K-pop teasers can be deceptive if you’re not paying close attention. Take a look at the visual teasers for Yesung’s new comeback and you might expect a gritty punk rock track. I’d love to hear him tackle something like this – a song that gives his strong vocals more bite. But beyond the visuals, it became clear that Small Things was going to be a more subdued affair. The track fits snugly within Yesung’s discography, but its laidback vibe doesn’t do much for me.
It’s hard to write negatively about Small Things. It’s a very pleasant track, worthy of Yesung’s considerable talent. Its chorus is memorable from the start and the arrangement evokes the feeling of being in some small, smokey indie rock club. Small Things establishes a sense of intimacy that gives weight to its modest ambitions. Yesung brings plenty of texture to his performance, utilizing the breathier side of his voice to great effect.
Yet, apart from being a chill soundtrack around the house, there’s nothing about Small Things that compels me to listen again. During the doldrums of winter, I’m looking for music to sweep me into another world. Instead, Small Things reinforces the drowsy chill of the season. If that’s your thing, it’ll make a solid addition to this month’s sparse K-pop slate. But as refined as the song may be, there’s not enough dynamism to keep my rapt attention.
| Hooks | 8 |
| Production | 7 |
| Longevity | 7 |
| Bias | 7 |
| RATING | 7.25 |
Grade: C
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 
Admit it, you only reviewed this one because it is the only one to review for the rest of the week. … .. Unless you actually have plans to review the MAVE or XG debuts.
I can’t be bothered with teasers, even the ones posted all over the ELF facebook pages I follow.
This one is fits squarely within Yesung’s whole gestalt and his previous work. Its his sixth full or EP release, so he has an established sound.
Rating is about right.
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I *might* do MAVE or XG tomorrow since there’s nothing coming out until TXT in the evening.
But… yeah… I can’t say I was super enthused over writing about this one! 😅
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LMAO, call him out!
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and the whole kpop industry for a lack of releases, any releases this month. Where is everyone?
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This January is worse than last for this boy group fan. Thank God for WayV, Japanese dance-pop, these anonymous but prolific SK bossa-jazz groups that literally put out an album every other week, and D’Allant who made a very good Korean city-pop album last year. Also, rock band Cardi is pretty cool.
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On a side note, TXT’s second teaser for “Sugar Rush Ride” just dropped and uh….
What happened to the funk we heard in the album teaser?
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You know how deceiving txt’s teasers can be! (looking at you blue hour)
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I felt similarly. The song is definitely a pleasant listen, and save for one track there wasn’t a song that I disliked on the album. But there was only one that captured my attention enough that I added to my playlists on the first go around, and it was not this one (it was “Mermaid”). It’s a great album to have on in the background while concentrating on other things, which is all well and good because sometimes that’s what I’m looking for. But I don’t think I’ll be seeking it out for active listening much.
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why don’t you just review xg i’m sure more people will be interested in that lmao
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I thought it was nice, very pleasant. These chills songs fit the winter mood for me so it’s acceptable.
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