainly catchy. But, the constant rounding up of the vocal lines results in an affected aegyo that doesn’t fulfill the potential of the pre-chorus.
Similarly, Aurora’s verses have a difficult time crafting a consistent energy. The second verse is particularly frustrating, slowing to a crawl before shifting key for a few high notes. It’s a shame, because there’s a lot to like about this song. Even with its incessant aegyo tropes, the chorus is strong and memorable. At its best, Aurora delivers a bright blast of feelgood pop that’s well-targeted to these cold winter months. I’d love to see Cignature build on its strengths for their next comeback.
Hooks | 8 |
Production | 7 |
Longevity | 8 |
Bias | 8 |
RATING | 7.75 |
Grade: C+
I actually appreciate how long the pre-chorus and chorus is. I also don’t think there were too many tempo changes, and I hate tempo changes so I would talk crap about it if I found it to be an issue here.
Overall it’s cute and pleasant enough for what it is.
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It sounds like a Twice leftover circa 2019.
If this perkiness is your kind of thing, great.
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I’m glad they had a comeback! Boyfriend was great and this feels like they picked up right where they left from “Nun Nu Nan Na”. I don’t think I’ve ever disliked a title from this group.
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its alright. the aurororora hook might grow on me, but the rest of the song sounds cute if imperfect
anyway, there’s going to be ANOTHER AI group debuting next week called MAVE:, with four members
finally eternity’s little sisters can step onto the spotlight 🥰🥰🥰
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I don’t even know how to feel about that
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I wish this song was pitched down lower some of the highest notes are unpleasant to listen to. I’ve never been a fan of jeewon’s voice and I’m not sure what Chloe and dohee are adding, viva and ye-A brought more vocally. At the end of the day, I’m glad they had a comeback, I really thought boyfriend was going to be their last track
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I like this track much better than their last comeback. Couldn’t even tell you what the title of that one was I disliked it so much. Getting back to their quirky selves can’t be a bad thing. Now if Weeekly would just listen to how to get back to some semblance of their original sound….
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I’m a sucker for bright concepts, and this one should definitely suit me. Unfortunately, it doesn’t. Way too saccharine for me. The “aurororora” hook seemed pretty obnoxious, ngl. As for the rating, low-7’s at best (8,6,8,7).
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Me at 1st listen: this is so dated, C9 are going to disband them, aren’t they?
Me 3 days after release: hey, it’s cute! Like late 3rd gen cute, isn’t it?
Me after a week: “AU-RO-RO-RO-RA, AU-RO-RO-RA”. But they gonna disband anyway.
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