Review

Song Review: Lovelyz – November

Lovelyz - NovemberI adored Lovelyz while they were active, but I don’t think I fully appreciated them until their style of lush, melodic girl group pop fell out of favor. Nowadays, there simply isn’t a K-pop group like them. The industry’s musical focus has changed so completely, leaving their discography as an enticing time capsule. Today, it’s our chance to unearth that capsule and discover a new treasure in special reunion single November (닿으면, 너).

Woollim Entertainment finally did something right this year (though apparently they couldn’t fund an actual music video) and gave Lovelyz a classic Lovelyz-sounding track to remind listeners why the group should be so missed. November is all synths stabs and delicate twinkles — a well-constructed blend of power and grace. The girls’ familiar vocals feel like a warm embrace, perfectly matching the sonic landscape.

With this said, November isn’t a discography standout. It’s b-side material at best, struggling to find a series of melodies as engaging as their best work. Though their signature sound is omnipresent throughout, the arrangement is also oddly muted. Above all else, November is a nostalgia play that never attempts to move beyond pure comfort. For weary third generation fans, this is enough to elicit a gracious smile, but will likely have them rushing back to the group’s discography rather than playing this song on repeat.

Hooks 7
 Production 8
 Longevity 8
 Bias 9
 RATING 8

Grade: B-

6 thoughts on “Song Review: Lovelyz – November

  1. It’s funny that I thought Lovelyz had disbanded with ‘Obliviate’, but suddenly they released it without full promotion. I also knew that Apink had disbanded but if I’m not mistaken they released a single that wasn’t promoted in a music video this year (?). And also GFRIEND and 2NE1 who had announced disband, their record labels said they would launch a comeback next year.

    Hence the question: when does a group really disband? What does disband mean? And what’s the point of announcing a disbandment if they’re going to continue releasing things even if little

    Liked by 1 person

  2. This is deeply and adoringly reminiscent of their signature sound even if it lacks the distinct bite of their best work, but the nostalgia should merit it a decent spot on my playlist, and it’s great to hear them again!

    Here’s hoping this augurs well for GFRIEND’s reunion!

    Liked by 2 people

  3. This sounds like a breath of fresh air on a long car ride which is the best thing ever. ah, fresh air, I hardly you ye and now I have fresh air!!!

    … … for about three and a bit minutes, then one must close the window. But for a few minutes there all was great and good in the world.

    Liked by 3 people

  4. Ooooh, those opening bars are lovely.

    Newer acts like ILY:1 and CSR try, but they really can’t come close to the real thing.

    It is unfortunately very much an anniversary track, but that’s fine. I think the production could be a bit sharper, but this is such a treat despite that that I’m not even too pressed about it.

    Slight notes of Twinkle, and slight notes of Cotton Candy’s “White Day” (from that one drama with Hani and Exy)

    I was hoping for a mini, but hey, new music is new music. I hope there’s more to come.

    Liked by 1 person

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