Review: UiU - Starlit

With mainstream K-Pop slowly moving away from the second-generation's soundscapes and towards various other sounds, surviving second-generation songwriters and composers either have to adapt or move to the minor, unheard-of groups. The latter is what Nam Ki-Sang (also written as Nam Gi-Sang) has chosen to do. The famous producer behind much of Girl's Day's hits has chosen to do. Collaborating with a small university-based idol girl group, UiU. The end result is surprisingly solid.

Starlit sounds like a classic Nam Ki-Sang song in so many ways. It would perfectly slot in with Girl's Day's discography from 2010-12, reminding me of classics such as Don't Forget Me and Nothing Lasts Forever (despite the latter not being a Ki-Sang production), with a nostalgic feel to it, culminating in a smooth chorus.

The mixing here is outright terrible. That said, I think it adds to the songs, reminding me of many of the classics that Starlit is clearly based on. The over-the-top and strange mixing provides a strange little spark to the little twinkles and flourishes in the summery blends that make a classic tears-on-the-dance-floor song.

Of course, all of this depends on the quality of the hooks within the song. Ignoring a disastrous bridge, the hooks throughout Starlit are surprisingly strong, culminating in a chorus that is both catchy and strong. There is not much room for vocal moments, but the girls do what they can. Overall, Starlit is a surprisingly decent song, one that came out of nowhere, and likely will last in my playlist.

Rating: 8.25/10

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Image Source: BTS Purple You