In a funny bit of global pop synergy, we’ve got will.i.am and Britney’s Mind Your Business followed days later by ITZY’s None Of My Business. These songs have nothing in common, but I like to imagine them in conversation with each other. ITZY’s new album isn’t out until next week, making None Of My Business another pre-release taster before the main course.
The best thing I can say about this song is that it makes for a nice showcase for ITZY’s vocals. They sound good on the track, singing in a more comfortable register over a subdued trap-pop beat. We often conflate the group with big, brash pop music, but there’s certainly a lane for them to go more reserved and moody — especially if they bring the vocal harmonies.
Unfortunately, JYP Entertainment continues their great 2023 struggle to find decent songs. I’m not sure what’s going on with their A&R team, but apart from a single here and there, the agency’s music has waffled between boring and obnoxious. None Of My Business edges closer to the former, recalling recent efforts from Twice sub-unit Misamo. There’s nothing offensive or unlikeable about the track, but it’s a hazy, lazy summer effort that doesn’t really go anywhere. The song revolves around the same musical idea across its three and a half minute, lacking melodic dynamism. It’s a pleasant vibe, but nothing I’d come rushing back to.
(On a related note, I’m chuckling at the thumbnail they chose for the music video (also posted as the main image for this review), because it’s pretty emblematic of my feelings toward the song…)
| Hooks | 7 |
| Production | 8 |
| Longevity | 8 |
| Bias | 7 |
| RATING | 7.5 |
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 
i’m just glad it’s listenable because if i’ve learned anything from album snippets, it’s that the whole song 90% of the time is not as good as the snippet alone. (i’m lookin at you ASAP and Party O’ Clock)
LikeLiked by 2 people
I feel you so much here, I felt really excited for ASAP and Party O’Clock as my new summer songs to listen and then… Well. They’re not bad but they’re not what I’ve expected from the snippets😭this happens to me almost every time
LikeLike
From the teaser, every single song sounded promising except for Cake. Even just a snippet of that was too cloying and reminiscent of Sneakers.
LikeLike
it’s a serviceable pop tune that’s bound to fade into the ether in a few days… i will say lia’s cute little rap verse does inject some much needed attitude to a somewhat sterile track!! i just can’t believe that jyp is making them do these boring and subdued tracks when itzy is best when they’re bold and brash.
LikeLike
their A&R team needs to get it together because their musical decline is just tragic. my only thoughts for this song is that the instrumental sample/the “nananananana” melody sounds familiar but I can’t quite figure out which song it is.
LikeLike
I enjoy it very much but I also enjoy Bet On Me and Do Not Touch a lot. The songs might not be anything new but they are good songs. Sometimes that’s enough right?
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s still mind boggling to me that this is the group that debuted with the triple punch of Dalla Dalla, Icy, and Wannabe. Aside from Voltage, nearly every song/single they’ve put out post-Wannabe just oscillates between pleasantly dull and obnoxiously grating. Twice’s team still manages to come through the majority of the time even 9 years into their career, but Nmixx and ITZY’s teams feel like they aren’t even trying on the music front. What a waste of potential.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Way too harsh.
This is probably the bedt Itzy song since Wannabe.
LikeLiked by 1 person
The NewJeansification (of everything?) continues.
LikeLike
I think either this song or Bet on Me would have been a better choice for a title track than Sneakers 2.0, I mean, Cake.
LikeLike
Meh.
LikeLike
The way ITZY is always closely viewed by kpop stans under a microscope needs to be studied. This is a good song, but because it’s not WANNABE 5.0 = boring release from them.
LikeLike
Ear-pleasing, but totally dull and uninteresting. Itzy are going through a really severe musical decline..
LikeLike
Definitely a bit of a letdown again 😦 thought they would come back at least a bit after Cheshire
Would definitely love to see another A-Z K-pop series maybe focusing on a girl group with a strong run like veterans 2NE1 or SNSD!
LikeLike