On top of their hit-filled Korean discography, IVE are quickly establishing a solid string of Japanese singles. Crush is their follow-up to last year’s Wave, a song I enjoyed and one that already seems to be a fan favorite. Now, the group has returned to the grand pop sound of highlights I Am and Love Dive, though Crush feels a bit watered down compared to those highlights.
My first emotion upon hearing Crush was relief. Though IVE’s Korean work has remained solid, I haven’t been the biggest fan of their two most recent albums. Crush operates in my preferred IVE landscape, fueling its melodic hooks with a chugging beat and plenty of strings. The song blossoms right from the start, draping its verse with layered vocals that give it a stately appeal. IVE sound particularly stunning during the pre-chorus, which jettisons much of the instrumental to shine full spotlight on their voices.
Crush‘s chorus has a similar effect. The melody is a bit too airy for me and lacks the impact of songs like I Am, but the overall sound plays to their strengths and acts as a worthy centerpiece. The only thing holding back Crush is a sense that the group has already recorded stronger versions of this song. It doesn’t do much to distinguish itself, choosing instead to waft on goodwill and please fans with a sound they already love.
| Hooks | 8 |
| Production | 9 |
| Longevity | 9 |
| Bias | 8 |
| RATING | 8.5 |
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 
My first impression of the song was that it was solid but unspectacular. I was looking for something in the instrumental to surprise me and change up a little bit, but then nothing really happened. A flat 8 for me as of now, might grow over time.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Agree! 7.5 for me.
I can understand Nick’s feeling of relief though.
LikeLike
This is cute, but okay, I guess.
8.25 (8, 9, 8, 8) for me. But might age well, I guess.
LikeLike
I would rate it the same. To me, I Am was powerful and goosebump-inducing (especially the bride and last chorus). Crush to me sounds *pretty* (in a good way). The La-La-La melody has been stuck on my head.
LikeLike
8.5? This is literally summer festa again.
Hoping it’ll be a grower, because it’s been absurdly lackluster the first three listens.
LikeLike
in what way is this summer festa again? cause personally this is FAR from summer festa’s landscape
LikeLiked by 2 people
Overproduced/Manufactured sound.
Can barely recognize Gaeul’s voice at the end.
LikeLike
This song didnt feel overproduced at all, felt very simple. I could also easily identify gaeul’s voice at the end and im not even a stan. They just used a vocal filter to help the effect and it doesnt really change her voice at all.
LikeLike
I feel like I’m suffocating listening to it. I wish there were more parts to breathe
LikeLiked by 1 person
This is to I Am what Lovelyz’s Wow was to Destiny.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Brilliant comment! You nailed it xD
LikeLike
This being ranked higher than NMIXX Dash is pure blasphemy. Crush is such a muted song that is just a drop in an ocean of 4th gen “easy-listening” songs
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dash has grown into an 8.75 for me over the months, if that helps 🙂
LikeLike
Nick you gave Love Dive an 8.5…
Do you truly feel that this song is on the same level as Love Dive?
LikeLike
Love Dive is probably an 8.75 for me. Crush will likely fall to the low 8’s tbh.
LikeLike
eight point seventyfive >: (
LikeLike
I respect its impact but I would much rather listen to After Like or I Am.
LikeLike
The song sounds like the IVE I love, but for some reason doesn’t have an “it” factor to make me want to come back… even after multiple listens.
LikeLike
A good but not spectacular track. Has all their usual virtues…may be a grower? IVE are a very reliable brand for me 👍
(7.5/10)
LikeLike
ngl, this is an instant classic at first listen because of the I AM chorus melody (you can literally sing I AM atop the Crush instrumental in the chorus, so yeah)
definitely above 8.5, might even reach 9.25.
LikeLike
also Gaeul’s bridge fucking slaps that was so heavenly
LikeLike