Review

Song Review: One Pact – Yes, No, Maybe

Prior to this group comeback, One Pact released an EP of solo tracks. I wrote about my favorite one here. Those songs are included on the new album alongside a few new group tracks. Yes, No, Maybe acts as the title and offers a new concept for the guys.

Though I wasn’t initially won over, February’s 100 was a stealth grower on my playlist, buoyed by fun performances on music shows. Yes, No, Maybe isn’t exactly “fun” in the same way, and I fear that may limit its ability to grow. The guys have opted for a more R&B flavored mid-tempo this time. Chugging percussion meets 90’s g-funk synth for a boppy backdrop guaranteed to get your head nodding. This production hits a sweet spot for me, drawing upon many retro elements without feeling like a total pastiche.

I’m less enthused by the song thrown on top of this instrumental. At first, Yes, No, Maybe‘s rapid-fire, staccato delivery grabs attention, but I find myself tuning out as the song goes on. I can’t quite put my finger on why, but I think it has to do with a lack of variety in the melodies. The songwriting has only trick and utilizes it for three minutes straight, making an initially-thrilling prospect feel a bit monotonous once the song has finished. The guys pull off the vibe just fine, but Yes, No, Maybe doesn’t quite strike gold the way it wants to.

Hooks 7
 Production 8
 Longevity 8
 Bias 8
 RATING 7.75

Grade: C+

3 thoughts on “Song Review: One Pact – Yes, No, Maybe

  1. OK, I am officially intrigued. It is a hell of a beat they lay down. The vocals are good too. If they really want to make a stamp on the world, I would say stop over-producing the vocals and make them rawer and real-er. Like in your face deliberately under-produced like someone literally recording in the basement home-built studio.

    I don’t know how I missed the “100” song earlier this year, but yes, that too, lays down a beat, keeps going, vocal fun on top.

    Add that heck of a energy bomb “Passout” from earlier this month, and I am declaring that OnePact, you are officially on my radar.

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  2. I really liked it and with a few more listens I’m pretty sure it will get better for me. Similar to their recent title tracks, I find it a very satisfying listening experience. Right now I’ll say 8.5

    They caught my attention with “Deserved” but won me over with “100!” plus their bside “Confession”. “Passaout” has been playing basically every day since it came out.

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  3. 100! really grew on me and became one of my top songs in the first half of the year. This one is not bad but I agree it’s missing something…maybe because of the MV, 5 members, styling, etc. it makes me think of a more subdued version of T5’s Move, which had that sublime bridge and dance break. Jay’s vocals sound nice here.

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