IVE has developed a pattern of pre-releases prior to their title tracks, and these songs are often more successful on the charts than the actual comeback. That was the case with both Bang Bang and Rebel Heart, and we’ll soon see if new pre-release Looks Can Kill will continue the trend. They’re certainly playing to expectations with this one, wrapping a familiar “I’m so pretty, I’m so cool” sentiment around a propulsive dance beat.
For me, songs with this (very overdone) concept only work if the artists embrace camp and have their tongue firmly in their cheek. Of all of K-pop’s “cool girls,” IVE feel most suited to this task. It’s not hard to imagine Looks Can Kill as a bit of comedy, especially given its accompanying video. Musically, the song is the latest in a very long line of mostly-spoken songs over brisk club beats. I’m waiting for this approach to bloom into something more melodically substantial (it’ll happen, trust me!), but for now this is an above average example of the sing-talk phenomemon.
Every once and awhile, Looks Can Kill pulls back its facade and reveals a better song lurking just underneath. The bridge is a particularly nice example of this, bringing a shot of melodic drama to the track. The post-chorus is also a standout, following the staccato “da da da” sing-song appeal of the chorus with a slightly more developed refrain. When it comes down to it, I’m not sure Looks Can Kill was built for the long run, but its energy is consistent enough to bop along with anyway.
| Hooks | 8 |
| Production | 8 |
| Longevity | 8 |
| Bias | 8 |
| RATING | 8 |
Grade: B-
Hm, this is okay, a little catchy but idk how this will age in the long run.
7.75 (8, 8, 7, 8) for me.
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This song is so fucking lukewarm.
It’s in the 6s for me.
What are Starship thinking? Giving KiiiKiii absolute bangers and IVE these garbage songs.
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Sounds like kids trying to act mature/cool. A 7.5 for me.
No K/DA review? Since you did make it on their previous comeback.
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It’s one of those weird things that’s not quite K-pop and the music video’s animated so I don’t feel like I need to cover it. I don’t like the song and don’t have much to say beyond that lol.
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Thanks for the quick reply Nick! But I also wonder: how do you so well-informed regarding all the song releases?
For me, I only listen to the group that I really following, or those that pop up from my algorithm. But you’ve been really covering a lot: not only J-Pop, K-Pop, Global Wrapped Up, and even C-Pop (I’m so so unexpected on this!)
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It’s just a matter of having many irons in many fires, as they say (those fires being forums/youtube/apple music/spotify/reddit/etc). It’s also a lot of work and takes a lot of time, to be honest!
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I think the Heartsteel song was way worse tbh. The KDA song has cool parts while the Heartsteel song is basically just American radio slop with a slice of Baekhyun’s coffeehouse music taste.
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positives: pre-chorus, Rei’s verse, bridge
negatives: everything else
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Catchy and danceable. Though, I don’t understand why they have to do sing-talk when there are two capable vocalists already.
I love the synths because it has a club sentiment and the girls are really convincing me to like this song. But it is disappointing for an IVE song.
I would confidently put this is my worst three IVE songs alongside Kitsch and Baddie.
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I had wished the topline would have better hooks (more importantly, a better chorus) with a beat like this- I was imagining a more attitude forward Kiss N Tell. Instead, they opted for a circus melody. I’m thinking the reason they put all of the “behind the scenes” footage and “advertisements” was because it was meant to be “camp” and comment on the tackiness of Hollywood superhero movies and commercial productions. However, I really enjoyed the pre-choruses, I think that melody captured the same vibe as Heya but instead of grandeur it felt more like foreshadowing. I also enjoyed the production, it packs a punch and doesn’t back down until the bridge. Hopefully the EP will have great b-sides!
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does anyone know if they’re dropping another mv next week or if this is the only title track?
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The song seems to do its job well for a pre-release track ergo to keep the hype going. The hook and chorus were catchy enough. The energetic dance beat also kept its energy going until the last line. However like the majority of this blog viewer, I am just not sold on this sing-talk trend. Without strong melody, the verses are very toothless even though Gaeul-sunbae and Rei did their best to anchor our attention with their rap parts. It is just not enough to elevate the track listening experience and the highlight of the verses was going to Anyujin sparkling ad-libs instead.
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i think this is the title track though, not just a pre release
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A pretty disappointing title track then, I hope there are Buried Treasures to be found in the album
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makes me so much more dissapointed then. if this was just a pre release then I’d be okay
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I’m quite sure this is the title track and not the pre-release though. And the ep is going to be released next week with the b-sides.
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Oh… is this true? That’s disappointing.
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they’re releasing a ‘spin off film’ next monday, and apparently tracks will serve as the soundtrack
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With IVE the visuals and concepts and costumes are always there obviously, it’s just like do we really need another werk slay pose song. actually if I never heard a new one for the rest of my life I would be fine. I would say it’s a step above the majority of werk slay pose songs that were released this year, but what does that even mean 😭
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the production and beat are great but the melody on top is non existant also the rap parts are boring which is unusual for IVE. Probably my least favorite IVE single since Baddie
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Looks Can Kill reminds me of the LCK. Does that mean Faker’s looks can kill?
This song is alright. Could be better but also could be worse. Also above 3 minutes. Yay. Probably the same rating as you.
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I got into IVE through Bang Bang so I’m disappointed. There’s just not much going on. Listened to it once and that was enough, which is not what you want with your title track!
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