When it comes to songs that can’t quite be considered “K-pop,” I never know which ones to cover on the blog. Oftentimes, it depends on how busy a release day or week is. But when dealing with an agency as big as SM Entertainment, it feels like new music from any artist is worth at least a small write-up.

Xiaojun’s solo debut arrives in two languages: English and Chinese. The English version has been promoted with a music video, so that’s the one I’ll cover here. Despite listening to all of WayV’s music, I wouldn’t have been able to predict what direction Xiaojun would have gone with his solo work. But like many SM artists of late, he’s gone right down the middle with a pleasant song that’s unlikely to offend (or inspire) anyone. Back when radio was king, we’d call this “radio fodder” — catchy and easy but also completely toothless.

Hey, Somebody has a few interesting melodic ideas, mostly centered on its chorus. I like when it gets a bit theatrical with its arrangement. However, too much of the track relies on a laidback, forgettable groove. Its verses are especially dull and bring down the potential of the effusive chorus. All in all, it’s a perfectly polished — very safe — package that I don’t see myself returning to often.

Grade: C