Review: Dimash Kudaibergen - Be With Me
Dimash is taking 2021 as an existential crisis. February's Golden was a massive grower, but its EDM drop chorus was certainly far from what Dimash does. Sure, January's magnificent and epic Kieli Meken (which I somehow missed reviewing) was massive, and a logical successor to classic Dimash (I really need to find a good excuse to review it). But other than that, it has been a weird year for one of the world's best vocalists.
Now, he has come back, with the brassy funk of Be With Me. First, let me talk about the MV for a minute, shall we? Dimash is certainly an excellent vocalist, but his image definitely does not fit with 'bad boy'. And unlike U-Know, he definitely cannot act like a bad guy. Plus, his character is almost stalkerish. Still, the MV is so over the top, that it actually works in its own ridiculousness. But cool it is not.
Dimash does not belt at all throughout the song, but his vocal presence does uplift some of the weaker moments. Notably, in the pre-chorus, which would certainly not work in the hand of a lesser performer. The song's real trump card is the brassy chorus. The short hooks work well with the full-throttle brass, leading to an excellent and groovy chorus, even if it sounds nothing like Dimash.
Whenever Dimash tries to impersonate Michael Jackson in the verses, it turns into a cringe-fest. His smooth sensual delivery is hilarious, with some cheesy charm that Dimash fails to utilize.
Weirdly, the verses' best moment is the second verse chant-rap. It grows in intensity, and the heavy vocal effects create an eery aura, which does not take itself seriously, making it work a lot. Speaking of which, a whole lot of the song is chanted instead of sung.
Dimash hinted at the end of the MV that he will continue down this style, and boy I hope not. This is a solid release, but Dimash can do much better, and I will wait for the real Dimash to stand up.
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