Though they’ve started experimenting with their sound more and more, there’s a certain brand of song that feels like it belongs to IVE. Think I Am, Rebel Heart and even Love Dive. It’s a resounding pop style, almost Eurovision-esque in its bigness. It’s also a sound that brought K-pop Demon Hunters‘ Golden to such great chart heights, so it makes sense for IVE to reclaim it. New title track Blackhole does just that… with a few twists.
The most surprising thing about Blackhole (though it shouldn’t be that surprising given K-pop’s current trajectory) is that the bulk of its bombast occurs during its verses and pre-chorus. The percussion thunders here as the song climbs anthemic heights. Blackhole‘s sound also becomes more diverse as it goes. Its first verse is predictable from a structural standpoint, but from that point on the track is constantly in flux. It swats us here and there, playing with expectations as its sonic landscape grows in intensity. In a way, this works well because it sidesteps some of the obviousness that can often make this sound become too Disneyfied.
On the other hand, I wish Blackhole boasted a more exciting chorus at its center. The production bolsters its “La, la, la-la, love flame” refrain more and more as the song goes on, but it still feels like a missed opportunity. The pre-chorus ends up being a bolder musical hallmark for the track. However, I appreciate how Blackhole‘s chorus only repeats once in its original form, replaced the second time by a streamlined (yet somehow more exciting) version. Small structural shifts like this keep the track engaging and will likely play well in the long run. Overall, I can’t tell if this is a homerun or just a solid double, but it’s definitely my favorite IVE title track in awhile.
| Hooks | 8 |
| Production | 9 |
| Longevity | 8 |
| Bias | 9 |
| RATING | 8.5 |
Grade: B
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 
I’m with Nick on this one, I couldn’t tell from the first listens if it is a hot mess or hot hit. The fits and starts the song goes through, like they didn’t know how to stitch it together and instead rely on empty air and down beats.
But hey, at least they return to their signature chugga chugga beat in the chorus so once that kicks in all is well in the world again, this time with extra deep farty bass.
I am going to give it a mid 8 as well for now, and see how it sounds in the car.
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Wow we must be on complete opposite sides of the earth because that was the worst chorus I have heard in an IVE song ever. The production choices are interesting but completely fall flat during the chorus too.
The prechorus sounds like it is building up to something massive and what follows is super boring. WTF is a La la la Love flame?
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the slight improvement to tripleS’ la-la-la’s!
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This is a great song, actually. Although messy and confusing, I am fond of the strong and powerful IVE sound. Hooks can be a bit confusing but gets better with repeated lessons. I just wish that the producers would have better sonic judgment.
Love it though!!
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Definitely one of their better title tracks, reminds me a lot of their peak era.
Same rating as Nick
Also what are your thoughts on the new WJSN TT based on the MV teaser?
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It’s not a ballad, so that’s already good!
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sounds like a “I Am” ified version of “Eleven” lol
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They need to stop reheating I Am nachos because they can never replicate the greatness of that song. Also I think they need to bring Ryan back (I don’t care about his issues I just care about the music)
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yeah this and BANG BANG are their best songs in a while. the second verse is a chop… but thankfully the rest of the song is strong.
the album is a step-up from I’VE IVE. they definitely chose the correct singles. I liked all the group tracks (shout out to Fireworks and HOT COFFEE) and my favorite solos are Odd, Unreal and Force (the other three are unfortunately mid).
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Fireworks brings me back
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I feel this is really what IVE is about, these anthems. I really appreciate that they let the song is given a chance to build up and the final Eurovision-esque ending is so appreciated. Even though I loved Bang Bang I feel so many kpop songs nowadays are like the meme with all the blocks being fitted into the same square hole, when there are actually so many more possible ways to craft songs. I also wonder – is this the first main song that doesn’t in some way rely on “reforging” an old refrain or catch, instead going all in on their own bombastic sound?
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I really like Hush on the album, just more original.
BlackHole is textbook IVE, like I can hear Eleven, I can feel I AM and I can see AfterLike all over the video.
I know time goes faster in the Kpop world but are they already doing nostalgic tracks?
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First of all, I think it is a good song. Not great, not bad.
Second, I think they were going for a “Cosmic” or “Blue Valentine” vibe with this one.
Third, my main issue is that it sounds held back or muted, or both. Sometimes I read comments about a particular song’s pacing, and I think this one could’ve benefitted from a faster more energetic pacing in some parts. As it is, I’m left feeling as if I’m going somewhere but never getting there.
From the album, I enjoyed “Fireworks”
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I loveeeed it 10/10 no notes and the MV is fantastic as well my god 😍 the IVE girlies have done it again!!!
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I mean it’s an ok song. Despite me not being able to recall anything about song after multiple listens besides “look at me now”.
so there is a distinctively lack of a memorable hook.
even Bang Bang’s lackluster of a song had a stronger one.
which is a pity as all the bsides are extremely strong. With all the group b-side songs easily title track contender
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I’m so happy IVE decided to lean into a real sense of drama for both of their TTs in this album. This kind of dynamic really works for them, and I think are big reasons why I AM and Rebel Heart were so successful.
Because I love IVE, I’ll give it a short album breakdown. I’ll post a comment to myself when I get around to it. For now…
Blackhole: 8,9,9,8 = 8.5
The instrumental hard carriers it, but the vocal memories sound better to me every repeat listen, though they are less instantly catchy than BANG BANG. As alluded to earlier, the drama is fantastic here, even if I think it lacks the climax I was hoping for.
BANG BANG: 9,9,8,9 = 8.75 (big riser)
Great drama, catchy hooks, slightly overused BANG BANG hook. I did think I would tire of it quicker but I’ve only gotten hungrier for it. They’ve utilized their members really well in the different sections here.
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does it reach the heights of ive’s best songs like I AM? no, but is it good? YES!
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I can appreciate the powerful sound, but other than that, nothing really stands out as especially good. At the same time, there’s nothing particularly bad about it either. I feel like IVE suits more classic, straightforward songs better than quirky or experimental ones, and this release made me realize that.
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