With so many K-pop acts trying their luck at a global career, it can be hard to determine what “counts” as K-pop anymore. I don’t know that I’ll be writing much about former NCT member Mark Lee’s burgeoning solo career in the future, but this track feels like an important milestone that deserves some kind of write-up.
Mark’s new musical venture has been fraught with controversy even before it started. I won’t bring up all these issues because there are other sites that do that sort of thing better than me, but suffice it to say I’m come into My Friend with a whole lot of side-eye loaded and ready to be unleashed. Mark has not shied away from his interest in Christian music, and if that’s what he wants to move into more power to him, I guess. There’s certainly a market for it at the moment, at least in America.
I can’t tell if My Friend is supposed to be a worship song or not as its lyrics are vague enough to be just about anything. Unlike with his past material, My Friend features absolutely no rap, aiming for soft melody instead. Mark fits this style surprisingly well, but the song itself is way too lightweight and sanitized to stick. It’s a sound designed to be pleasant and edgeless and succeeds in this aim. The problem is, I’m not in the market for “pleasant and edgeless” and there’s already a wide swath of the industry targeting this aesthetic. Fans may enjoy it. For everyone else, this Friend might be worth letting go of.
| Hooks | 8 |
| Production | 7 |
| Longevity | 7 |
| Bias | 7 |
| RATING | 7.25 |
Grade: C
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 
It’s okay, let him pay tribute to his friend Charlie
7 (7, 7, 7, 7) for me
LikeLiked by 1 person
someone said it’s giving Amber Liu and it made sense. it’s also very Justice-era Justin Bieber which makes sense since he’s a fan. it’s a fine song, I love me some (pseudo-)worship songs but I probably would like it more if it were sung by someone who isn’t actually a Christian.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Such an interesting turn immediately after going solo, definitely wasn’t expecting this given how he was used in NCT.
In other news, was trying to wait for the global roundup later this month but I’ve been head over heels for Rebecca Black’s new album. Absolutely insane production and direction on it, so impressed by her and how far she’s come. Will save particular highlights for the roundup but wanted to know what you think!
LikeLiked by 1 person
My Christian heart is so full of joy right now! I felt a little saddened when Mark wore that controversial shirt in the past, but this song completely hit me in the best way possible, and I could genuinely feel the warmth of his voice. I usually don’t gravitate toward this specific genre of CCM-adjacent music, but this time around, I found myself smiling from ear to ear.
God bless you, Mark, and truly, God bless everyone reading this. His grace reigns forever and ever, and I am so grateful for the light He brings into our lives. He has been such an anchor for me, and I know His love is freely available to all who seek it. I would never want to force anyone’s beliefs, but I also refuse to hide my faith out of fear of what others might think. Walking in that truth just feels so wonderful and grounding!
9
LikeLiked by 2 people
it is fine. Very muted. Typical of this year. Very almost.
LikeLike