When writing about Chuu’s title track Only Cry In The Rain last month, I was overly dismissive of its subdued sound. In my defense, it’s hard to muster excitement when you hear so many songs of this same energy day after day. Sometimes, it takes a while for the highlights to reveal themselves. Only Cry In The Rain proved itself an earworm, but there are songs I enjoy even more on the accompanying album. Luckily, Chuu picked my favorite to promote with a new music video today.
Back In Town is breezy pop uplift in its simplest form. The song bops over a light funk beat, giving the melodies plenty of space while anchoring the track’s airiness with insistent rhythm. Other artists of this era would opt for a more aloof instrumental that would have my eyes glazing over, but by tethering Back In Town‘s melodies to a slightly more dynamic (and less cluttered) beat, the producers are able to draw out the best from the song.
Regular readers will know that my favorite artist of all time is Janet Jackson, and there were multiple times across this album that Chuu’s vocal delivery reminded me of her — especially when she climbs into her upper register. The rhythmic nature of her performance and sweetness of her tone draws a welcome comparison on songs like this. This nostalgia certainly affects my goodwill toward Back In Town, but the song is quite strong on its own.
| Hooks | 8 |
| Production | 8 |
| Longevity | 9 |
| Bias | 9 |
| RATING | 8.5 |
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 
what do you think of babymonster new ost ‘ghost’ for a j-drama?? https://open.spotify.com/track/37qlRGMmN1tStZS0elymXg?si=GAHnU8VbSf2IFSlLsgUX2A&context=spotify%3Asearch%3Aghost%2Bbaby
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I plan to write about it later… just not sure in which feature yet. Do we know if it will have an mv?
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I don’t think so… yg didn’t give us any signs so probably not. I would personally feature it on your weekly jpop roundup, or even write a normal song review about it since babymonster are very popular and many readers could be interested, but the choice is up to you.
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btw triples is finally coming back as 24 members with a full album! does any track catch your ear? https://youtu.be/YWRP6Mc-Cb8?si=UUqKJkB167GXqZLx
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Omg, I had no idea your fave artist is Janet Jackson!! I’ve really been into Someone to Call My Lover lately since it’s been trending. Do you have any other Janet songs you’d recommend? I’d love to explore more of her music!
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In my opinion, her run of albums from Control (1986) to All For You (2001) is the strongest pop run of all time. Rhythm Nation is my favorite album ever, with The Velvet Rope also in contention.
Also, I did some write-ups of certain Janet songs a few years ago on the blog, so that might be a good place to start:
With that said, if you’re liking Someone To Call My Lover in particular you’re probably best off starting with the All For You album since that’s her poppiest work and sounds the most like that song.
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Thank you so much for this! I’ll start with All For You, like you suggested, and check out those write-ups too. That whole album run sounds amazing — can’t wait to dive in more. Really appreciate you taking the time to share all this!
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“Together Again” is my favorite of hers ever.
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I just listened to Together Again — it’s sooo good! I totally get why it’s your favourite. Thanks for the recommendation!
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Chuu’s stuff has always connected with me, maybe part and parcel of of my love for Loona but in no small part due to the pure character of her voice.
Also, I just have to know what you think of the new Riize track, short as it is. Such an improvement over BBB imo.
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Nick already responded in a different review. Here’s his thoughts.
https://thebiaslist.com/2025/05/06/song-review-epex-joan-so-nice/#comment-156706
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Yeah, I can hear the Janet styling in this, 90’s Janet. More like a b-side than a leading single though, if only because it just doesn’t really punch hard enough. Even Janet’s softer singles had oomph.
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Fun but too short.
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The track “kiss a kitty” is very interesting. I’m a big fan of kitties myself, and although Chuu had dropped some hints that she liked them too, I wasn’t sure. Now I’m pretty well convinced of affinity towards kitties and her desire to kiss them and I hope she gets her wish soon.
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In all seriousness, my favorite track from the EP is “Je t’aime” lol.
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Meow, I guess.
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I’m glad chuu’s solo music is finally starting to connect with me
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I can definitely hear the Janet in this, which I think lends Chuu a lot of credibility for being able to capture such a refined sound like that.
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