Thus far, TWS have stuck with a signature sound for their title tracks and utilized follow-up promotions to showcase a wider spectrum of styles. I like this approach, especially since we all know their particular brand of “boyhood pop” won’t remain the same forever. Their debut Japanese single further teases on the Plot Twist template, offering a more sentimental take well-suited to the J-pop market. In fact, more than anything else the song drives home just how “J-pop” their core sound is.
Stacked against the insanely strong trilogy of Plot Twist, If I’m S and Countdown, Hajimemashite feels quite slight. It’s another sub-3 minute song, but the running time isn’t the culprit here. Within this small frame, they manage to include a bridge, making the track feel more-or-less complete. Instead, this is a case of lowered ambition. Rather than bound forward with unbridled energy and excitement, Hajimemashite winds up and slows down, culminating in a pretty — but relatively reserved — chorus. Bombast is relegated to the pre-choruses and bridge, which stand out thanks to their dynamic execution. They’re giving us the style of sugary sweet melodies that K-pop’s girl groups used to deliver on a consistent basis.
With this said, I foresee Hajimemashite enjoying a long life on my playlist. Its reliance on strong melodies and buoyant, carefree vibes makes it a pleasure to listen to even if it’s not as dramatic and hard-hitting as some of the group’s title tracks. I feel like a sonic transformation is just around the corner for TWS, but it makes sense to establish their signature charm in Japan before diving a bit deeper.
| Hooks | 8 |
| Production | 8 |
| Longevity | 9 |
| Bias | 9 |
| RATING | 8.5 |
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 
I love this – the bridge in particular is so classic k-pop melody
LikeLike
I mean, you can’t really go easy on this sound. I just felt this attempt was their most cookie-cutter one. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, but it doesn’t really help me like the song better. An 8.25 for me.
Oh Nick, have you listened to the AHOF teaser?
LikeLike
Meant to say *you can really go wrong with this style*
LikeLike
I enjoyed a few songs on their latest EP and I’m pretty sure Lucky To Be Loved will probably be top 30 most played songs this year. But I really can’t say the same about this track in particular (or just this group’s discography in general).
While I appreciate the melodies and poppy production in times where K-pop and K-pop-influenced J-pop are going for minimalistic vibes, a song like this isn’t hitting it for me. I find it so corny, it kinda reminds me of the type of song you’d see playing in an anime ending from the mid 2010s.
It’s always cute to see Nick fanboying this group, though. I love it when he gets all cheesy over them.
LikeLike
The main theme is repeated, what 5 times – I lost track as there is a big chunk of nothing in the middle of the video. And it kind of wears out by the end. A bit slight.
The bridge is great. It sounds like a different song for a few bars there.
LikeLike
I think this one will continue to grow on me over time. The vocal melodies don’t immediately catch me, but the instrumental has kept most of their TWS-isms.
7,9,9,8 = 8.25
LikeLike
Agreed. Like most of their songs, it just gets better with each listen.
LikeLike
for me, the more reserved chorus was a instant catchy hit and doesn’t feel like a missed opportunity or anything at all, offering a different (breezier, fresher) approach than the unbridled energy of their other “versions” of their beautiful signature sound. if i had to nitpick something, the bridge stuck out at first as a little messy, rapidly switching between rap and harmony. however, i’m sure it’ll smoothen out with more listens, and this is def another hit from them 🔥 9!! (9, 9, 9, 9)
LikeLike