FIFTY FIFTY induced fairly the stir final yr – at first for all the suitable causes, after which all of the improper ones. Following their acclaimed debut mini-album ‘Greater’ in 2022, they kicked off 2023 with their viral TikTok hit ‘Cupid’. It rapidly propelled them to the higher echelons of music charts world wide and even landed them a track on the Barbie film soundtrack. However because the saying goes: the upper you climb, the tougher you fall. The group and their company quickly grew to become embroiled in a messy, still-ongoing authorized battle, ensuing within the departure of three of its 4 authentic members.
Now, FIFTY FIFTY are again with their mini-alum ‘Love Tune’ and a promising new line-up comprising authentic member Keena, former HYBE trainees Yewon and Chanelle Moon (a fan-favourite in R U NEXT?, the present that shaped ILLIT), in addition to newcomers Hana and Athena. The newly minted quintet wasted no time re-introducing themselves, dropping the pre-release single ‘Starry Night time’ final month, a glittery however unexceptional first step of their new journey.
As fairly and nice as it’s, ‘Starry Night time’ does little to showcase the expertise or character of the group’s new members. There’s additionally the overly processed vocals which are a transparent distinction to the uncooked, crystal clear voices that made ‘Cupid’ (and different earlier FIFTY FIFTY songs) such standouts. The identical could be stated of nearer ‘Gravity’, a serviceable if forgettable mid-tempo ballad.
The pensive, low-key ‘SOS’, which can also be the lead single of ‘Love Tune’, fares a lot better. The group’s delicate, delicate supply gorgeously captures the picture its lyrics paint, a cry for assistance on yet one more sleepless night time introduced forth by the bitter ache of craving. One other robust providing is opener ‘Push Your Love’, a playfully dreamy and upbeat love track the place the brand new members sound way more at residence with the monitor’s energetic, flirtatious tone.
As a complete, ‘Love Tune’ is a thematically constant and decently carried out pop report with few main faults. Nonetheless, it hardly distinguishes itself from the wave of nice, easy-listening Ok-pop songs which have swept by the trade for the reason that success of ‘Cupid’, with not one of the songs feeling significantly distinctive to this newly minted quintet. It’s additionally arduous to look previous the comparisons to the unique line-up of FIFTY FIFTY, particularly when so little was finished to remodel their sound and picture on this rebranding train.
Particulars
- Document label: Attrakt
- Launch date: September 20, 2024
