Way back in 2001 when reality TV was still in its infancy, the American iteration of manufacture-a-pop-group series Popstars resulted in the formation of girl group Eden’s Crush. Over two decades later, they’re most notable for introducing Nicole Scherzinger (of Pussycat Dolls fame) to the world. But a select few of us millennials still remember the faceless, factory pop of Eden’s Crush’s one and only single Get Over Yourself. It’s like a time capsule, notable as an encapsulation of trends rather than any musical acclaim. I wonder if — in twenty years — VCHA will end up like Eden’s Crush? Will someone emerge as their Nicole Scherzinger?
New single Only One doesn’t offer many clues. It doesn’t offer much of anything, really. It’s an airtight piece of factory pop, as indistinguishable as can be. You might have heard it in a Disney or Nickelodeon made-for-TV-movie back in the 2000’s, except it would’ve boasted more character to drive the story forward. As it stands, Only One feels more like an AI creation — a conglomeration of keywords and trends. It’s a summarization when it should be a scene.
This review is intentionally meandering and vague because I don’t know how else to write about music this innocuous. I hope the song finds its fans who will cherish it as a silly little time capsule of their youth and reference its presence in some random music review twenty years down the line. Sadly, I can’t be that fan because the whole thing went in one ear and out the other, leaving no trace behind.
| Hooks | 7 |
| Production | 8 |
| Longevity | 7 |
| Bias | 7 |
| RATING | 7.25 |
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 
why does the melody in the first part of the chorus feel so familiar somehow
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Because it has no identity of its own?
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lol
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cause every time we touch i get this feeling
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Sounds a lot like Coldplay’s Viva la Vida
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There are a few young ladies in there who stand out more than others. I feel like this could be their stepping stone, but this entity by itself is not that. Its the pre-stepping stone.
I wish labels would spend as much time on the music as they do on the costuming and posturing. All that is supposed to enhance the music not replace it. At the end of the day, in a year or three or twenty’s time, what people remember and go back to is the music. Taylor has the image thing going on, but her music is strong enough that she can re-record it, re-release it, and it still resonates with her fans. Queen has lived off the music for decades.
The 4 bars of break at 2:05 sounds lifted from every Pet Shop Boys ever. Pet Shop Boys, the most un-photogenic group ever, still touring and living off the music.
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It’s a high energy song with cute lyrics, a catchy melody, and fun production! However, as someone who doesn’t speak korean/is a native english speaker, I have higher expectations when it comes to depth (of lyrics and emotion) for all english songs. Vcha’s music is a bit too shallow for me to listen to again.
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The lyrics are AWFUL.
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I read this review prior to hearing the song for the first time. I guess I should say thanks for setting the bar so low in my mind since I was actually pleasantly surprised by the song. I don’t see it as generic as you do. And won’t all music seem a bit “generic” in the near future since all sounds and melodies will have been used many times before? It seems like almost every kpop song that comes out is similar to a sound I’ve already heard, but that doesn’t make the newer songs less enjoyable. Also, I don’t get how Only One feels like an AI trend compilation. Maybe I’m out of touch, but which trends are we talking about here? Pleasant sounding music? Y2k? When I think of trend pandering music, I think of what Hybe releases these days. Like how NewJeans makes short, tik-tok ready, PinkPantheress inspired music. And Y2k themed of course. I just can’t see the trend-following as clearly in Only One, but maybe I just don’t know what the trends are these days.
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i think what constitutes “generic” is IDENTITY and PERSONALITY. the best songs of our times take those same melodies, sounds, and tropes and give them their own personality in the song. as tv tropes says, “tropes are tools,” and every song and genre is influenced by what came before it
(yes i read tv tropes lmfao)
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“Picture me looking so cute, like O-M-G”
“I sparkle like it’s too bright to ignore”
“It hits my soul”
“S-s-sorry, I’m not sorry”
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It’s fine, obviously you weren’t in the target audience. I personally don’t find anything wrong with the lyrics. I think they’re cute and fitting for their concept. I also appreciate how they execute/perform the song so well. It makes me enjoy the song even more.
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Same, I’d rather it not be another LSF Easy English version type of lyrics. Their music is meant for younger audiences, they’re not gonna sing anything about explicit and deep ¯_(ツ)_/¯ Its so funny, because who in the world talks about “originality” “identity” with this genre of music. Kids bop is this song’s personality and that’s all there is to it, and they did it well.
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fr. I’d be the first one to point out “cringe” lyrics but I’m so obsessed with this song currently 😅
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this song is growing on me and I actually don’t mind the lyrics. Seems like a hit to me
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the moment between the last two choruses was a great surprise but the lyrics took me out
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can i keep 6 girls come to my house on Saturday night 9:30 PM
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