Flashback Review: Winner's 'SOSO' is an underappreciated gem

Flashback Review: Winner - SOSO

Ever since I premiered the Flashback review series in January, Winner's 2019 single SOSO was one of the songs I wanted to talk about the most, as it is one of the most misunderstood K-Pop songs in recent memory. SOSO is strange for K-Pop. If you listen to just the lyrics, it is average, if you listen just to the music, it is odd. However, if you listen to both together, you find the true artistry behind the single.

When SOSO premiered in October 2019, I remember the generally negative reaction. I must admit, I too was amongst those who disliked the song. However, a week or two after the release, I went through a low patch. I don't remember what it was about, but I remember SOSO being one of the songs which got me out of it. It was at this time that I finally appreciated the song for what it was.

SOSO opens with Seungyoon sing-talking dejectedly over a poppy beat. This contrast is what Ninety One built their style on, along with desert-based visuals. Thus, it is interesting that the wide-open desert is used as a visual analogy in the MV. 

The song really kicks into full gear with arguably its best moment in Mino's rap. A classic theme YG's artists love is the 'sadness under pretended euphoria'. Mino's rap here is an absolute blitz moving forward. However, Mino adds a grievous and drunk vocal performance. Slurring lines blend together but stand clear enough as if the singer is drowning in his sorrows. The lyrics build on this with some interesting lines. "Why are you swearing about her, I should be that one", "Leave me alone, I am a Voltrob about to evolve". These analogies are not clever, they don't sound like a poet grieving over lost love. But that is a point, the character of the singer is just a layman, someone who is overly affecting by heartbreak. Over here, it is shown as a break-up, but the lines work in all sorts of situations. In this common man style, Winner find their artistry.

After that excellent verse, the pre-chorus has lots to live up to. It is somewhat faded and blended together, as memories no longer together. Autotune is used here to show confused emotions. It is a little raw, but that is the point. The singer is desperate and messed up, not strong or forward. The singer is hiding his pain.

Then the chorus arrives. Probably one of the most misunderstood moments in recent K-Pop history, the song would enter the chorus in no other way than a dull drop. The line just before the chorus sums up the point "I'm not super emotional or emotionless, just so so". In the end, it is just "one of those nights". We all have our downtimes. Not every day will be happy, and it is important to acknowledge those too. Autotune creates an inverted feel while the piano adds just the right amount of musical intervention to make the phrase anything but monotonous. The song then builds up from them expertly with some clever production.

The second verse is shorter. It opens with a brief sing-talk segment from Hoony before we enter the pre-chorus. His verse seems devoted to whoever the break-up was with, however it indirectly references the plight of the singer. "We're strangers now, time is the only cure, it's a waste to cry". He then asks the one who the song is sung to, asking her to be a 'princess' again, before noting that he is used to being alone. The pre-chorus clearly shows that the singer is sad and lying to himself. But through his mature words to his ex, he is trying to heal himself. Admittedly, this verse musically plays out like a weaker version of the first verse, but that is a minor nit-pick.

We then return to the chorus. Once again, it is as desperate and self-aware as ever. With the shock factor gone, it still holds together really well. And that is a testament to the artistry of the song.

The bridge is brief and simple. Jinu sings "I can't be laughing, but even if I try to cry, I just get teary, that's it. Do I have to laugh to be okay? Do I have to cry to be sad? I am just okay, so what". This state of the emotionless hiding emotions with self-awareness is what SOSO is about. Musically, the segment is also gorgeous, with a stunning piano in the background.

We then get the final chorus, with plucky and squiggly synths. They add a layer of unpredictability to the persona of the singer.

The song now finishes, just as it started. In the end, SOSO was much maligned on release. However, it is a deep song, with several lairs, building on already built layers. Admittedly, I never listen to it while I am happy, but it makes my day and redeems those which are sad. While you may not personally enjoy it, SOSO at least deserves your appreciation.

Rating: 9.25/10

Image Source: K-Star Live