Straight-up R&B can be a tough sell in the glossy K-pop idol world, but most of the hits we know and love are built on elements of the genre. Jun. K and his group 2PM are very familiar with a great R&B-influenced croon, and he’s enlisted Stray Kids’ Changbin for back-up on new single R&B Me.

Despite its title, R&B Me plays more like a traditional pop mid-tempo that just so happens to have trap percussion. It’s a sweet ode that embraces listeners with Jun. K’s layered vocals without asking much in return. The melodies are sound (if subdued) and Changbin’s limited moments within the track add some needed texture.

My favorite Jun. K song is definitely his Japanese 2014 single Love & Hate, which showcased a unique musical worldview and harnessed his vocal texture in an interesting way. I wish idols could continue to experiment like this as they age, but too often we’re left with pleasant, throwaway material like this. It’s nice for fans I guess, but feels so inessential.

Grade: C