A K-pop act’s title track isn’t always the best song on their album, even if it’s the one most people will hear. Sometimes, b-sides deserve recognition too. In the singles-oriented world of K-pop, I want to spotlight some of these buried treasures and give them the props they deserve.
NCT Dream’s Beat It Up grew on me almost instantly, which is always frustrating because now I have a published review that doesn’t quite match my feelings about a song. I guess that’s what tomorrow’s “risers and fallers” post is for, though. The new mini album also boasts a few highlights, including the Kenzie-penned Cold Coffee.
Kenzie is SM Entertainment’s greatest asset at the moment. She’s a rare holdover from earlier eras, keeping SM’s sonic continuity intact even as she explores new musical avenues. Cold Coffee‘s title had me imagining a cozy winter ballad, but the song is more sprawling than that. Yes, it opens with a slow (beautiful) build, but this quickly segues into a more explosive refrain. Melodies collide in satsifying ways here and the song continues to grow as it goes on. There are some lovely harmonies sprinkled throughout, making me wish Cold Coffee would lean even further in this direction. This is definitely for those fans who loved Dream’s 2023 standout Broken Melodies.
| Hooks | 9 |
| Production | 8 |
| Longevity | 9 |
| Bias | 8 |
| RATING | 8.5 |
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 
This and Rush were the highlights of the album for me. A good pair of headphones really gives these songs justice. I also share on your experience of Beat It Up having grown a little bit on me since it was released. Rating’s the same.
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yesss I was hoping for a review, thanks Nick! I have so many thoughts on this
It’s funny how predictable it is that Kenzie wrote this. It is truly amazing what a consistent songwriter she has been since what…the second gen? Idk anymore
My favorite part of the song is when Chenle and Jeno tell us they’re “about to make this song fly”, and then they ACTUALLY DO lol. When I first heard the song, I saw there was almost a minute left and they still hadn’t started the last chorus, which made me really excited for a soaring, fleshed out climax (and it delivered)
Also, the vocal mix on the chorus is very appealing. I think it was a great idea to put Chenle’s voice on the top of the mix because his high register has is really emotive but pure quality
anyway, this is a 9.5 for me 🙂
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That would be me, I loved Broken Melodies, and this is the only song in the album that I added to the playlist. I almost didn’t pay attention to it because of the “title”, but I’m so happy that I did…it is excellent. Rating is about the same
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actually the only song that i love in this album. i think it’s their album buried treasure as well. i’m still wainting for some album like ISTJ, hello future, we boom, candy, reload and beatbox.
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kenzie almost never misses
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YAY i was waiting for this! 8.75 for me, absolutely gorgeous song. i was indifferent at first but beat it up grew on me alot as well, pretty much right on the second listen. the “all night/all day” adlibs at the end of the song are so catchy
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Oh this is def for the Broken Melodies girlies. It feels like quintessential Dream. I keep replaying the intro for that heavenly arrangement of vocal layering. It really feels like Kenzie understands the colors and strengths of the groups she produces for which is commendable.
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