P1Harmony are getting in on the ‘follow-up music video’ game, releasing a video for album track L.O.Y.L. less than a week after title track Unique. I was not a fan of that song and its braggadocious spirit, but other listeners seemed to think that the album as a whole was stronger.
At the very least, L.O.Y.L. is more sonically interesting than its predecessor. The production plays around with multiple textures, tones and tempos. This naturally leads to a sort of hodgepodge track with some parts I enjoy more than others. The chorus boasts a nice melodic flourish and parts of the verses harness delightfully weird percussion. Halfway through, we move into a segment that almost sounds like samba.
What’s missing here is compelling melodic structure and range. Much of L.O.Y.L. passes by without landing many blows and its languid energy keeps things mired in a sludgy atmosphere despite the instrumental’s attempt to constantly pull its boots out of the muck. When listening, I was reminded of SHINee’s brilliant One Minute Back. That song is similarly diverse in structure and experimental in sound, but every single moment is a highlight and the arrangement uses empty space so much more effectively.
| Hooks | 7 |
| Production | 8 |
| Longevity | 8 |
| Bias | 8 |
| RATING | 7.75 |
Grade: C+
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 
I am here to enjoy the peace and quiet in the comment section before it all blows up tomorrow, and fortunately I am on a long weekend trip so by necessity I will post and run …
oh right this song
I often say how how some songs sound like a Super Junior B-side, because they have released (checks google) some 45 albums including subunits an all and some 700+ songs, so I have lot to pull from. …. goes away … comes back. I’m going to say something from Time_Slip the 9th album, like “No Drama”. A good name, which the comment section will be just that tomorrow, hah, who am I kidding.
I might link to “No Drama”, however just like the P1Harmony song today it is the one I skip over to get to something else better, in the Time_Slip album case it is to get to their Super Show show song called “Show”. Because no one serves up conry fan service show tunes like Super Junior.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VRuLUt-Pz88
LikeLike
700+ songs?!?! 🤯
That means I know only about 1/100 of their discography. What’s their best album?
LikeLike
I know, I know. The Spotify list says 975. I merely have some 300 on my iTunes, so I must not be a real ELF*.
Anyway, Nick helpfully made a list of his top ten, link below. In the comments is my top 15 for 15 years (at the time). I must not be a real ELF* because I have yet not updated my list to a Top 20 for 20 years. My top song would still be Hey! Mamacita nega ay yi yi yi yiiiiiiiiii!
https://thebiaslist.com/2021/07/17/top-ten-k-pop-singles-revisited-super-junior/
(*though noting I finally did get the custom car license plate “SUPER-JR” that I thought about for years, so maybe I am a real ELF.)
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks! Yes, I think it’s safe to say you’re a real ELF 😂
LikeLike
I liked this and Pandemonium from the album. Although I can see why it wouldn’t make a good title track because there is no hook and maybe not even a real song, just a bunch of rhythms and flourishes. The vocals get to shine though, and I think it does a good job marrying the more experimental sounds from the album Ex with P1H’s trademark whimsy.
LikeLike