The year in K-pop officially kicks off with an old promise finally fulfilled. For those of us who enjoyed JYP and PSY’s 2021 survival series Loud, it’s been a long wait for the debut of KickFlip. Four of the five guys remain in the group, with three additional members added since the series ended. Their debut is set for January 20th but pre-release Umm Great (응 그래) offers the first taste of their sound.
One of the reasons I was so excited about this group was that, judging by their work on the series, it felt as though they’d be developing a different sound than past JYP boy groups. Bright, melodic dance music seemed to be on the table, as evidenced by the guys’ great finale track Get Loud. However, much can change in three-and-a-half years and Umm Great seems to veer closer to expected sounds for the agency. Personally, I’m more liable to title it “Umm… okay?“.
The track builds itself upon a quirky hip-hop beat, melding cavernous bass with bubble-popping synth and abrasive percussion touches. In K-pop parlance, the production takes a bit from NCT and a bit from Stray Kids, but reminds me most strongly of GD & TOP’s 2010 hit Knock Out. There’s not much singing to be found, as the track’s hook hinges upon a repetitive catchphrase delivered in a lower register that compliments the instrumental. The one exception happens during the pre-chorus, which develops a nice sense of freefall as both the vocal and production rapidly descend. Umm Great is equal parts addictive and annoying, and I’m honestly not sure which will win out in the end. As far as a pre-debut track goes, it certainly doesn’t bowl me over but the door is still open for strong music in the future.
| Hooks | 7 |
| Production | 8 |
| Longevity | 8 |
| Bias | 8 |
| RATING | 7.75 |
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 
JYP Loud was dungeoned for 3 years for this? The hooks just aren’t it. The production’s cool ig, but yeah, the song isn’t it for me sadly, way too lame for me 😭😭
6.75 (5, 8, 7, 7) for me.
LikeLiked by 3 people
I could tell my wishes hadn’t been answered when I saw that Title.
The chorus was just outright annoying,my face couldn’t stop frowning while listening to it.Jyp did not hide them for this😭
7(6;8;7;7)
LikeLiked by 3 people
fun, but we waited 3 years for this?
7.75/10 for me (8, 8, 8, 7)
LikeLiked by 2 people
For a pre-release I actually like this track, it’s fun and groovy.
I can see how the track can be underwhelming for a group from a survival show who we waited three years for to debut though. Maybe the title track will be better.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I really hope this is the Oh My My to an eventual Plot Twist coming up lol. When I first heard Oh My My I was thrown off by how much I didn’t like that sound or direction, but they very quickly proved me wrong – so fingers crossed we get something interesting and melodic from Kickflip soon!
LikeLiked by 1 person
it’s a no for me dawg. hopefully they bring something different for the debut track
LikeLiked by 2 people
I feel bad that they guys and the fans had to wait on them to debut, however I’m also kinda shocked that debuted at all
LikeLiked by 1 person
It didn’t knock my socks off but it kept me engaged throughout. I was being reminded of the same groups Nick mentioned though I think kickflip still have a more fun, silly energy. I hope they lean into that further
LikeLiked by 1 person
Basically, JYP shows a constancy in boring musical tropes, very much in line with what NEXZ did last year. It’s not for me, but if they develop these sounds for the next mini album, we’re in trouble
7.25 (7, 8, 7, 7)
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s just a pre-release, I’m sure they’ll have something more exciting for their title track.
LikeLiked by 1 person
This aged poorly, depending on anyone’s opinion about the song.
LikeLike
I think I’ve already seen this movie, that’s an Oh My My, I mean Umm Great, paired with a street dance aesthetic. No but even the first teaser made me think they’re gonna be resembling TWS. And am I the only one who can’t believe that that group is one year old already? When did that even happen😆
Even in it’s sound this song is so Oh My My, and underwhelming, but let them cook.
LikeLike
the best
LikeLike
It’s a pre release of debut, people should lower their expectations, they’re just starting, it’s alright for just that. Hope their debut title hits hard.
LikeLike
Question.. who would listen to this song GENUINELY. Just sounds like a bunch of random sounds compiled together and pressed shuffle. It’s like a default ringtone for an android phone that you’d immediately change. Uninspired and annoying – trying so hard to be different and reinvent the wheel when they really don’t need to. People need to stop supporting this garbage in Kpop so we can get less of it. The youtube comments arent even talking about the song, they’re all cringe bots. GG
LikeLiked by 2 people
kinda agree, these producers need to stop thinking in pictures and “ideas” and maybe try playing a note or two on some damn musical instrument
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sometimes the message of the song is more important than anything else…this is a fun song that says “Hey, things didn’t go my way? Ah, that’s ok!” The sarcastic Umm, great is often my daily response to things not going as I had planned. I like this song for its realism in conveying those types of situations. The most important part of a problem is how you handle that problem…so, say um great…and get it handled!
LikeLike
I will never not be salty about the lineup change and making us wait so much. We voted for a 5 member group and we got this.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I can for sure hear the SKZ and NCT bits here and there. If someone had me listening to this song without telling me it was a new group, I would’ve probably thought it was either a new NCT U release or an old NCT DREAM song I haven’t heard.
I dig this, I find it pretty catchy. There’s definitely not the strongest melodic hook and you don’t really hear them sing, but it’s just a pre-release single! I’m sure by the end of the month will get the better song.
7/10.
LikeLike
Same here. I have long lost track of the NCT subunits, so this may as well have been one of them. I don’t think it’s a bad song, I just don’t think its original.
LikeLike
There’s a solid hook or two and the brightness of the video is fun, but the chorus is strange. Like XLOV I’ll put it on my playlist and see if it gets better after marinating.
LikeLike
😁
LikeLike