When thinking about my “Career in Song Ratings” feature, BoA was the most intimidating artist to approach. She simply has a wealth of material stretching over twenty five years. Such a vast catalog guarantees a wide variety of quality and sounds, from ballads to thumping dance tracks. New Japanese single Hohaba (歩幅) fits within the former category but distinguishes itself with rock textures.

BoA performing a rock ballad should be a knockout. She has one of the best, most distinguishable voices in K-pop and easily carries this track. Because of this, she needs (and deserves) material that’s equally as compelling. Hohaba is pretty much your standard J-ballad, trussed up with strings and guitar that give it the air of importance. With material like this, I listen most closely for melody. Does the song deliver a narrative that holds attention? Does it resolve in a way that feels notable and satisfying?

Hohaba is pleasant all the way through and I dig its rock guitar solo right before the climax, but sadly the melodies don’t do much for me. Yes, we get a striking power note leading into the finale, but by that point most of my excitement has tempered. And at nearly six minutes long, the song stretches too far with too little variation. It’s nice, but far from essential BoA.

Grade: C