i-dle’s Miyeon is gearing up for her second mini album next month, and like so many before her she’s dropped a pre-release first. Reno pairs her with indie singer-songwriter Colde for a slow-burn slice of musical drama that feels like a performance piece straight from a movie.
Opening with a dramatic spoken-word introduction, Reno unfurls at a languid pace that feels conversational — like a monologue put to music. In this way, it reminds me of something ripped from a stage musical, though its tone is more “dingy dive bar” than “razzle dazzle spotlight.” It’s a different sound for K-pop and captures attention immediately. As a pop song, I’m not sure it works nearly as well. The emphasis seems to be put on mood and storytelling rather than exciting melodic structure, which just isn’t the route I usually opt for as a listener.
Still, Reno stands as a compelling artistic statement on its own. Miyeon’s clearly ready to stretch herself when it comes to genre, and this blends her career as an idol and actress quite nicely. It won’t be showing up on any of my own playlists, but I imagine the song will engeander love from a dedicated fan base.
| Hooks | 7 |
| Production | 8 |
| Longevity | 8 |
| Bias | 7 |
| RATING | 7.5 |
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 
I think its pretty good! When I read the title and heard the opening bars, I thought “oh no, kpop goes Cowboy Carter”. It’s not that, phew.
The key motif is that 6/8 time, leaned into very heavily. We don’t often hear it in kpop these days, so when it does appear it can just feel different because it feels different. ONE two three FOUR five six. Think Jimin “Lie” how it was used effectively there. Take that song but make it leading lady Sunmi-style theatrical outre big production.
I think it works well. It might be a mid-8 or higher.
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I probably won’t listen to it much, but I appreciate it for what it is. Miyeon sounds great. When she first debuted her tone reminded me a lot of rosé, that sentiment remains in this song but with a touch of BoA. I like it
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Could’ve taught her to pronounce Reno at least.
Are you going to review Gyubin’s new song? 😀
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I liked this one! Will go on the playlist, but I suspect I won’t reach for it very often. 8,8,8,8 = 8
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just in case you’d rather correct it: you have “engeander” where i assume you meant engender
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Is this song ‘Run’ by Joji
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