Hyoyeon from SNSD has developed a nice solo career as a DJ/performer, though SM Entertainment has yet to give her an actual album to flex her skills. I guess full/mini albums aren’t as common in dance music as in other genres, but if you were to string all her prior tracks together you’d have a strong compilation. Add new single Yes to that line-up because it’s another hit.
Many K-pop acts flirt with various dance genres, but HYO dives right into high-octane house music with Yes. Even the cheap, DIY music video has a certain underground club appeal. Her vocals are warped throughout, becoming one with the production, while the chorus hinges on the simple repetition of a few keywords. It’s nothing new for a dance record, but as is usually the case I’m won over by its sheer energy.
Knowing HYO’s skills as a performer, I would have loved to hear her break free from the vocal filters and deliver some contrasting textures here and there. Yes is not that kind of belt-it-out song, but the delivery is a bit one note throughout. The performance is more about being fierce and flaunting yourself, which is de rigueur for K-pop at this moment. At least with Yes, the song has the intensity and drive to back up those claims.
| Hooks | 8 |
| Production | 8 |
| Longevity | 8 |
| Bias | 9 |
| RATING | 8.25 |
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 
I was going to say, “But HYO does have a mini album.”, but then I remembered that that mini album is just two new songs with five songs released prior to the album’s release.
LikeLike
Anyway, I enjoyed the song. It’s something I can dance to.
LikeLiked by 1 person
i’m definitely a fan of hyo’s music. her Deep EP is a great compilation of some of her previous singles, and i really wish that SM would give her a full album as well! i agree that the vocals are kind of one note and i wasn’t as pleased with the song at first, but the post-chorus starting after the 2nd chorus added some texture which i really liked and put the song up a few notches for me.
LikeLiked by 1 person
the music worked better for me when i put on 0.9 on YouTube
LikeLiked by 1 person
Vaguely like “Don’t Tell ‘Em” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MqyCoAgiGnI
And a little bit of some Cataracs, too, particularly their work with Dev.
Idk, I think “Retro Romance” was her best so far.
LikeLike
Love hyo but this wasn’t doing it for me. The production is nice, but it isn’t particularly unique. Since there’s not much of a song on top of it, I’m left feeling the urge to seek out better songs of a similar vibe instead of the urge to finish
video has good fashion, but the editing is an eyesore
LikeLike
The mv is awesome! I didn’t expect to love the song so much. Thanks for broadening my musical taste since I started reading this blog
LikeLiked by 1 person