2023 has already seen a ton of boy group debuts, and the stream keeps on coming. Many of these acts have introduced themselves with a pre-release, building anticipation before unveiling their title track. 82MAJOR has a few familiar faces, including participants from Fantasy Boys and Show Me The Money.
Sure Thing follows what I’d like to call the ‘boy group version of K-pop’s NewJeans-ification.’ It’s light — even inconsequential — pop rock that emphasizes vibe over bombast. We’ve heard quite a few tracks in this style, from BOYNEXTDOOR to POW. Sure Thing is a fine addition to the oeuvre, wafting along a sing-song melody that reminds me of classic YG Entertainment singles. The rap is well incorporated and the instrumental pulses on a steady beat that keeps the energy brisk and pleasant.
On its own, a song like Sure Thing doesn’t compel me to stand up and pay attention to 82MAJOR, but that doesn’t mean it’s a misstep. If the guys can find more exciting and unique material within this musical framework, we could have an exciting rookie on our hands.
| Hooks | 8 |
| Production | 8 |
| Longevity | 8 |
| Bias | 8 |
| RATING | 8 |
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 
I’m not sure any of them were on Boys Planet 😭 their member Yechan is the younger brother of P1Harmony’s Keeho, though.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ah, it seems that Lee Dong-gun *was* a member but isn’t any more. I’ll edit it.
LikeLike
some more jpop news: sexy zone and johnny’s west are changing their group names
LikeLike
Nooo!!!! I love The Sexy Zone. Its on my short list of best band name ever!
LikeLike
i mean, i do understand why they have to change it because… ya know… kitagawa
LikeLike
I’ve been following these kids for some 322-6865months now and I’m excited for their debut. They released two other tracks..”Illegal” and “Fire” which I love.
They caught my attention becasue the rappers are actually good, no I don’t know what they’re saying 😄 but their tones, flow, energy, and cadence have impressed me. This pre-release is okay, I’m hoping the totle track has more bite to it.
LikeLike
I don’t really hear the NewJeans comparison; this kind of reminds me more of the b-sides that often adorn singles, such as Enhypen’s Polaroid Love or STAYC songs like Young Luv. When I think of the NewJeans sound, I think of adventurous rhythmic choices in tunes like Ditto, ETA, Super Shy. I honestly haven’t heard anyone else replicate their sound, which I’m thankful for.
LikeLike
He’s not comparing them to NewJeans, but comparing the situation of a bunch of boygroups trying this kind of sound to the situation of girl groups trying the NewJeans sound. At least to my understanding!
LikeLike
That’s exactly it 🙂
I feel like there are parallel trends happening in the girl group/boy group worlds and — although they’re not identical — they feel comparable in some ways.
LikeLike
Hope this trend doesn’t go on for long. I can see the good points of it but it does nothing for me, particularly.
Can only pray ONF goes viral for Love Effect and boygroups try replicating That sound instead 🙏🏻
LikeLike
Is it just me or do I hear a mix of Coldplay’s “Viva La Vida” (or for younger listeners IVE’s recent “I Want”), Enhypen’s “Polaroid Love” and some Ricky Mongomery’s “This December”?!?! I don’t know if it’s one or all but I like it a lot. Most importantly, makes me look forward to their debut. Easy 8.5/10
LikeLike