It’s been ages since I’ve written about a song from a Chinese artist with no connection to K-pop, but we’re in the doldrums right now on this blog and I think everyone deserves to read a review that’s actually enthusiastic. So, today I want to introduce the new single from Lil Ghost — rapper and one-time-idol-group-member turned rock god on the brilliant Saturday Night.

In many ways, this song feels as if it was constructed just for me. It exists in a lineage of polished glam-dance-rock-punk that reminds me of personal favorite artists like Australia’s Short Stack and Japan’s Miyavi. It all dates back to the originator (in my opinion) of this particular sound: Billy Idol. However, Lil Ghost injects the form with a heavy dose of theatricality, as seen in the awesomely entertaining music video (remember when K-pop used to make videos like this?). The song itself is lithe and limber, careening forward on a heavy kick and addictive rhythm guitar. The chorus pulls us onto the dancefloor as the energy becomes even more frenzied, followed by an explosive instrumental hook that kicks Saturday Night up to its full potential.

As with most songs these days, Saturday Night could do with about thirty more seconds to fully leverage its ultra-satisfying conclusion, but the track still stuffs a ton of goodies into its sub-three minute running time — including a blistering bridge where the percussion really shines. And while I could do without the brief slowdown before the second chorus, I’m mostly just impressed by Saturday Night‘s sheer charisma and verve. On a side note, the inaugural Asian edition of the Eurovision Song Contest is slated for later this year and this is the kind of megawatt, over-the-top material I demand to hear!

Grade: A-