It’s full steam ahead on the ‘aespa-conquers-international-markets’ ship with the release of another English-language single following last year’s Life’s Too Short. Earlier this year, they also dropped the Tetris-interpolating Hold On Tight — their best non-Korean track to date. I definitely underrated it back in March.
Better Things isn’t as creative, but it’s a charming little earworm that does no harm to the group’s burgeoning legacy. Apart from a rhythmic switch-up during the bridge, the song finds a nice, shuffling groove and luxuriates in its soundscape for three and a half minutes. The structure feels more cyclical than climactic, though additional percussion during the climax ends things with a punch.
The charm of Better Things lies in its ebb and flow, especially the ascending melodies during the pre-chorus. The song’s central hook feels dangerously close to novelty in its constant repetition, but the ladies sell it well. A few nice vocal highlights pop up during verse two, offering a peek at the group’s power. Beyond this, I’m not sure Better Things is a great (or even accurate) starting point for uninitiated listeners. It plays things very middle-of-the-road, which isn’t exactly what I’d expect from aespa.
| Hooks | 8 |
| Production | 8 |
| Longevity | 8 |
| Bias | 8 |
| RATING | 8 |
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 
I just listened to it . I still haven’t grasp it well but it’s good for now. I like the aespa part in the lyrics , that was bad ass . I need to listen to it without the mv to actually get it . I’ll be back 😉
LikeLike
Yep , it’s a nice song , nothing special . I only come back for the Aespa (lyrics mentioning them) part of the song . They have Hold On Tight to beat , it’s too good😭
LikeLike
I like it but it doesn’t scream aespa to me. whoever is picking their English songs (SM? Warner?) should give us more Hold On Tight and less Life’s Too Short
LikeLiked by 4 people
Pretty casual song for me, maybe a beach road trip song. 7/10
But no way in hell are they going to top Hold On Tight for the rest of their careers for me
LikeLiked by 1 person
I was surprised how much I liked this! It is a bit repetitive but in the same catchy earwormy way that blew Cupid up to massive international proportions over the last year. I could see them doing well with it, and even if it isn’t very idiosyncratic of their sound the instrumental has just enough personality to it to make it a fun listen in my book.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I kept seeing those modern American girl groups vs kpop girl groups on twitter saying how they wish kpop gg’s should make these mid-tempo r&b tracks and lo and behold Aespa did exactly that! It’s fun and perfect for the lazy afternoon summer. I love the lyrics too, especially the Aespa big girls making money part.
LikeLike
I actually really like the breezy vibe and the movement in this one. Does it strike me as overly aespa? No, other than in the lyrics of the bridge (not all about that, though I love how it sounds). But that’s okay, because I haven’t liked very much of their music so far, and it’s nice to enjoy their music for a change. Hold On Tight is epic and untouchable for me thus far, but this will find a happy home on my summer time playlist. Kinda wish it was a Korean language release and not all in English.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Girls Capitalism > Better Things > Slay > Bubble
LikeLike
It’s fine.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Aespa has definitely released better things.
LikeLike
I loved this one from the first listen. Such a beautiful song.
LikeLike
Super chill and forgettable?
Really odd because Welcome to My World was also slower, but it at least was compelling.
And what’s with their English songs always being about choosing not to care about something? “Life’s too short”, “Got better things to do with my time”
I guess their surprisingly hot streak (Tetris, WtMW, Spicy) had to end at some point, but maybe since this is an English track it doesn’t count?
LikeLike
The MV aesthetics and styling was everything. I wish they had saved that effort for a Korean release. I hope their next song will be like that, MV wise. Considering the teasers were aespacore, I expected something more hard-hitting. This is a bit too calm. It’s nicely produced though. Would be great for promoting at American Festivals.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Didn’t realize the whole song was in English till reading the review. I just thought it was the chorus….
Anywho, love the addicting groove and the hook got me the first time around. Also the water dance scenario is the video is gorgeous
LikeLike
I cannot be the only one who thinks this one sounds like a glorified NewJeans song.
I mean that in a good way ✌🏻😬
LikeLike
I like that sultry part where one of them goes like I~. It has a very good message and you can tell they have a little sass with some of the lyrics
LikeLike