K-Pop A-Z

K-Pop A-Z Review: f(x) – Chu~♡

One song. Every day. Alphabetical order.

Keep up with f(x)’s A-Z reviews here!


Chu~♡ (from Chu~♡ – 2009)

As f(x)’s first comeback, Chu worked to extend the idiosyncratic electro-pop sound that had marked their debut. Its herky-jerky instrumental and seesawing hook combine to create a strange little pop truffle. Essentially, the song is an incredibly angular chorus surrounded by softer, more melodic segments. This contrast works well, even as the track threatens to become too repetitive.

Structurally, there really isn’t much to Chu, yet each element is so distinct and rich with character. During this era, K-pop was often criticized for sounding too manufactured and robotic. And, if robots could sing, I imagine their anthem would sound something like this. That’s no bad thing, as artifice has always had its place in pop music. And before the track has a chance to become more curiosity than comfort, Amber’s relaxed rap arrives to soften Chu’s metallic core.

 Hooks 8
 Production 9
 Longevity 9
 Bias 8
 RATING 8.5

~ Rest in peace, Sulli. We will forever be grateful for the incredible music and spirit you left behind ~

2 thoughts on “K-Pop A-Z Review: f(x) – Chu~♡

  1. I’ve always loved this song because that robot voice vocoder auto tune effect is so well done. The lyric for it is perfect, al those repeated rhyming “oo” sounds, and then the effect itself is used in the prefect small dose to make it a quasi-sung quasi-keyboard hook. Not too often, not too wide, just enough.

    This song reminds me of the equally robotic “Rocket Girl” from Stellar from 2011.

    Sure, both are a particular flavor, but I happen to like this flavor.

    Liked by 2 people

Leave a comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.