(G)I-DLE’s Minnie released her solo debut album last week, led by two promoted tracks that did little for me. However, the album grows stronger as it goes on, climaxing with its best song. That song has now been given its own video featuring WayV’s Ten, who duets with Minnie on Obsession. I can’t claim to be obsessed with the music yet, but I vastly prefer it over Blind Eyes Red and HER.
Some of this has to do with my own genre preferences. Obsession blends rock and chugging synthwave elements to craft an atmospheric sound that tends to burrow pleasantly into my ears. I also appreciate how Obsession is a full duet, finding equal space for Minnie and Ten to showcase their talents. The two make a striking unit, complimenting each other with a stylish charisma that elevates Obsession‘s more generic leanings.
Those generic leanings are what keep me from embracing Obsession with more enthusiasm. This style of synth-driven pop has become ubiquitous in the 2020’s to a point where it takes a killer melody or arrangement to really stand out. Obsession ticks all the necessary boxes but never leaps over them to deliver a vision of its own. I would have loved to hear a heartier rock influence, bolstering the song’s airy melodies with an instrumental you could really sink your teeth into. As it stands, Obsession is super solid but will likely fade into the background as dozens more pop songs of this nature make their way into the world.
| Hooks | 8 |
| Production | 8 |
| Longevity | 8 |
| Bias | 9 |
| RATING | 8.25 |
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 
I don’t know if it’s the way Minnie delivers her vocals or the instrumental composition, but there’s something about this song that sounds overly direct and slightly monotonous. The production seems somewhat muffled, preventing the track from reaching a higher level, something this genre often requires when transitioning between more dynamic and loud layers. I say this as someone who likes her vocals
However, if the issue is just vocal interpretation, there isn’t much to criticize, after all, each artist has their own unique way of making their music work. This diversity is noticeable both in established artists, like Freddie Mercury, and in more contemporary and questionable artists, like Billie Eilish
Rating: 8 (8, 8, 8, 8)
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Unrelated, but in K-pop, songs called ‘Heart Attack’ must have a spell to make them great. We have SHINee’s Heart Attack, EXO’s Heart Attack, AOA’s Heart Attack, and on.
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Umm… let me see
AoA’s Heart Attack: 9.25 (9, 9, 9, 10)
BtoB’s Heart Attack: 8.25 (8, 9, 8, 8)
Exo’s Heart Attack: 7.75 (8, 8, 8, 7)
LOONA’s Heart Attack (츄): 7.5 (7, 8, 7, 8)
Monsta X’s Heart Attack: 8.75 (9, 9, 8, 9)
SHINee’s Heart Attack: 9.25 (9, 10, 9, 9)
Verivery’s Heart Attack: 8.25 (8, 9, 8, 8)
Purple Kiss’s Heart Attack: 7.25 (7, 7, 7, 8)
Any missing ones? I’ve known most of these songs for a while, and it’s interesting how K-Pop has many songs with identical names but entirely different vibes (like any other genre). It’d be great to see a post analyzing frequently repeated song titles in K-Pop and comparing them
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She has a gorgeous singing voice and I’m weak for anything synth. Ten compliments the song well, too.
8.5 for me!!
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Light fluffy and sweet, but disappears as soon as it is over.
I think Ten complements the song well. I mean, Ten is a ten. Arguably, I think he out sings and performs Minnie on her own song because his voice has a slight edge on gravitas and color.
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I think I’m biased towards kpop songs called “Obsession”
Shinee Obsession and GD’s Obsession are some of my all time favorite kpop songs. This one is pretty good too!
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Never mind I remembered the existence of EXO’s Obsession and I did not like that song
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I’m mostly just getting generic from this production, and the melody of the hook isn’t good enough to have been repeated so often. Also, I don’t think Minnie’s tone is a good match for this sound. It’s not awful, but Ten somewhat steals the show for me with his voice really cutting through the mix. All in all, it’s better but that’s not saying much considering what her other tracks were
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I decided to listen to the whole EP because I wasn’t sure how these three tracks would go together and I’m pleased with how the track listing is. It makes me a little higher on her and obsession when they’re surrounding by songs similar enough to their sonic palette. Valentine dream and It’s okay build to obsession quite well
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I like this song, mostly because of Ten.
Anyway, have you seen the trailer for Lady Gaga’s new album? If so, what do you think?
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I’m cautiously optimistic. I didn’t love Disease, but I’m hoping the album is classic Gaga. Born This Way is still my favorite pop album of the 2000’s so I’d love to hear something like that.
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born this way was 2011
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