Review

Song Review: RIIZE – Insomnia

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Since debut, RIIZE have never stuck to one genre. This pick-and-mix approach can be a lot of fun when the music is consistently high-quality, but gets an artist in trouble if that consistency begins to dip. Without a signature sound tying everything together, it can feel like an agency doesn’t know what to do with their talent. I’m beginning to feel this sensation with RIIZE, particularly when it comes to their sporadic release cycle. We’re promised a new album next spring, but we’ll have to do with a digital single until then.

Insomnia marks yet another sonic shift for the group, slowing their energy for an acoustic pop ballad. Needless to say, this is not the genre I flock to K-pop for, but RIIZE has great vocalists and they’ve proven themselves adept at ballads in the past. Strictly speaking, Insomnia is more like an acoustic mid-tempo anyway, as its insistent guitar strum provides rhythm and is quickly joined by trap-influenced percussion. In this way, the song has a similar energy to ZEROBASEONE’s Doctor! Doctor! from last year.

The difference, of course, is that Doctor! Doctor! was swiftly followed by a mini album and title track, making it a satisfying appetizer rather than something we must subsist on for months. Insomnia would (and will) make a fine album track, but it doesn’t feel particularly notable on its own. Yes, the guys sound fantastic, especially with their voices layered together on the standout chorus, but Insomnia never goes for the gusto in the way I wish it would. We need one of those big climax moments, the way Love 119 payed off so powerfully during its finale. On the plus side, this kind of song tends to grow more addictive over time and I appreciate that it injects at least a bit of drama into a sound that can otherwise be quite sleepy.

Hooks 8
 Production 8
 Longevity 8
 Bias 8
 RATING 8

Grade: B-

8 thoughts on “Song Review: RIIZE – Insomnia”

  2. My favorite parts of the song are the harmonies in the verses and pre-chorus, absolutely great showcase of their vocals. Sohee was and remains my favorite 5th gen vocalist, something about his tone is just so striking. The guitar licks towards the end were also great. Another song to add to their great emotional pop corner.

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  4. I love that intro, Sohee is just a star.

    then we get to the trap percussion parts… I hate when it gets mixed with an acoustic guitar, it doesn’t sound right to my ears. the songwriting and vocal performance is actually very strong throughout that I would’ve been fine with a full acoustic track and let the vocals do all the work.

    I wish they replaced the empty “ooh-ooh”s in the chorus. could’ve written 2 more lines that inject more drama into the track.

    the lack of bridge is disappointing, a missed opportunity for the song to truly be great.

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  6. I would say this is a return to form to their emotional pop concept with a heavy vocals-focus. The chorus is catchy, even if it’s simple. I really like how dramatically they sing this part, “TIL I see the SUUNNNN!!” Like YES give me the drama and angst!

    I was nervous when the instrumental teaser came out because guitar + trap beat sometimes never bodes well and can come off tacky (like Youtube lofi music tacky) but I think it’s utilized well here to add extra dance vibes to what could otherwise be a dull acoustic song. It’s almost like an acoustic version of Fame, lowkey?? The faint orchestra parts could’ve been used more though.

    The prechorus with the harmony duets are soooo pretty. I seriously think the performances are going to elevate this song by a lot.

    It also reminds me of their “Honestly” song, TXT “Can’t See Me”, and Prettymuch’s “Open Arms”. It’s right in that genre of moody angst yearning.

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