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.
It’s been over a month since I last featured a “buried treasure” on the blog, and to be honest I’m stretching the definition with this song. However, IVE’s second album is one of February’s most notable releases and it’s got a few solid tracks as b-sides so I think it warrants discussion. They definitely chose the right title track, but Hush (숨바꼭질) would make a nice choice for further promotions.
Hush opens on a rather reserved note as the percussion gradually builds up. Its chorus continues this sense of build, teasing us with a whispered “hush hush” before Liz hits us with one of those spiralling high notes that seems to directly reference the group’s past hits. From here, the beat becomes more robust as the track adopts a groovy Y2K-esque sound. It’s the rare song that actually grows stronger as it goes. The instrumental becomes more dynamic and fast-paced, lending the simple melodic lines more weight. It could use a big climax so that the song ended on a high, but works as a continual tease that draws you in at every turn.
| Hooks | 8 |
| Production | 9 |
| Longevity | 8 |
| Bias | 8 |
| RATING | 8.25 |
Grade: B
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 
some people might be salty you didnt chose Fireworks but I honestly dont see whats special about that song. Its super muted.
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words used to have meaning… “super muted”? did we listen to the same Fireworks?
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IVE “Fireworks” to me sounds like upscale fan service song. You and I are shining in the dark forever and ever and ever. I can see all the sparkling light sticks in the arena when they make that video.
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I’m more of a ‘Stuck In Your Head’ girl or even a ‘Hot Coffee’ girl. This is also good though.
Hope it’s alright to be meta, and it’s not a dig to the posts here (just a neutral observation) but this specific ‘buried treasure’ post is giving your two Blackpink buried treasure posts – spotlighting ‘the best material in their albums’ despite being subpar on in the grand scheme of Kpop. Just an observation re: IVE album material trajectory.
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love this song so much, the production gives me britney vibes
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Hush is also my favorite from the album! Nice to see it get chosen! I think IVE did the right title tracks (Bang Bang is the most “different” and Black Hole is classic IVE)
were there any other solos or tracks you enjoyed, Nick?
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The song sounds very full and song like – I was surprised that the running time is 2:47 because it sounded longer.
I am hearing under-produced 2nd gen – early 3rd gen references. Thinking what a Miss A type group would have done with the Hush hush refrain, it would be more oomphy and slinky.
I Like it with a big L, rating is about right.
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I thought buried treasures were only for b-sides that were rated 8.5 or higher
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I make exceptions for big releases that I think people want to see covered. Never lower than an 8.25, though.
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What I would give for a song like wonderland by gugudan or rough by gfriend💔😢
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I would literally combust.
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Did Wonderland shoot up in your ranking a decade (!) later, I wonder?
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Definitely! You really have to take those early blog reviews with a big grain of salt 😅
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Oh definitely! Especially your gripe for it being ‘more of the same’ during that era. I’m just curious where would it be on the scale at this time, maybe some commentary if you’re feeling generous haha (ie. if the verses now connect with you, along with the chorus).
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(A future Debut Re-Evaluation contender huh?)
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Definitely! (I actually forgot about that feature, tbh).
As a whole, Gugudan’s work was underloved on this blog compared to how I feel about it now.
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😭
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every group b-side on this album could’ve replaced the double Title tracks on merit of purely sounding better
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