Prior to Hearts2Hearts’ debut earlier this year, many K-pop fans were hoping they’d be branded as a new generation’s answer to SNSD. This has less to do with the girls themselves than fans’ longing for the high quality pop music and monocultural reach of SM Entertainment’s earlier generations. However, Hearts2Hearts went more niche with the subtle, dreamlike The Chase, offering their response to current musical trends. One might assume they would continue this sound on their first comeback, but new single Style pulls a total 180.
If The Chase wrapped Hearts2Hearts in a moody haze, Style bursts out the door with sunshine in its step. I can’t imagine a bigger contrast, which raises immediate questions about which direction the group might head in the future. It will not surprise any longtime Bias List reader which sound I prefer. I’m a huge proponent of K-pop’s summer songs and 2025 has been very short on them so far. Style is as generic as can be, but it scratches a particular itch that earns it automatic goodwill. Its percolating dance beat reminds me a bit of RIIZE’s excellent Impossible from last year, though its identity and textures aren’t as strong.
However, Style‘s straightforward execution has its charms. The song feels fully fleshed out and never loses its energy. The girls sound fantastic, adding a natural sweetness to the performance while simultaneously resisting the saccharine affectations that often come with this kind of K-pop track. I would have loved to hear more dramatic turns in the performance, but of all the songs released so far this month I see myself returning to this one the most — if for no other reason than the strong sense of nostalgia it evokes.
| Hooks | 8 |
| Production | 9 |
| Longevity | 9 |
| Bias | 9 |
| RATING | 8.75 |
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 
I love this! The song’s cute, never too cloying, and as generic as it may be, it’s still a welcoming sound in K-Pop’s current soundscape. I just wish the production had more to it, but it doesn’t matter when it’s still a nice sugary treat. The Chase may have grown a bit on me, but this one’s an instant hit!
8.5 (8, 8, 9, 9) for me.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Bright, poppy. To be honest, I had to look them up again though, as I thought the song sounded like one of the many Fifty Fifty “Cupid” fast followers. I think it does it very well, but I am not charmed enough.
My other thought is that is unclear what demographic SM is targeting with a song like this. This skews very young and very girly.
When I think back to SNSD it was college age ladies for the girls to look up to, and with legs for miles to charm the boys too. Think every Xeno post ever back when, drooling over – I think it was Sunny who was his bias. Legs legs legs, the styling was always the legs, and the dance moves highlighted the legs. Like Dallas cowboy cheerleaders but kpop.
(… I just looked up their debut ages, and SNSD all weren’t quite college age, some were like high school seniors, but the look was college age.)
LikeLiked by 3 people
I really really miss Xeno man…. He was one of my favorite commenters 😦
LikeLiked by 2 people
I love this, very rookie era SNSD. some very minor stuff I wanted from the song but overall it’s fun!
LikeLiked by 1 person
we have 2 rare things on this comeback:
a song with 3+ minutes and a enjoyable listen!
On a good year this song would be ok but on the worst year for kpop such as 2025 “style” really stands out for me
LikeLiked by 1 person
I hear a bit of PinkPantheress (the vocals!) and a bit of Carly Rae Jepsen sunny pop (the chorus!). Cute almost too cute. Personally I think the production should go harder.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I honestly wanted to like it more than I did, but I still think it’s pretty cute. A little tuning and perhaps we might be in for a real treat in the future. Honestly, I can see groups like CSR, Cignature, and WooAh releasing something like this in their earlier releases (which kinda reflects the point that’s it’s a bit generic). Overall, I’m hopeful for their future, and here’s to waiting for a knock out pop anthem akin to a Happiness or Forever 1.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I remember awaiting their debut so much because SNSD’s Baby Baby was used in a teaser announcing the group. SM really was the primary actor fueling to the public’s expectations of what they thought the new gg would be.
LikeLike
Oh, I love this!! I haven’t been staying on top of new releases well this year, but this is an easy standout for me. I love the melody, and though the production doesn’t have much bite, I still very much enjoy what’s going on in the background. Super cute, nice and summery, and I’ll be replaying it for certain!
LikeLike
It’s giving early 2000s Disney ahh song
LikeLike
they got me twice with ‘i like the way you love the chase’ and now ’cause you’re just my type and like your style’
LikeLiked by 3 people
Same! “I like the way you love the chase” stuck with me during winter and half of spring and I feel “Cause you’re just my type and like your style” will stick with me almost all summer ☀️
LikeLike
I really wanted to like this but it doesn’t work for me on first listen. It sounds like a simple, lazy b-side. Milo mentioned early 2000s Disney and I’d have to agree with that, and that’s really NOT what I’m looking for! Maybe I need to exorcise my demons from that time. Wish me luck!
LikeLiked by 1 person
opening hi-hat loop sounds like the one used in troye sivan’s rush 😭
LikeLike
I like it!
On the second listen I still think it lacks a bit of a punch, but yeah, decent song.
LikeLike
charming summer bop 8/10
LikeLiked by 1 person
Has all the right intentions but no standout features.
7,8,7,8 = 7.5
LikeLike
Feels like a nod to the cute era of 3rd gen songs. I’m nt dissecting this one. It worked on first listen for me. Nostalgic and simply effective.
LikeLiked by 1 person
technically an illit rip-off but not that repetitive, nothing special, blends more in with illit’s b-sides (in a bad way)
5/10 for the overuse of japanese culture
LikeLike
going from accusing illit of being a newjeans rip off, now calling songs an illit rip off…are you for real right now??
LikeLike
I liked The Chase and Butterflies, but Style was love at first sight. It has already become my favorite Hearts2Hearts song. I hope they continue to pursue this sound.
LikeLike
I am too old to connect to the lyrics but it is such a cute song, I think my 13 year-old self would have blasted it all summer. Just adorable and well-executed by everyone, what a teen summer bop!
LikeLike
To be honest, I vastly prefer The Chase to this at first listen. But it grows on me when I watch them perform it. The kids are very charming, in a way that makes me want to send them my bank account routing number.
LikeLike
i feel like the songs generic-ness and more cutesy delivery prevent it from clicking instantly with me, but it’s focused vision and addictive percussion and guitar might make it a grower 💪 the lil high note and extended final chorus are nice touches too!
8.25 for me (8,9,9,7)
LikeLike