I find it difficult to be a consistent fan of groups formed through the Produce/Planet series of survival shows. No matter how much I might like the members, the music often functions as an expanded version of the series’ concept missions. Groups don’t develop a signature sound, meaning one month they may release the best song ever and turn around a few months later with an awful sonic shift that neuters any excitement I might have had for their discography.
Such is the case with Japanese group INI. I’m fond of the members and they’ve released a few songs I’ve enjoyed. Their track record has been iffy lately, but we’ve hit a big high point with new single All 4 U. We’re about to enter the music business’s summer season, which tends to be soundtracked by my favorite styles of songs. All 4 U is tailor-made for summer, borrowing some of the best elements of late-2010s tropical house in a way that I really enjoy. Yes, the same blogger who used to complain endlessly about those “tropical” blips and bloops now finds them an endless source of nostalgia for a pre-pandemic world.
However, All 4 U is also a fantastic song of its own accord. The two part hook is instantly satisfying and the track has a near-perfect sense of build. I’m a sucker for a killer second verse, and it’s the segment most producers squander these days. All 4 U‘s second verse is pitch-perfect, from the way the rap interacts with the punctuation of percussion to the dramatic build back toward the chorus. All 4 U pulls off these moments with flair and excitement, keeping my interest all the way through. There’s such a dynamic blend of tension and release. This continues as we veer into an excellent bridge designed to wring the most from the group’s vocalists. All 4 U may not offer anything new, but it’s an excellent example of how to ace this style of song. That polish and verve make it an irresistible listen.
| Hooks | 9 |
| Production | 9 |
| Longevity | 9 |
| Bias | 9 |
| RATING | 9 |
Grade: A-
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 
The way this song highkey reminds me of Hana (another song that is in the 9s for me and I’ve contemplated upgrading to a 10), from its two part chorus with the second hook being punchy and chanty (in a good way) and a bombastic last chorus, but a lot poppier and upbeat. But this one is amazing! This is fitting for the summer and I’m sure my ratings would rise by then!
But for now, a 9 as well.
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Existential crisis post:
Wonderful song at a moment I needed something wonderful. I don’t know what the song is about but I can tell you that It made me feel happy, peaceful, hopeful. It’s probably temporary, but I’ll take the relief. This week’s events have risen my anxiety to levels I’m not used to, and nothing has helped take my mind away from it. This song uplifted my mood, and I’m grateful for it!
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It’s a bit of a slow burner isn’t it. The song takes its time setting itself up and only hits its stride about the one minute mark, which is practically forever in a three minute song. But once it does hit, it is all good for its remaining time. As Nick says, almost good enough that I forgot the era of ubiquitous tropical house drops.
Really, someone should do a remix pronto where its all the good bits and none of the one minute long warbly intro verse. I am old enough to know enough examples of long introduction hype songs from peak New Wave era to know that this one here isn’t working as well as it should.
“Tesla Girls” by OMD comes to mind, half a minute before the hook and bass kicks in, another half minute before the vocals start. Also, “Shell Shock” by New Order which had several remixes all of different lengths but this one here is the one we all shared on mixtapes – this one takes almost two minutes to get to any vocals at all.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d93NvFHkj-g
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rQrvRCC_Ryk
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(Nick – Fun but true fact – Youtube autoplayed Savage Garden oooh I want you I don’t know if I need you …. right after Tesla Girls.)
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