Sexy Zone’s The Highlight was one of my favorite albums of 2022… in any genre. And, the group knows exactly what they’re doing with its follow-up — aptly titled “Chapter II.” They’ve revisited many of the successful sounds from last year to great success. After just one listen, I’ve already got multiple standouts.
This approach informs Purple Rain, which plays as a sonic sequel to last year’s excellent Forever Gold. It even shares the same songwriters! The guys comb the 80’s for another synth-pop workout. Forever Gold‘s crown is safe for now, but I’m delighted to hear Sexy Zone continue to lean into their strengths.
From the song’s opening synthwave riff, you know you’re in for a good time. This production is supported by strong melodies that ride the beat with a comfortable ease. This continues into the chorus — an earworm if I’ve ever heard one! There’s no way this hook won’t be lodged in your brain for days to come. It’s insanely catchy but not overly gimmicky. If I have one small complaint, it’s the song’s heavy-handed use of vocal effects. There are moments where the vocoder works well, but much of the vocal arrangement feels weirdly compressed. Sexy Zone have such distinctive tones, and I hate to hear them smothered by overly aggressive filters. I’m sure I’ll get used to this in time, but these choices constrain the track and forfeit some of the energetic punch that made Forever Gold such a triumph.
| Hooks | 9 |
| Production | 8 |
| Longevity | 9 |
| Bias | 10 |
| RATING | 9 |
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 
Love the title! like the song, small ell.
I mean, as someone who lived through the 80’s the first time around these city pop – 80’s retro sounds are lesser pastiches of the originals. The verse beat sounds like “Maniac” – another one, add to list. The chorus sounds like a lesser single from a lesser 80’s band like a Scritti Politti or Breathe or Johnny Hates Jazz or such.
I do appreciate that someone found an original DX7 synth, or a modern synth that emulates that button setting. Maybe even a vintage beat box, or a modern plug in that emulates the same.
A lesser Johnny Hates Jazz single, for the kids here
‘https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j3BLHd3fT_c
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There are two things I would love to see.
First, for K-pop to adapt J-pop’s constant quality.
Second, I would love if J-pop artists started posting their music in Spotify. It’s literally the only reason I can’t get into the genre.
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Unobtanium!
And for me, only a special subset of jpop is on youtube or itunes, and those are my access points.
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just do the way of robbie rotten
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It’s a crime against humanity that their music isn’t on Spotify for me to stream 800 million times. This song is so good.
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