A K-pop act’s title track isn’t always the best song on their album, even if it’s the one most people will hear. Sometimes, b-sides deserve recognition too. In the singles-oriented world of K-pop, I want to spotlight some of these buried treasures and give them the props they deserve.
I like Super Junior’s new single Express Mode just fine, though as an anniversary track it’s pretty underwhelming. Most of the album is much stronger. It’s ironic, given Express Mode‘s self-identification as a “100% certified slapper,” that there are a handful of tracks that slap harder. Express Mode might bat you around here and there, but Air slaps with a French disco funk. Delight‘s chorus slaps with anthemic rock stabs. And D.N.A. slaps the way I like most: that good old fashioned SMP-style bombast.
Earlier this year, RIIZE tried the SMP style on for size with their excellent Ember To Solar, but Super Junior were one of the groups who helped pioneer this sound. D.N.A. would likely sound even better under the guidance of a legend like Yoo Young-jin, but what we get ends up being pretty damn good too. The song is a stomping electronic dance workout, pounding with the kind of intensity Express Mode could only dream of. Much of the drama comes via the members’ vocals. There are plenty of sky high power notes peppering the track, egged on by a chorus that makes space for a surplus of theatricality. This is one of those songs that’s best experienced at full volume. It’s massive, a bit garish, and so much fun. Even a brief post-chorus trap breakdown can’t dull the party.
| Hooks | 8 |
| Production | 9 |
| Longevity | 9 |
| Bias | 10 |
| RATING | 9 |
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 
Woow, this is a really impressive song! I will admit, its my first time listening to Super Junior, and I am not disappointed. Riize’s “Ember to Solar” was my favourite song from their album, and I’m really happy to find music similar to that.
LikeLiked by 1 person
This resident ELF says that peak Super Junior was roughly 2009-2013 or so, which is where you could start. There are plenty of playlists on youtube under “Super Junior hits”. (Probably spotify too, but I don’t spotify.)
Also worth exploring is the SHINee back catalog, as half of every song these days traces influence back to SHINee.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I haven’t had the time to listen through more than once or twice, but it does sound like a strong and deep album. I lean towards “Delight” as the schmaltzy side of SuJu is my usual. I am road tripping tonight and most of tomorrow so we shall see what else percolates up.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Double the volume when you get to this one. That’s what ultimately put it on top for me 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
Air is my absolute favorite on the album. I’m such a sucker for that happy, fun, and free sound, but D.N.A. has grown on me in a really big way. I was betting that this might be your buried treasure if you had one (though I wondered if the trap breakdown would sink it for you)!! It’s big, explosive, powerful, and they really go off on the vocals. And I’m always a fan of when they go off on the vocals, given that my favorite kpop vocalist is in this group and that I’m quite partial to this Super Junior’s vocals in general. My one nitpick is that there’s too much processing on their voices, but for this song, it seems a deliberate stylistic choice, so I’ll forgive it, haha.
I do like just about all the songs on the album more than Express Mode (except for maybe Haircut – jury’s still out on that one), though even that one has grown on me. It’s just so stinking catchy. Overall, it’s a really solid album, and I’m a super happy ELF for this anniversary comeback!
LikeLike
I’m a baby E.L.F. It’s been two years since I got to know Super Junior through Kyuhyun when he released “Colors”. I love K-pop, and the moment I heard this track, I had to say that it got me hooked once more with SJ. More tracks are indeed so catchy, but I’ve got to give it to “Express Mode.” It got me stuck once more with them. Besides, they can come up with a song like Super Tuna like Jin, and I would gladly love it too!
LikeLike