The pre-releases for IU’s newest album have run the musical gamut, from theatrical balladry to quirky, hip-hop inflected dance. She’s saved the best for last, unveiling the uplifting pop surge of Shopper. It ticks many of the boxes we’ve come to expect from her music but does so with such gusto that it’s hard to be disappointed.
Of all the elements within Shopper, its chugging electro groove feels most notable. I’m not sure IU has ever gone so electronic on a title track, and this consistent momentum gives the song plenty of drive. Even when the instrumental largely fades out, you can still feel the ghost of the rhythm hanging around. Wisps of guitar supply extra texture, anchoring IU’s airy vocal.
Despite this engaging instrumental, Shopper‘s true calling card is its soaring chorus. The melody crests upward, giving IU the chance to showcase her range. The arrangement could stand to be a bit bolder here, taking advantage of the song’s anthemic quality. As widescreen as this music is, the production feels like it’s holding back — afraid to go too big. Climactic guitar hints at the unbridled drama that could have unfolded. But even with its restraint, Shopper is a jolt of positive energy that proves quite addicting.
| Hooks | 9 |
| Production | 8 |
| Longevity | 9 |
| Bias | 8 |
| RATING | 8.5 |
Grade: B
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 
IU is the Taylor Swift of kpop.
I mean, its all about the chorus. Its a proper, full on chorus. Pop star pop song radio friendly chorus. For that chorus, full marks. However I can’t remember the verses, for that minus a point or so. Therefore the rating is about right.
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Please don’t say stuff like that about IU. She’s a much better celebrity and vocalist than the usian blondie.
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bro is talking shi Abt Taylor while ur sat on ur ass while she’s boosting economies in shows millions of people would die to see. Keep dreaming. IU is indeed the Korean Taylor Swift
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dawg thats an insult to iu 😭
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This is no 8.5.
Absolute nothingburger is what it is. I can barely remember the song.
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Kind of agree. In the hands of a different vocalist, maybe it could’ve been more interesting.
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IU going full-on synthpop was not on my 2024 bingo card. 😮
I enjoyed the song! I think my favorite part has to be its soaring chorus because her vocals really shine there.
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Not that I’d say anything if it wasn’t because I love IU with my whole heart, but this is the best song ever and I love it. She’s always so good.
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maybe needed to hit a big climax at the end to really make it shine, but this is one of the few recent iu songs of memory that i loved. big crj emotion energy for sure!
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This is boring as hell. I don’t remember anything.
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I like how it combined both elements from “Love Wins All” and
Holssi” (I dont know how to spell it”)
8.5/10
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The song is average on the first listen, but I am hoping it will grow on me (which it most likely will lol)
7.5/10 for now.
I loved all of the MVs that IU released so far, especially Love Wins All and now Shopper. I am probably going to watch it again just to see the MV 😀
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It’s just as high quality as all IU’s other releases! The song really has a lot of potential, I just wish they went a little harder than they did. It felt a bit flat yet energetic at the same time? Still amazing though!
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I love this song. Perfect for long drives and reminiscent of 80’s songs that I love
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This song is better live with live band, it hits differently, certainly much better than the recorded track.
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