It’s been a long seventeen month wait for us Sweetune aficionados. The production duo helmed NINE.i’s excellent Turn It Off in August 2023 and swiftly disappeared, briefly reappearing for forgettable H1-Key and DKZ b-sides last year. Now, they’re back in title track territory with BBGirls’ new single (and first under their new agency) Love 2. So, was the excruciating wait worth it?
There are several distinct types of Sweetune title tracks: the Chaser-esque banger, the retro synthpop anthem, the orchestral masterpiece. There’s also the style found in Love 2 — a moody, midtempo sound that shares more in common with K-pop’s current era of subdued girl group fare. This is my least favorite musical guise for Sweetune, though often the mellow energy can be buoyed by their indelible gift for melody.
Within this framework, Love 2 is not a standout. BBGirls’ strong vocal line should be a match made in heaven with Sweetune’s robust synth tones and soaring hooks. Instead, it feels like everyone involved decided to bring their “b” game. Mind you, a “b” Sweetune track is still superior to many producers at their best, but after such a long wait it’s hard not to be underwhelmed. Love 2 has a great vibe and there are moments when it feels as if its hooks are about to grow into something memorable and exciting, but the song lacks dynamic structure and concludes before it’s able to harness its full potency.
| Hooks | 8 |
| Production | 8 |
| Longevity | 8 |
| Bias | 8 |
| RATING | 8 |
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 
Idk I’m really happy with this one. I agree with you about the song concluding early. I was perched for a bridge and big finale. But the song is just gorgeous, and the midtempo feels perfect for winter.
LikeLiked by 2 people
It is a bit mellow, but as soon as those first slabs of synths hit, I know we’re in the same futuristic sonic universe as Turn It Off, Nonstop, and Icarus. Or maybe n.SSign’s excellent b-side Melody is a more apt comparison? Just based on all those tunes mentioned, Sweetune are riding a 2020’s rejuvenation that in my book is their best work since their Infinite/Janus-era. I still much prefer their sound with male groups, and honestly this probably should have been a b-side, but I’m not complaining, I’ll take it!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Okay, I will complain: It’s **way too short**! It’s actually growing on me quite a bit, so I really wish for a bit more of the sonic drama one expects from Sweetune material.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I don’t mind the slightly subdued vibe, but I agree that it’s too short.
It’s still a great track, and I like how the music reminds me of previous Brave Girls tracks (like We Ride) while also having the familiar Sweetune sound. BBGirls and Sweetune are definitely a good match.
Hopefully we don’t have to wait too long for the next Sweetune-produced song.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Definitely too short and I wish it exploded towards the end. What we got is still nice and it’s so nice to hear their vocals again
pretty sure I had a similar reaction to “one more time” and I replayed the heck out of that
LikeLike
As soon as I can get a hold of an mp3 copy – and also hopefully an instrumental version – I’m doing a longer mix, complete with an instrumental section, and a key change at the end. I already know my mix will be my definitive version of this song.
LikeLike
thanks
LikeLike
I had a lot of expectations for this song but now it sounded more like a less warming reinterpretation of ‘Seoul (Such A Beautiful City)’
my rating is the same
LikeLiked by 1 person
Super weird and fun instrumentals. That opening is bizarre in a good way.
Unfortunately, I can’t remember anything else about the song.
Looking forward to more from them, though.
LikeLike
i love these ladies….every since they re-debuted as a part of the Brave Girls lineup that gave us “Deepened,” i was hooked….i love this new comeback and hope they will continue giving us k-bops like this….
-KP
LikeLiked by 1 person
I agree that this is too short, but I enjoyed it throughout. Something about the melodies and the performance sounds very old-school kpop to me.
LikeLiked by 1 person
The weird instrumental is the best part, otherwise this is just average hooks and a lack of variation or build. I like the girls performance, but it is hardly material that oozes very much personality.
7,7,8,8 = 7.5
LikeLiked by 1 person
This is pretty good.
Rating seems in line with my impression.
LikeLike