When writing about Yuqi’s pre-release Could It Be several weeks ago, I was hoping we’d hear more edgy rock influences from her title track. After all, 2021’s Bonnie & Clyde remains a high water mark for both her and (G)I-DLE. With the release of Freak, I (sort of) got what I hoped for, though it’s dressed in a package that feels overmarketed and underdeveloped.
One reason I love writing about K-pop is that I don’t have to be distracted by lyrics and can fully focus on the music itself. Add too much English and I find myself stumbling on words to the detriment of the song. Freak succumbs to this issue. It feels clunky and silly, professing admiration for counterculture in the most mainstream way. Yuqi may very well be looking for a “certified freak,” but the music doesn’t sell it. Instead, we’ve got dated trap beats, subdued guitar and plenty of chanted melody. It’s not a great use of Yuqi’s brilliantly husky voice and the hooks aren’t strong enough to counter Freak‘s shortcomings.
In all these ways, Freak recalls the worst instincts of (G)I-DLE itself. It’s trying so hard to sell an attitude, but you can see the calculation that went into every moment. It’s punk aesthetic without punk intensity, and that can be a hard pill to swallow. Yuqi is an incredible talent and I wish this title track showcased more of what makes her unique and compelling.
| Hooks | 7 |
| Production | 7 |
| Longevity | 7 |
| Bias | 7 |
| RATING | 7 |
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 
I think you accedentially put in another bracket in the title of the post🤨
LikeLike
Double bracket because the “G” already has one. I know it looks weird, though…
LikeLike
Oh okay💀💀💀💀😅
LikeLike
No, it looks right.
LikeLike
Well at least the song has a cha-cha-cha beat.
That’s all I got.
LikeLiked by 1 person
After such a bop like Bonnie & Clyde I expected something better. Instead, we got an outdated song. It’s pretty boring and I pretty much agree with the rating and your opinion.
LikeLiked by 2 people
this is one of those “don’t fall in love with this sound cuz 99% sure it WON’T come back”.
LikeLike
This song just sound like sister of Wendy – Wish you hell with a mix of abcdefu. Idk but I just feel cringe by listening to this.
Nope, a 5.5/10 for me.
LikeLiked by 4 people
This song feels like we’re stuck in idk 2018-2019 lol There’s something about the mv that makes the song feel like sephora background music which is a little annoying. It’s paced a little off. It sounds fun but I wish it had a little more grit or just went full on with the silliness because for now it feels a little too Yena watered down version.
LikeLike
bonnie and Clyde was an amazing song but this….
LikeLiked by 1 person
the video caught me off guard with all the horror movie characters
LikeLike