It’s hard to believe that SF9 will be celebrating their tenth (!) anniversary next year. Their discography has remained remarkably consistent, and every once and awhile they’ll pull out a total stunner. As with many of their recent releases, Love Race sees their group configuration slightly reduced with six out of eight members promoting this time around.
Listening to the album’s highlight medley, it became immediately clear I would enjoy several b-sides more than that title track. This isn’t a new phenomenon with SF9 as they tend to have at least one standout album track on each of their projects. But while Love Race isn’t always my thing, the full song is stronger than the teasers suggested. Its worst instincts (the cringy, overdone post-chorus chant) are not a huge part of the track and the overall arrangement unveils a more boisterous sound than expected.
After an atmospheric red herring intro, Love Race swerves into a guitar-backed verse characterized by slurry melodies perched somewhere singing and rap. The instrumental has a grungy 90’s texture that could have been developed into a very unique sound. Instead, the style is bent to the whims of a more conventional K-pop template. However, the first half of each chorus widens the scope of the music in a satisfying way, adding a touch of bombast that works well. In my mind, this song pairs nicely with OnlyOneOf’s similarly race-themed seOul drift from two years ago.
| Hooks | 8 |
| Production | 8 |
| Longevity | 9 |
| Bias | 8 |
| RATING | 8.25 |
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 
This isn’t it for me, I don’t hate it but it id very meh for me and also doesn’t actually sound like SF9. A few of the b sides are much stronger. I’d probable have gone for No No No as the title, it sounds more like them and is fun and kinda old kpop in some aspects. Actually the trumpet reminds me of ONF so maybe hat’s why I like it.
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This is pretty good. It isn’t as great as my most recent favorite of theirs (“BIBORA”) but it’s plenty serviceable and not obnoxious, it doesn’t really have the worst tendencies (mostly production-wise) of other tracks of theirs I’ve complained about in the past. Rating is about what I’d give it too, give or take .25.
On another note (well, on the topic of group longevity), have you seen the Dreamcatcher news? I mean if we’re being honest it’s been a while coming, as eight years is a long time to be together and most of the girls have been together even longer with MINX, but I can’t say I’m ready for it… T_T
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Serviceable.
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its a fun song alright. I only wish zuho was there as well
8.5/10 (8, 9, 8, 9) for me
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sorry to be asking here, what do y’all think about yeji’s bsides and how would you rate them?
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Dare I say sf9 has one of the most consistently good discographies since debut (including bsides and title tracks) i wish they got more recognition
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Not bad, but this is actually my least favorite from the new mini. There are some strong songs on there.
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