In a year where the K-Pop world is in dire need of some solid title tracks, Sunmi's new comeback single Pporappippam (보라빛 밤) is probably one of the strongest contenders so far in 2020. The reason that I got into K-Pop in the very first place is because of its take on reimagining the retro sounds from the 80s. And Sunmi's new single offers everything that represents the older K-Pop scene that we used to remember: retro, funky, breezy, nonconforming to trends, and most importantly, over-the-top pre-chorus.  Though the melody of the chorus isn't the strongest material we have heard from Sunmi, the song's strength lies within the repeated hook, "Pporappippam (보라빛 밤)," and the funky guitar that gives just enough drive throughout. The choice of the breezy flute synth is also welcomed, as it reinforces the song's imagery of depicting a midsummer's night. The strings also give off that anime-like vibe, similar to WJSN's "Dreams Come True."  Ppor...

Before the arrival of Chungha’s first full-length album, we are once again blessed by VINCENZO with another bop following “Stay Tonight.” Though “Be Yourself” is essentially an ad for Sprite in Korea, it is able to present itself as a solid candidate for the “summer anthem" in 2020. “Be Yourself” can be messy at some times, but Chungha’s airy vocal pierces through this complex kaleidoscope of sounds. The most enjoyable moment is perhaps the post-chorus, where the influence of the tropical backbone starts to fade and straight-forward pop starts taking over the scene. This particular production choice seems to be quite popular which a tropical drop precedes the actual highlight of the song (similar to WJSN’s "As You Wish"). - The addition of ad-lib brass synth throughout the song is definitely welcomed, especially when the brass becomes more prominent in the bridge section and the last chorus. The texture of the brass synth kinda reminds me of Lady Gaga’s “The Edge of the ...