82MAJOR have made their name on a quirky, often confrontational, hip-hop sound. As teasers were starting to roll out for new single Like Fire, I noticed some fans online expressing disappointment that the song seemed to be trending in a more mainstream direction. However, I don’t hold much stock in the 82MAJOR discography so I’m coming into Like Fire with little expectation.
Having heard the group’s past work, Like Fire does sound a bit cleaved of its edges. Like so many others before them, its hip-hop groove mines the early-2000s. This one actually sounds like a blend of The Neptunes and Timbaland, which pretty much covers the entire era. The overall sound is restrained and slinky, rarely rising above a whisper. Even the sung-spoken hook has a soft, wispy texture.
Because of this appraoch, Like Fire lacks a sense of dynamics. It unveils more or less as a straight line. If you pull any ten-second stretch from the track, you’ll get a sense for how the entire thing sounds. I appreciate the vocals on the chorus, but the topline is too repetitive and flat to elicit many sparks. As fans predicted, this is definitely one of the group’s most palatable efforts yet, but I’m not sure that’s a good thing.
| Hooks | 7 |
| Â Production | 8 |
| Â Longevity | 8 |
| Â Bias | 7 |
| Â RATING | 7.5 |
Grade: C
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 
Out of all 5th gen bgs with a hip-hop sound, I’m fond of these guys the most. Maybe it’s the bias talking since they are one of my ults lol, but I really appreciate them experimenting with their sound and offering new sounds even if it can be a hit or miss, this earnest approach of theirs to expand their horizons than just release reheats is commendable.
With that being said, it is a good successor to Sign. I love the herky jerky rhythms of the production even if I wish for it to be stronger but that synth loop that prominently appears during the post-chorus and the outro is a nice brain-tickler. I also would love a stronger melody but vocals isn’t really their forte, but I like the breezy, groovy chorus. I see this get more plays out of me for the next few days.
8.25 (8, 8, 9, 8) for me
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Oh and also, wyd is a good b-side! It has more bite to it than the song, I’d love to see the song get promos if not an MV (they sadly never do follow up MVs)
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