Boy band Aimers have been kicking around since 2022 — one of those underrated, underknown groups who somehow manage to come back each year despite never breaking free of the dreaded “nugu” label. I have a soft spot for groups like this, though no Aimers song has hit me hard enough to be anything more than a casual admirer.
Most of Aimers’ work has been solid but lacks the individual stamp that helps brand a group. Instead, they’re perfectly able conduits for lightweight pop music. New single Called Game is another fizzy, pleasant bop, skipping along without a care in the world. The vocals are very nice, the subdued swing beat has pep in its step and the melodies harness a sense of nostalgia that serves the song well. But when combined together, these pieces somehow blend into a forgettable whole.
My diagnosis? Called Game needs a sharper melody during its chorus and its instrumental should be heightened at least two to three times more than it is now. The bones of this song are not unlike what composers Nthonius and KZ give The Wind, but those arrangements have much more life to them. Sadly, I don’t see myself remembering Called Game in even a few weeks’ time.
| Hooks | 7 |
| Production | 8 |
| Longevity | 8 |
| Bias | 7 |
| RATING | 7.5 |
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 
Personally, I find that most K-Pop songs these days either go nowhere, feel one-dimensional, or just lack the sense of urgency that absolutely propels the track to greater heights. Whatever happened to build and payoffs?
Apart from this, I’d say that this song is serviceable and fine. It’s just that, sometimes, a song can be stuffed to the brim with sounds but lacks dynamics and elements that keep the song interesting and engaging to listen to.
With that said, whatever happened to GFRIEND – NAVILLERA (explosive and powerhouse of a pop-rock song) and INFINITE – Back (packed with payoffs, a show-stopping production showcase, and beats that accelerate to build tension as it melts into the second verse)?
Notice a pattern? Two of these songs actually have a very engaging post-chorus and exciting builds and payoffs. I live for maximum drama! 🥳
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Yes. No notes.
OK, one thing, adding that my year end list will be almost a direct correlation of how much the song _moves_. Interleaved with ballads that make me want to sing at the top of my lungs as that weirdo in the car stopped at the light next to you doing so.
Aimers. I looked it up. Apparently I listened to one of their songs a few times back in 2023.
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I also have a soft spot for groups like Aimers. Their songs are just good and well executed. They definitely lack a “wow” kpop factor, but I tend to be more forgiving when groups from super small companies do this. If this song was released by a bigger agency, I would not give it the time of day, but since it’s Aimers I’ll give it an 8. Having said that, this is probably my least favorite of their titles.
PS: I noticed I feel this way about Lun8’s Lost and TxT’s Beautiful Strangers. I think both songs suffer from the same sin (incomplete), but I got over it much faster with Lost than with Beautiful Strangers. And it’s just because I expect so much more from a Big4 company🤷🏻♀️
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