After two pre-releases with contrasting energies, boy group POW have finally made their official debut. Judging from their album’s highlight medley, last month’s Favorite (a grower!) sounded like the best they had to offer, leaving title track Dazzling as a curiously subdued pop track.
Of course, “subdued” is in vogue this year so I guess I shouldn’t be too surprised. Dazzling feels like a lazy Sunday morning — something to hear when you’re half-awake with nowhere in particular you need to be. It’s an easy listen, pulsing along a light, jazzy groove that never grows into anything more exciting. The melodies are warm and comforting, lacking any semblance of bite. That’s clearly what Dazzling is aiming for, so it’s hard to fault the song’s execution. However, I find it to be quite dull in an “in one ear, out the other” way.
It’s been an interesting rollout for POW, with each successive song becoming less engaging than the last.
| Hooks | 7 |
| Production | 7 |
| Longevity | 8 |
| Bias | 7 |
| RATING | 7.25 |
On-point review. It’s in high 7’s in my opinion, like it sounds pretty pleasing doesn’t it.
LikeLike
Very pleasing. It’s funny that — at least in my vocabulary — “pleasing” has become a criticism for many newer K-pop songs. I definitely want more than pleasing 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
My go-to word is usually “pleasant”.
This is pleasant.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I prefer their “subdued” material more than the rock-oriented songs, but this contrast and clash of sounds is what prevents me from liking the group fully. Pick one side, POW, and stick with it.
PS. I love the album art though.
LikeLike
The album art is fantastic!
LikeLike
Are yuour thoughts the same for the third track ‘Slow Dancing’?
LikeLike
Subdued, pleasant, light groove – give me something to sink my teeth into.
More passion!
More energy!
LikeLike
I don’t mind them showing everything they can do. Personally, I thought “Favorite” was amazing, “Amazing” was fun, and this one is such a mood lifter…I like it a lot!!!
LikeLike