Review: Eden Alene - Set Me Free
Eurovision season is starting soon, and Eden Alene is set to represent Isreal in the contest. She was one of the contestants in the 2020 contest that was canceled, but I doubt she really had a chance at winning. Despite this, Set Me Free is definitely worth a checkout.
The retro trend is in full swing in Europe, and this song certainly capitalizes on it with a classic funky beat. Despite this, the opening seconds are quite orchestral. In fact, the whole song has strong strings, similar to those in Taemin's Idea. Except over here, they work great. Eden has a great voice, and she easily gives this song a strong identity. The pre-chorus fades away the funky beat to focuses on her voice, and it works great.
The chorus is unique. It has those attacking strings, while the funky beat turns into a dance floor harmony. It is way too short. In fact, that is my main concern with the song. It is just around three minutes and should have been closer to four. It could use that extra time to further build the melody.
The second verse adds reggaeton and Latin elements instead of a funky beat. This should not work, but Set Me Free is more fusion than anything else.
The bridge is great, and this is where the classic elements of the song take control. Eden gives a massive yet short high-note (she has a great vocal range). Then we get a key change and a coda (how often can I say that in 2021!?). As with the rest of the song, this section is short but sweet.
While I think the ridiculously short length will hurt the song, it certainly has gotten me hooked.
I find this interesting! Thanks for this quick new insight! Eurovision seems to start without any problems!
ReplyDeleteAnyway, if you have a reddit, you probably have voted the 10th r/kpop awards!
The winners this year were:
Best Album - Dystopia: Tree of Language (DC)
Best Song - BOCA (DC)
Best B-Side - Naughty (RV)
Best MV - God's Menu (SKZ)
Best Producer - EDENARY
Best Foreign Language Song - Star (LOONA)
Best OST Song - Start (Gaho)
Best Album Cover - Dystopia: Tree of Language (DC)
Best Collaboration - eight (IU, SUGA)
Best Male Solo - TAEMIN
Best Female Solo - Chung Ha
Best Male D/G - Stray Kids
Best Female D/G - DREAMCATCHER
Best New Artist - Solo: SIYEON
Best New Artist - Female D/G: aespa
Best New Artist - Male D/G: TREASURE
Best Choreography - Solo: TAEMIN
Best Choreography - Female D/G: Red Velvet - Irene&Seulgi
Best Choreography - Male D/G: Stray Kids
Best Ballad - Solo: Paradise (SIYEON)
Best Ballad - D/G: Afraid (DAY6)
Best Rock Artist: DREAMCATCHER
Best Rock Song: Boca (DC)
Best Rap Artist: Jessi
Best Rap Song: Any Song (ZICO)
Best R&B Artist - TAEYEON
Best R&B Song - What Do I Call You (TAEYEON)
True, Eurovision has a good start.
DeleteI don't use Reddit, but pretty good picks. Also, pretty clear the Reddit users are big Insomnias!
Well yes! I mean Reddit is mostly fanboys who are either 2nd gen or SM stans. They love GGs and have token stanning a BG here and there. Most of their picks are good though, although the Music Critics Circle Awards have better taste than them.
DeleteLikely actually. Not sure what makes better taste, but often the Music Critics Circle awards line up more with mine!
DeleteThough, if you look at that description for a K-Pop redditor, that is something like me, it is just that I generally prefer BGs. I think that comes from the fact that in mainstream Korean music, girls are not allowed to experiment as much. Maybe it is the system or the producer choices, but I feel minus Red Velvet and Dreamcatcher, no current Korean girl group experiments.
In other words, where is our soooo needed SNSD comeback?
Yes! You hit it right! Where is SNSD? I still hope...
Delete