Look, it’s been a rough year for K-pop tunes. I’ll take a banger wherever I can find one, and if that means approaching some glorified Pepsi jingle with great anticipation, so be it. Of course, I Want is no ordinary Pepsi jingle. We have IVE onboard for this one, and their upbeat, melodic music has been one of the year’s bright points.
I Want is a fairly straightforward affair, pulsing over a glossy, synth-powered dance beat and maintaining a sleek energy. I would have preferred more intensity to the groove, but that’s just not where we’re at with K-pop at the moment. Instead, the track is cool and aloof and pleasantly unambitious all the way through.
The most striking thing about I Want is that it feels like a song we’ve heard a dozen times before. Others have compared its melodies to Coldplay’s Viva La Vida or One Direction’s Night Changes. I hear shades of both, but more than a specific sample or interpolation, the song simply feels like it’s been designed by template. It’s plug-and-play corporate pop, enjoyable but completely uninterested in having a perspective of its own. I guess you can’t expect more from a CF, but I still miss IVE’s trademark drama and panache.
| Hooks | 8 |
| Production | 8 |
| Longevity | 9 |
| Bias | 8 |
| RATING | 8.25 |
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 
Both Viva la Vida and Night Changes are some of my favourite pop songs ever, but I don’ t really hear them here – unfortunately, because being more similar to those songs would probably make me like this one more.
As it is, I really miss oomph.
The singing sounds like they’ re bored and the beat feels flat and lifeless.
Even the fireworks at the end sound half-hearted.
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(I don’t hear them either.)
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OK now I hear it. the “I hear Jerusalem bells are ringing” line bears a good resemblance to the main line in this song. Though within the context of one being serious and this one being pop fluff, they quickly diverge.
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Aaaah now that you pointed it out I can hear it. It’s still kind of a stretch, I think.
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I think it must be me. I mean, another song this year which sounds wayyyy better at a faster clip. 1.1x is about perfect for this song.
Also, it repeats that one line way too much, a substantial counter line would lift the song immensely.
Also a faster speed.
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Okay, this is SO much better at 1.1x.
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(I actually prefer a little faster even, 1,15x -1.20x)
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I love the production but the melodies here are just not it, especially in the verses. it’s like a downgraded I AM.
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Finally one for me! I’m tired of these Coke songs. I drink Pepsi not Coke. 10/10 track. This is why IVE is the best. Of the drink brand songs, this one is my favorite.
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This song actually is really good and I like it. It sounds more like an advertisement is supposed to. Experience first and the Pepsi is along for the ride. That’s kind of just basic marketing but they do it really well here. IVE doesn’t make bad songs so its not really a surprise.
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An ear-pleasing, completely serviceable dance-pop radio fare. Can’t say anything else.
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I couldn’t put my finger on where I’ve hear that melody before. Probably because I haven’t listened to either of those songs in a while. Regardless, the song is a fun radio bop. I ain’t mad at it
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When it comes to Pepsi CF, Infinite set the bar too high
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