The slow-burn success of H1-KEY’s Rose Blossom was one of the year’s most surprising (and deserved) stories, and the group has taken their time to deliver a follow-up. Time To Shine (불빛을 꺼뜨리지 마) arrives courtesy of the same composer (Hong Ji Sang) and offers a sprightlier sound than its predecessor.
This track forges an interesting blend of band and dance elements. It has the swelling arrangement of a rock song but the militant percussion of new jack swing. The mix works better than I would have expected, though its unexpected mash-up may not lead to the same chart success as Rose Blossom.
Once again, Time To Shine takes advantage of the girls’ vocals, delivering robust melodies right from the start. The transition from verse to chorus is especially nice, as strings add drama just when the song opens up. Touches like this give the track a nostalgic appeal, even if its overall effect isn’t quite as compelling as the group’s best work.
| Hooks | 8 |
| Production | 8 |
| Longevity | 8 |
| Bias | 8 |
| RATING | 8 |
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 
There is a little swerve that happens right at 1:36 for two measures that is beguiling.
The rest of it is fine, but needs a little more levity, more youthful energy. It feels heavy.
LikeLike
“…its unexpected mash-up may not lead to the same chart success as Rose Blossom.”
And it doesn’t need to, that would be SEOUL’s duty I guess. (the title track)
Though I’m so glad they do this. The lyrics are precious, and from the MV page there’s many Korean commenters too, so I hope the message can reach more people, resulted in more streams or awareness to title track and the EP next week 🙌
Hooks 8 (but Lyrics? 10!)
Production 8
Longevity for me? 7 but let’s see
Bias 9
LikeLiked by 2 people
One of those songs that sounds immediately incredible…. definitely getting onto my top 30 end-of-year list. WOW. H1-key have done it again. Gorgeous melodies. Solid 8.5 for me (๑･̑◡･̑๑)
LikeLike
I really like this song– not as much as “Rose Blossom” at first listen, but that’s fine. It’s lighter fare and it does its job as an album pre-release single, and its breeziness feels appropriate considering their recent success; the song sounds like a victory lap. I’m looking forward to the new EP, I think this signals good things to come.
LikeLiked by 2 people
This feels like an anime opening. H1-key is becoming one of my favorite kpop groups. I hope they can keep the string of good music going
LikeLiked by 2 people
I think the nostalgic touch that starts at 1:45 is what has stayed with me, even making me forget that the rest of the song isn’t that good.
LikeLike