Two things immediately caught my attention about Heejin’s Algorithm. First, a pre-release article mentioned the song taking influence from such 80’s luminaries as Madonna, Cyndi Lauper and (yes, my queen of all pop queens) Janet Jackson. Second, the track is co-written by Yi Saebom, who gave us this incredible 80’s pastiche in 2020.
Most fans will be more excited about Algorithm because it comes from Heejin herself — former LOONA member and upcoming member of ARTMS. And honestly, this sounds more like LOONA than any of those 80’s artists I listed. The production has a synthy sheen and the percussion approaches a stomping, New Jack Swing beat. But overall, the track is pretty icy and reserved (not something I would ever say about the Madonna/Cyndi/Janet trio!).
Because of this, I can bop pleasantly to Algorithm without getting particularly excited about it. Heejin gives an engaging performance, attacking the verses head on. The chorus is less impactful than I would have liked, hinging on one too many “na na na‘s.” Overall, the song is notable for its groove and energy but misses the indelible melodies that fueled so many 80’s superstars.
| Hooks | 8 |
| Production | 9 |
| Longevity | 8 |
| Bias | 8 |
| RATING | 8.25 |
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 
I agree about the chorus, for how good the verses are, it doesn’t have enough punch. But I’m still very happy with the release.
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Its an easy no from me.
The hook sounds heavily lifted from Evelyn Champagne King “Love Come Down”, mores 80’s R&B than any Madonna or Cyndi track. Sorry, “interpolated” is the contemporary term for what I would call stealing.
My usual Funk Friday DJ weaves this song into his mix in almost every week.
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Who is your funk friday DJ? I love Evelyn Champagne King. Love Come Down is one of my top favorite 80’s songs.
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Sharing, because sharing is caring. There is more funk and reggae and blues on the weekends on WNCU, also 8-track flashback oldies.
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So here is the other funny thing that happened just last weekend. My husband is a huge vinyl collector, crate digger, and he is always playing something. A tune came on which I didn’t know, but there was a synth line on it that I recognized as from Mariah Carey “Honey”, and he got all maudy about how this isn’t Mariah Carey, this is the World Famous Supreme Team and I should know it, until I pulled up “Honey” and then he agreed with me that she sampled it (among others).
Anyway, that song is “Hey DJ”, and I will share it in full as well since the comment section is rather quiet here today.
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I’m frustrated that the more out there production choices from the teaser are buried in the mix of this song
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