New SM Entertainment girl group Hearts2Hearts debuted late last month to mixed reviews. Title track The Chase is a fine slice of moody pop, but it’s an odd and underwhelming choice when couched within the agency’s storied history of debut bangers. That continues with promoted b-side Butterflies, which slows the mood even further.
It’s probably my own fault for buying the hype that Hearts2Hearts was going to be SM’s “new SNSD,” and I must remember that alongside the brilliant, timeless Into The New World, SNSD’s own debut album housed quite a bit of treacly filler. But without an out-of-the-gate smash to their name yet, Hearts2Hearts feel as if they’re swimming through the murk trying to find their space in the industry.
Though it feels even less like a single than The Chase, Butterflies does a more convincing job deploying the mid-to-late 90’s R&B sound SM is so fond of. The harmonies are gorgeous and the performance has a slinky grace that’s quite satisfying. The production feels almost quiet storm in execution and I love the occasional use of icy strings. It’s as if there’s a ton of musical drama swirling just below the surface but the song’s controlled execution refuses to let it burst free. This tension forms a nice contrast. If the group can find a way to twist this style into the type of megawatt single they need, I might begrudgingly hang up my “new SNSD” expectation and watch them do their thing. However, the music isn’t quite there yet.
| Hooks | 7 |
| Production | 8 |
| Longevity | 8 |
| Bias | 8 |
| RATING | 7.75 |
Grade: C+
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 
It’s a serviceable B-side, but makes for a weak single. The harmonies are beautiful and the R&B production is also pretty decent. Tbh, based on this and The Chase, I see them pursue a dreamy-ish sound like S.E.S’ “Dreams Come True”or even Red Velvet’s “Cosmic” (or even Rescene’s “Love Attack”- the chorus to be precise- on a more maximalistic-side!). What they need is melodies and production that sticks to you like what those 3 aforementioned songs did well.
7.5 (7, 8, 8, 7) for me.
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ah the classic mandatory rnb b-side song most groups do and that could be sang by any of them. it’s not bad, it’s just elevator music to me at that point, verrry bland.
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Imagine complaining that an Sm group has an r&b beside. Yeah go figure brainiac, water is also wet.
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Quite literally didn’t notice when it ended.
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oh yeah it was my experience quite high with them so kinda disappointed when i first listened their song. It was not catchy nor special there’s no hook for me ro replaying their song again.
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