Close Your Eyes had a banner 2025, though I didn’t connect with their most recent album as strongly as their first two. This is despite their movement into a more dance-oriented style, which would usually appeal to me. I guess I prefer when a group takes time to establish a signature sound before experimenting with new genres. Digital single Pose finds a middle ground within their oeuvre, offering a groovy r&b dance energy.
Pose gives us no time to orient ourselves, jumping right into the first verse without intro. The instrumental sounds like the best of the early 2000s, somehow evoking both The Neptunes and Timbaland at the same time. These touchstones have been all over K-pop for years now, so in this way Pose feels a bit behind the trends. However, its straightforward nature and right-to-the-point intensity feels refreshing in a world where tracks like this often pull you out of the experience by shifting tempo and energy. Pose is not some grand, ambitious statement, but it might be subtly addictive.
That “might be” is doing heavy lifting. On the first few listens, I can’t tell if Pose will eventually sink its teeth into me like the group’s debut All My Poetry did. The melodies aren’t as interesting here and — even though the song leaves space for the members’ fantastic vocals to shine — Pose never builds toward one memorable moment. It’s more of a vibe than a satisfying whole, but Close Your Eyes are very good at peddling vibes. For now, I’ll give it the benefit of the doubt… but ask me again in a month.
| Hooks | 8 |
| Production | 8 |
| Longevity | 9 |
| Bias | 8 |
| RATING | 8.25 |
Grade: B
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 
Wrong rating Nick, but yeah, it’s cool, lacks the oomph their past 3 tts had, but who knows, it might be a grower.
8.25 (8, 8, 9, 8) for me.
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Thanks for catching that!
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it got better with repeated listens for sure. and the b-side is more like their debut material.
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This really does sound like a cross between their first and last albums, with an SM-sounding bridge. Their approach feels old-fashioned at times but I think it’s a pretty good way to stand out. I’ll take this over the likes of Cortis anyday.
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I like it a lot!!! Sounds like X’s mellower sister. Quickly becoming a reliable source of Kpop music, along BND, KickFlip, ZB1 and Cravity.
8.5 for me
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I am a bit on the pessimistic side when predicting what TBL would rate songs because usually songs I love but are a bit basic always underperform for Nick. I am quite honestly surprised by this, anyway agreed on all points. IMO their weakest title is Snowy Summer because of its sappiness. Anyway, POSE is something I’d rate a 9 if it was 3:30 long and was released in 2018 because I am really basic for this kind of sound at the time, and again I will always take this song, production and sound ANYTIME. 8.5/10.
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I’d love it if you reviewed “What if I Miss Love” As well. It’s a total banger
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It sounds like a song that might have been a radio hit circa 2006 or something. I dunno, will the kids these days dig it?
Parts of the sound and vibe remind me of EXO “Lotto”, which itself is already 10 years old. For the kids here:
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It feels like a trendier, more sex-forward take on their debut R&B sound. I don’t know if it’s for me— as you say, there’s no standout moment for it to build up to. I prefer the emotional heft of their debut material, but I appreciate their team’s willingness to try out different approaches while still crafting a unique identity for the group.
For me it’s maybe a solid 8. It would be a better song if it was a better song.
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