Some veteran K-pop groups take agonizingly long breaks and return with grand comebacks, while others simply chug along year after year. CNBLUE have definitely had their hiatuses, but it’s never felt like they’ve been gone for long. In various configurations, they’ve released music since 2009, making them one of the industry’s longest-running acts.
The guys are back with a new full album and title track Killer Joy. I can’t recall the last time I was truly excited for a new CNBLUE track, so I definitely came into this release half-heartedly. Sometimes that can be an asset, as a song is able to defy low expectations and sweep you off your feet. With Killer Joy, my feet remain firmly affixed to the ground, but I appreciate the upbeat rock energy. CNBLUE’s output can sometimes feel a bit too fuddy-duddy for my taste, but Killer Joy injects boisterous guitar riffs and exciting percussion to their formula.
What’s missing for me is an equally exciting set of melodies. The chorus doles out a few good hooks here and there, but overall the song doesn’t worm its way into my brain. I want to sing along, but the refrains aren’t giving me much to work with. Instead, the track gets by on its swagger and the strength of this veteran band’s performance.
| Hooks | 7 |
| Production | 8 |
| Longevity | 8 |
| Bias | 7 |
| RATING | 7.5 |
Grade: C
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 
This is CN Blue-ah sunbaes showing the hoobae bands how it is done.
I wonder what we would think if we didn’t know this was CNBlue. If it were a new debut we might be giving interested cheers and a eager wait for what come next. For CNBlue, it is a polite clap.
I say low 8’s for me.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I only ever knew them by name, so no such expectations for me and I absolutely adore it! I was surprised at the relatively low rating, I’d easily put this in the 8.5 and up.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love it!!!
8.25 with room to grow
LikeLiked by 1 person
Fashionably late once again, I came across this song through a promo video the band did where Seventeen’s Dokyeom sings the hook. Being a long-time loyal DK bias (since the 2010s) who has always wanted him to do more pop-rock, I fell in love immediately. Listening to the original song started out a little bit disappointing because I prefer Dokyeom’s voice so much over the actual lead singer (apologies to this man, I’m just biased). I got over that quickly, though. The whole thing is just so completely exuberant. I can’t help but love it. It has been a very, very long time since a k-pop song has kicked my heart into gear like this.
Just coming out of a personal rough spot, this song feels like perfect timing for me right now. It’s waving at me excitedly, telling me to leave my worries behind and let it in again – that feeling of real, unbridled (Killer) Joy.
LikeLike