We haven’t had a Korean comeback from IVE since February, but their Rebel Heart has remained on Korean charts since then and new mega-hit hit single Golden (from the K-pop Demon Hunters soundtrack) has been widely compared to IVE’s past hits. In other words, the group hasn’t exactly been absent from public consciousness. Now, they’re back with Japanese single Be Alright.

IVE’s last J-pop single was released about a year ago and leaned heavily into their pop side. Be Alright takes a similar approach, offering sugary sweet melodies over buoyant rhythm guitar and an energetic beat. It’s quite straightforward, content to deliver a concentrated shot of upbeat sentiment without complicating things. This works well for the group and fits nicely within their discography, though it’s definitely on the slighter end of their output.

There’s not much to criticize here, but there’s also nothing to rave about. By sidestepping any potentially divisive choices, IVE craft a song with a wide but shallow reach. The melodies are competent if unexciting and don’t allow for much individual character to poke through in the performance. Still, if you’re looking for a pleasant, toe-tapping pop track you could do much worse.

Grade: B-