When the tracklist for Picheolin’s “debut” album was released, I was excited to see the name “Hitchhiker” on the credits for its title track. The visionary producer doesn’t seem to work on much material these days and his out-of-the-box thinking is always appreciated. However, with each pre-release track released under this alter-ego schtick, it became apparent that Dino’s Picheolin project would be leaning much further into comedy than I expected.
In this way, there’s more than a little Gangnam Style in Party Rock Rock‘s thumping sound. Of course, Gangnam Style managed to be both funny and a great song, while this one doesn’t fully hit either of those goals. The verses are somewhat enjoyable because the energy remains high. The pre-chorus injects a catchy melody, but unfortunately resolves in a lumbering chorus that’s more obnoxious than thrilling. Have I ever mentioned how much I hate when fast dance tracks go half-time for their chorus? It’s such a buzzkill.
While I appreciate Dino’s commitment to the bit, it’s clear this whole Picheolin thing just isn’t for me. It’s not entertaining enough to enjoy as parody and the music isn’t strong enough to enjoy on its own merits. And even with a fantastic producer attached, this is the worst track yet. At least it’s also the shortest!
| Hooks | 5 |
| Production | 7 |
| Longevity | 7 |
| Bias | 6 |
| RATING | 6.25 |
Grade: D
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 
The “$10” sample in the chorus was funnier and more entertaining than this whole song. Sigh, Hitchhiker who made these weird ass songs with equally weird ass MVs, watching and listening to them feels like I’m high on an unknown substance.
Come on Hitchhiker, you can make funnier songs than whatever this was 💔
6.25 (6, 7, 6, 6) for me. Also, I thought we left that sound in the chorus in like mid-2010s. But anyways, I’m gonna stream “10 DOLLA 10 DOLLA 10 DOLLA 5 DOLLA 5 DOLLA 👹” instead, now THAT’S how you do a fun party song
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omg this brings me back. NOW I remember who or what Hitchhiker is. I used to have so many of his just pop up on my youtube feed, in a good way.
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I love Hitchhiker because he used to produce ridiculous abrasive earworm songs like $10 and Time feat Hyoyeon and Taeyong but in the same token be credited as the writer of incredible anthemic tracks like Hitchhiking by SHINee and I Just by Red Velvet. I also miss the days when SM used to have their Station program going and would give MVs to literally anyone under their label for anything, it felt like the sky was the limit lol.
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Its some combo of the Romanian Popcorn sound with Trot with that tin horn sample from the KSHMR packs. I feel like its trying to hit some sort of kitsch level, and I don’t know what that is or what this song wants to be when it grows up.
Also, agree with Nick’s comment, that one thing to make it better is to set the pace and Leave it There. Don’t touch that half time button!
Also, I have a flavor of this song from my own SuJu vast collection called “Charm of Life”, which I will go listen to instead. In the opening Eunhyuk raps (to paraphrase) “showing up doing the thing celebrities do because we are celebrities” with a wink. They know what their kitsch song is, who it is for (me!), and do at the right production cost.
Sharing, because sharing is caring.
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My knowleges bank about Seventeen’s Dino is next to nothing as I did not consume much of the groups non-musical content. This kind of musical direction usually comes from comedians alter-ego who wanted to make a humorous music project. I do not know if we were supposed to regard this music as just a funny parody, a personal pet project, or a bona fide artist signature arts. One thing I know is that the music is not enjoyable or funny much.
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I think my favorite kpop parody song is Big Byung’s ‘Stress’ haha. Nothing else, including this song, has really come close except, as you said, for Psy’s songs.
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Is Gangnam Style a 10 for you?
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That’s one of those really difficult ones where when it comes to culture/influence of course it’s a ten but personally it’s more like a 9. So… maybe 9.5?
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I observed your review towards dino , it was most negative . You clearly don’t like him. Everyone wants kpop to be fun but when it was fun you behave weird.
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Yes, I clearly operate this blog as a vendetta machine against idols I don’t like. 🙄 Please grow up.
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Ah yes, the classic “please grow up” response when someone critiques a critique. I guess reviews are only welcome when they’re yours
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Saying that I “don’t like” someone is not a critique. If you disagree with my thoughts about a song, argue why and I’m happy to have that discussion. Each of us might even come away with some new understanding/appreciation throughout the process. Comments that jump to drastic/simplistic conclusions about a perceived “hate” offer no opportunity for actual conversation and do need to grow up.
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If your goal was genuine discussion, opening with sarcasm and a personal jab undermined that. You can’t dismiss someone first and then complain they didn’t start a meaningful conversation.
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SAI, while it’s perfectly okay to critique Nick and his reviews, several kpop stans have found themselves in the comments of the blog making comments about him having something against an artist all because he didn’t like the music. If you were to make a claim like that you would need evidence and not liking the music isn’t that. Nick was sarcastic with you but you have to understand how often stuff like that gets thrown at him and that it’s probably really annoying and that’s where he’s coming from. Your initial comment was immature my friend. And he didnt complain about not having a meaningful conversation, he let’s you know you can have one when YOU come with the intent of having one too
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