I’m not sure current K-pop acts even know how much they owe to 2NE1’s influence. For girl groups especially, 2NE1 practically invented many of the tropes so popular today. They also did a more compelling job deploying them, but that’s beside the point. This is all to say, it’s always nice hearing from one of these founding mothers again.
I would love nothing more than a dynamite performer like Minzy returning to show everyone how it’s done. Unfortunately, her solo work has left much to be desired and new single Calling is firmly within ballad territory. 2NE1 have some excellent ballads to their name, so slower tempos don’t necessarily mean we should be checking out, but Calling has a generic, “play it over an Ozempic commercial” sheen that doesn’t really work for Minzy. Its faux-gospel bombast has the potential to be interesting, but feels more like an affectation than a true baring of the soul. I appreciate the theatricality. I just don’t know if this particular version of it is for me.
| Hooks | 7 |
| Production | 8 |
| Longevity | 7 |
| Bias | 7 |
| RATING | 7.25 |
Grade: C
Call me sentimental, but this song brings tears to my eyes. Yes it might have a common chord progression, yes it might have a familiar melody, but I like the emotion that the song brings, and it’s like a strong statement as if everything will come to a good ending. I picture myself listening to this as the confetti blows up while I’m standing in an empty room with a spotlight on me.
A 9/10 for me.
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Has a lovely, open feel that calls to mind something Sia would’ve released in the late 2010s. However the entire production feels hushed. The vocal layering was nice to hear but the song leaned heavily on a very simple, repetitive stomp. Even so, it’s a blessing to hear her back making music again!
8.25(8,8,8,9)
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I love the vocal, especially for someone like Minzy who is usually thought of as a dancer. She was an underrated force in 2NE1, overshadowed by the greater personalities.
The song is very 2010’s coded. Not a bad thing per se, but it isn’t new. It hits all the expected marks, the usual sentiments, all the expected chord progressions. Besides Sia, I am also hearing some Beyonce “Halo” styling too.
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