It’s been awhile since I’ve connected with a new aespa single, but as they move their attention to the Japanese market with Kiss N Tell, there’s an opportunity to switch things up and offer a different sound. This isn’t a complete reinvention, but takes the banging electro influence of songs like Lemonade and merges it with a more melodic execution.
In K-pop’s struggle bus year of 2026, “melodic” in any shape or form is something to celebrate. Compared to big dance bangers of eras past, Kiss N Tell is relatively flat and repetitive in this regard, but within the context of this summer it feels almost like a revelation. The vocals forgo power in favor of breeziness, centered around a catchy “dee da da dee” hook that injects saccharine cuteness to the effervescent electro beat.
For me, Kiss N Tell‘s biggest asset is its instrumental. Its bounding energy and sunny tone capture the sensation of riding a carnival attraction. The production swoops up and down, gliding easefully without ever becoming dull. The song’s last few moments are particularly exciting as synth takes centerstage for a breakdown that should last at least a few seconds longer than it does. aespa’s pleasant performance feels secondary to this banging instrumental, but when it comes to high energy candyfloss dance music, this is the best thing they’ve released in some time.
| Hooks | 8 |
| Production | 9 |
| Longevity | 8 |
| Bias | 9 |
| RATING | 8.5 |
Grade: B
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 
A pleasant performance on a banging instrumental. It’s okay, wish melodies were stronger but the “dee da da dee” is also catchy.
8.25 (8, 9, 8, 8) for me
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An ok song to fit the summer theme, but as an old school SM Ent. releases lovers, I’m still waiting for a Red Flavor 2.0 that give me “IT’s SUMMER TIME” vibes.
A flat 8.
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been obsessed since they performed it, it’s miles better than Hot Mess
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Ignoring the actual songs, as a statement “It’s miles better than Hot Mess” pretty much represents how low I’ve had to set my standards this summer 😂😅😭
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Everyone keeps praising ‘Dee Da Da Dee,’ yet I’m the only one who hates it 😭
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It’s my least favorite part of the song, even if it’s the most memorable.
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i choose itzy’s better kiss and tell, thanks
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nick, didn’t you get reminded of itzy’s kiss and tell? personally, that was the first thought that came to my mind when I read the title. except, itzy’s song is miles better
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I like it. I’m glad it got a video, unlike their first Japanese single Attitude, which is a great song. 8
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