My favorite K-pop group, Infinite, has had trouble picking great songs over the past few years. I’m not sure if it’s a lack-of-A&R situation or a lack-of-great-material-to-choose-from, but while the guys are mega talented with so much star power, I just don’t trust them when it comes to picking title tracks that best suit their potential. Listening to the highlight medley of Nam Woohyun’s latest sixteen track (!) opus, I feared history would repeat itself. Title track Devil sounded like one of the least interesting songs on an otherwise strong project.
I have to believe this is a case of concept over music, where Woohyun (or somebody close to him) wanted to attempt this sort of sultry mid-tempo and simply picked the song that most closely matched that brief. To be fair, this has never been my favorite style of track, so Devil faced an uphill battle even before I heard it. But even within the realm of sultry mid-tempos, the song is quite dull.
Woohyun has one of my absolute favorite voices in K-pop, capable of doing incredible things. The melodies here don’t let him flex much at all. I appreciate how the tempo kicks up halfway through Devil, but even here it doesn’t commit to anything beyond mood. The chorus pulls its punches, opting for a dull series of refrains that feel way too safe for a concept like this. Here’s hoping the album itself is as solid as its preview suggested.
| Hooks | 7 |
| Production | 7 |
| Longevity | 7 |
| Bias | 8 |
| RATING | 7.25 |
Grade: C
He most definitely held himself back! Which is odd given the fact that he is a more capable performer than most of his peers. The production, dramatic flair, and overall energy could have been much more focused and capitvating. So why did he turn it down so many notches?
8
LikeLiked by 1 person
Please give Buried Treasures recommendation from his 16-tracks opus? as this is kinda mid for album title track. Also, I don’t understand the meaning of inserting 10-20 secs? of bird chirping parts after 3 minute mark in the MV. It is so unnecessary just skip it altogether please….
LikeLike
I haven’t listened to it yet, but as usual I’ll put my recommendations in the weekly round-up on Sunday and write more in-depth about a buried treasure if there is one.
LikeLike
Finger-crossed hope there is at least one
LikeLike
I was thinking about the same. Or more properly, I was thinking whyyyyyyyyyeeeee Nam Woo Hyun, whyeeee are you doing this one? It sounds like a leftover boy band dark theme song circa 2022 or so. =sigh=
LikeLike
Nam Woohyun’s overall discography are top-notch,majority..he did said VIEW are the top 2 to be title track. and me thinks VIEW kinda more suitable? Woohyun always go with the majority of infinite member’s opinion and the company… Sometimes i feels he keep getting sabotage because of this kind of majority..
LikeLike