Catch-Up Mini Song Reviews - 1st Quarter Edition Pt. 1 (Miyavi, IVE, Everything Everything, Bill Wurtz)
Catch-Up Mini Song Reviews - 1st Quarter Edition Pt. 1 (Miyavi, IVE, Everything Everything, Bill Wurtz)
You know how this goes now, let us do it!
Miyavi - Strike It Out
Miyavi just might be the greatest artist of the 2020s so far. Two solid albums have let the already-acclaimed star reach a golden era nearly 25 years after his initial debut. I initially did not think much of Strike It Out, but its fantastic music video made me give the song another listen, and it certainly has improved.
The cathartic and emotional energy behind the best of Miyavi's tracks is still present, along with a poppier sound, leading to an instantly massive chorus with its surging refrain. The verses provide the emotion, and the chorus the surging melody. The song's only real fault is that it effectively starts at 11, and can never lead to Miyavi's top-level climaxes, perhaps an electric guitar riff could help though. Either way, this song is fantastic.
Rating: 9/10
IVE - Love Dive
After the massive success that was Eleven, there was no way that its follow-up would not be an instant hit in the typically idol-tired landscape. Thankfully, Love Dive is strong. I have a few complaints, from the dance break to the verses which do very little. The song also fails to build into something fantastic. Thankfully, the three-part chorus is fantastic. From the fierce and melodic pre-chorus to the eclectic electronic drop, to the speedy second phase of the chorus, Love Dive relishes in an epic centerpiece. If IVE continue to build their "Chaebol Crush" sound, they could solidify themselves as industry A-listers.
Rating: 8.75/10
Everything Everything - Bad Friday
It took me a few months to discover it, but Everything Everything's Bad Friday just might be one of the year's best songs. Where do I even start? From the ever-expanding and innovative prog-pop/rock sound to Higgs' fantastic vocal performance, there is so much to analyze. The lyrics are an example of Higgs' affinity for a dark twist and concept, while the MV is a perfect example of a messy memory of a violent attack. All of this would be for nothing if not for the instantly-memorable refrains. Each hook outdoes the last. Simply put, Bad Friday deserves a listen from anyone willing to give an ear.
Rating: 9/10
Bill Wurtz - Fly Around
Given his status as a YouTuber and amateur historian, I feel that Bill Wurtz is not taken seriously enough as a musician. That said, his blend of pop, soft-rock, and psychedelic rock is great. Fly Around is a fun song with some clever lyrics. Its hook is not as strong as Bad Friday, but is also quite strong.
I think Starship Ent knew how to make all of their artists, both past and present, distinct. Colour me impressed, especially with the current market concerning IVE with girl crush still thriving strong as ever today.
ReplyDeleteCan't believe I will see Bill Wurtz here. But that's so cool he released a song, a genuine release, while still retaining his iconic traits (his soft voice and vocal layers = one of my fav approaches to humour)!
Thanks for the recommendations! All of these are great additions to my playlist.
What you said on Starship is quite true. In with their subsidary artists (such as Wonho), their artists have their own identities.
DeleteBill Wurtz was actually a musician for the longest time, it is just he never gained fame as one. He recently has been releasing single after single, hopefully leading to an upcoming album.
No problem! Glad you enjoyed the tracks!
"Bill Wurtz was actually a musician for the longest time, it is just he never gained fame as one."
DeleteOhh, that would make sense. I, too, also hope for a full album!
Seeing these kind of stories makes me happy to see artists like him where they got a lot more traction that allows them to do more frequent releases. Especially for him where he's been doing music for a long time...
True, I love seeing underrated artists try new things, gain success, and come back with more fame. Hopefully he continues successfully as a musician.
DeleteLove Dive is my current jam! Starship is in the right track musically this year, I think you haven't reviewed Adrenaline by Cravity but it's also their best title track to date.
ReplyDeleteAdrenaline is pretty strong, just a really fun burst of energy. Maybe a high 8.25 or something or the sort for me, it just never grew high enough for me.
DeleteThough my personal favorite track from Cravity is still Veni Vidi Vici though lol, love some of that alt/psychedelic rock edge in the chorus.
I also like Veni Vidi Vici and we need a title track like that for them.
DeleteYes, I definitely was hoping they would continue down that soundscape. At least their vocal harmonies have made it into Adrenaline.
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