With DRIPPIN’s future uncertain, Rocket Punch disbanded and the vast majority of Golden Child gone, I think Kwon Eunbi may be Woollim Entertainment’s only active artist. What a sad state of affairs for an agency I dearly loved. Fortunately, her popularity remains high and strong management would likely fuel that ascent. I don’t trust that Woollim has the resources to deliver what her career needs, but their A&R team remains adept at picking solid material.
While not every Eunbi song has hit me in the way I’d hope, she has a high batting average and stands as one of K-pop’s most engaging soloists. Hello Stranger moves her dance-heavy sound in a slightly different direction, pulling influence from trends that were most popular in the late-2010’s. The rhythm has a tropical touch that makes it feel a bit dated when placed against the industry’s current output, but the production is generic enough to sidestep trends altogether.
While “generic” might slightly increase a song’s chance at timeless longevity, it doesn’t make for particularly interesting music. Hello Stranger is sturdy but unexciting. None of its elements hit in the way Eunbi’s best work has, even if the soaring hook shoots for the stars. The track slows way too many times, causing momentum to ebb and flow rather than blossom into a truly exciting arrangement. I like the vocal layering on the final chorus and wish the producers would have amped up the entire song in this way. As it stands, this is way too tentative to leave a mark.
| Hooks | 8 |
| Production | 7 |
| Longevity | 8 |
| Bias | 7 |
| RATING | 7.5 |
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 
Honestly, Woollim’s a sinking ship and I won’t be surprised if Eunbi leaves before the year ends. Man, what the hell happened, since they were sailing smoothly before until 2020-ish?
But for the song, I like the Latin-esque beat, although a little generic. The hooks are strong, but I wish it didn’t pause in between and instead soared further.
8 (8, 8, 8, 8) for me.
LikeLiked by 3 people
This is kind of a funny question… like, did something happen in 2020???? 🤔
LikeLike
Hahahaha “the mamamoos”
LikeLike
I am hearing the rhythm from Michael Jackson’s Wanna be starting something in the prechorus. mama see mama sa mama ma mu sa.
I think the whole song is placed several ticks too high Sure, she can hit those initial notes in each chorus line, and she in known for her high placed voice, but here it just comes out as it all comes out very strained and shrill.
As for the song, the reason it sounds generic is that I can easily hear several other artists doing this song. The Mamamoo’s for example. A few from Dreamcatcher (with better dark theming).
LikeLike
Pleasant song, that solidifies her current identity.
Worried about Woollim’s future! I was introduced to this label thanks to LOVELYZ.
LikeLike
Disappointing.
LikeLike
Wow I’m usually not one to post negative thoughts bc I always think a song has something good but this one I really can’t hear anything to save it for me.
I agree with Nick when he says it sounds a bit dated. I think the production elements didn’t favor the track. It also sounds like an Eurovision song, I can see this totally being performed at the festival somehow.
LikeLike
It’s okay, she’s changed producers away from NEWTYPE which I wish she went back to. The teaser sounded more promising than what was released.
Still my favorite post Iz*one discography though
LikeLiked by 1 person
i really love the chorus, it’s very anthemic. the rest is a bit too monotonous and slow. 8.25 for me (9,8,8,8)
LikeLiked by 1 person
Somewhat of a mix between The Flash and Sabotage.
Not bad, but I don’t think it stands out as much as either did.
Also, isn’t BabySoul still with Woolim? Oh nvm I guess she left this year according to Wikipedia
LikeLiked by 1 person
maybe rocket punch should be next for the underrated kpop ranking
would love to see how u rate juicy today
LikeLike
juice juice juice juice juice
somethingsomethign bouncy BOUNCE got that boom boom pow
I played those two songs more than I will ever admit.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I think you’ve admitted it many times in this comment section??? To the point where sometimes when I see you I’m like, “here comes juicy juice”
LikeLiked by 2 people
At least I am known for something
LikeLiked by 2 people
…i love this. Sure, the production could be punchier during its climax,choruses but idc, i love it. It might get worse on each listen since i might overplay it but i LOVE how she sounds on this song. I cant talk bad about this song especially since she released sabotage just before this (which was terrible) The pre-chorus is insanely catchy.
LikeLiked by 1 person