Review: Wendy (Red Velvet) - Like Water
Red Velvet spent 2020 on hiatus due to a horrible injury to Wendy. It was really sad, and it feels good to see Wendy back finally. Her whole new EP is really solid, and I particularly enjoy the first two tracks. I debated which one to review but eventually went with the title track.
As it is spring, SM Entertainment is keen on releasing only ballads. This actually works in Wendy's favor, as her voice is perfect for a strong ballad driven by melody. Like Water is all about its little, slower moments. An excellent change in pace from the high octane dance-pop we are getting recently.
Like Water's basic melody is the same as Taeyeon's I, and I feel the vocal ranges are really similar too. This is especially obvious in the chorus, which is basically the same, just with a little less belting. Personally, I prefer I simply due to its build. Like Water is slower, and stands out due to its arrangement.
Flutes, pianos, and violins all make the dense instrumental. It feels organic, something we don't see amongst all the electronic songs. This is a great setting for a solo debut, setting up Wendy as someone seeking timeless instead of trendy while standing out from the other balladeers just enough. The flute, in particular, is a really enjoyable element, adding a sort of traditional eastern charm.
Overall, Like Water is one of the year's strongest solo debuts yet, and I expect it to get better with time, simply due to the arrangement, and Wendy's strong vocal performance.
So glad you enjoyed this too! I think this was a great way to do a solo debut for her and hopefully this isn't her last solo album lol.
ReplyDeleteOkay, now you are making me afraid. Not out of the list of possibilities though, judging that she is under SM entertainment...
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