STAYC have leaned further into their quirky side as their career has developed, and that includes their Japanese work. 2022’s Poppy is one of their wackiest tracks, capitalizing on a certain J-pop energy that isn’t always embraced by Korean acts. Despite its silly title, new single Meow is more straight-laced, delivering a brief burst of energy that comes and goes with little impact.
Similar to last month’s Cheeky Icy Thang, Meow feels like an idea in need of development. It’s an odd little track in the sense that, as I’m listening I know things are happening but as soon as it’s finished I feel like nothing has occurred at all. I’d chock this up to a barely-there chorus and verses that do little to distinguish themselves. And at under two-and-a-half minutes, there isn’t much time for Meow to develop into anything more than a colorful diversion. It’s not off-putting or even unenjoyable, but the song doesn’t make a compelling case for its own existence either.
| Hooks | 7 |
| Production | 7 |
| Longevity | 7 |
| Bias | 7 |
| RATING | 7 |
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 
The first 10 seconds or so had me distracted because all I could hear was that Bruno Mars song ‘Runaway Baby’. Nick, you perfectly described that feeling that when the song ends and it’s like it vanished into foam. I think it’s serviceable, but not a song I’ll go back and resisten
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If they focused on the bass in the beginning and end, I’d see it do much better. I feel like the song has potential, but failed to achieve that.
A flat 7.
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We’re so far from “Poppy” or “Lit”… Even if i assume and i hope Kubo & knoak had free rein with this track, i don’t care about it actually. It’s like listening to another group.
I know STAYC is becoming a more generic group, singing songs from external producers. But i want those songs fit in their musical universe at least. Will.b and BXN’s works did; Metamorphic’s “Find” did. But some of the most recent tracks (includin Meow) are totally off and it’s a bummer to me really.
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What I love about STAYC’s songs is the HOOK that burrows into my brain. I don’t hear one here, but I didn’t hear one right away in “Cheeky Icy” either and I grew to LOVE that song. Could be minor grower but certainly not one of their great songs.
7 – 7.5/10
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