Today in K-pop has been devoted to seasonal songs and Road To Kingdom comebacks. ONEUS check off both boxes with their new single Rupert’s Drop (루퍼트의 눈물), offering a stately winter ballad weeks after concluding their activities on Road To Kingdom. The group won second place on the series, just behind CRAVITY (who also released new material the other day).
I was not aware what a Rupert’s Drop was, but apparently they’re tadpole shaped drops of glass that are simultaneously strong and fragile. This sounds like an apt (if obscure) metaphor for a pop song. I suppose the musical version of Rupert’s Drop has a similar duality. Its sparse, fragile arrangement ultimately gives way to a strong finale. ONEUS don’t receive enough attention for their excellent vocals. Even their rapper can carry a tune. With this in mind, I’m glad the song exists.
For the first half of its running time, Rupert’s Drop doesn’t do much for me. It goes through the expected motions of an idol ballad, buoyed by a few robust spikes of vocal firepower. However, the track gains weight as it goes on. A flourish of electric guitar signals this transformation, heralding a final minute that sparks with drama. ONEUS have better ballads in their arsenal, but this is a nice taste of what they’re capable of.
| Hooks | 8 |
| Production | 8 |
| Longevity | 8 |
| Bias | 8 |
| RATING | 8 |
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I hope next year OneUs will promote itself better. They seem a little out of touch with the industry these days.
My rating is the same
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Aaahh this is actually really nice. It deserves a spot on my ballads playlist. I also really like the name, it’s intriguing and a little weird but also a great metaphor.
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Oneus does have some…funky…marketing and song naming. Regardless, their discography has (almost) continuously amazed me. And, yes, they get way too little recognition for their vocals!! All of them! My favorite oneus bridge of all time (come back home) is literally Leedo. His vocals are insane, as are the rest of them, and he’s the rapper. Incredible, love them.
That being said, the song is okay. Not my favorite, but you won’t find me hating on it. The 8 rating is warranted. I will say, Hwanwoong’s vocals in particular stood out to me this time! Very nice song.
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I find this type of song can feel very comforting or really forced. “Rupert’s drop ” lands in the former. Oneus lost me for a little bit, there wasn’t anything extremely wrong with the music but it just wasn’t connecting with me. Now, I’m ready for them again
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