H1-KEY have developed a nice niche of classic-sounding, melodic K-pop. Their songs play like comfort food, but they’re anchored by a robust set of vocals and detailed production. Seoul (Such A Beautiful City) continues this streak, even if much of it feels like a tourism CF. But really, doesn’t all K-pop exist as subconscious advertisement for Korea’s soft power?
More importantly, Seoul is driven by a sparkling blend of retro synths. This instrumental flourish, which opens the track and remains insistent throughout, is worth the price of admission alone. The sound and texture is so nostalgic and lends Seoul the wistful atmosphere it needs. Even when the track switches tempo for verse two, its sonic landscape remains focused and airy.
The song’s melodies don’t quite live up to the potential of the production, but I’d be remiss not to mention Seoul‘s splashy, emotional bridge. In pop music’s sub-three-minute streaming atmosphere, bridges can be hard to find. To Seoul‘s credit, the track takes its time and delivers a full course meal. The song ebbs and flows with ease, offering a suitable tribute to its titular mega city.
| Hooks | 8 |
| Production | 9 |
| Longevity | 8 |
| Bias | 9 |
| RATING | 8.5 |
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 
a good piece of ear bleach after that x:in song
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Another hit from H1-Key for me. I didn’t read this as a Seoul tourism ad. Not enough shots of the city (like in S.E.O.U.L. by Super Junior/Girls’s Generation).
I liked how this thematically fit with Time to Shine, with both songs about the struggle to succeed in a crowded field.
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I quite like this. I listened to H1-KEY after the first couple of episodes of Queendom Puzzle, and what they’ve put out so far (aside from their debut) seems to be settling into this melodic niche like you said which feels both somehow mature and yet bright, if that makes sense.
Also Nick, not sure if you’ll review Sejeong’s pre-release track Voyage which came out yesterday, but I heard it just now and was blown away. It feels like there’s Celtic? vibes to the instrumental, so refreshing to hear. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YicdhLdRcmo&t=243s
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I’m really enjoy it, there’s an elegance to whole thing.
To me it really doesn’t read as a tourism song, but rather intends to be an anthem for its residents.
The bridge is awesome, but I am enjoying it all as a whole.
I find H1-Key incredibly easy to like,
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I really like this group. They are building a following.
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The song is nice, I don’t the members names but I like the tone of the second singer. I’m not a fan of high pitch, cutesy tones and hers was really nice. I haven’t given them much attention but I did like their debut Athletic Girl.
Also, the video is really beautiful, the shots, the styling, no paradise diner or those brown and red steps. The styling was nice and overall just a really good video.
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Decent song.
The b-side is much better though!
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