In honor of Kis-My-Ft2’s complete videography being uploaded to YouTube (in edited form, of course…), I can’t resist writing about each single. To put this in context for Bias List readers, Kis-My-Ft2 (or Kisumai, as they’re often known) are my J-pop version of Infinite. That’s how much I love them and their discography.
Yet, I rarely write about them because finding online links to their music was so hard… until now!
S.O.S (Smile On Smile) (2013)
Just like the single it’s paired with, S.O.S (Smile On Smile) is an okay Kis-My-Ft2 track. It feels overly light and bubbly for them – very saccharine in its approach. I’m definitely not immune to a bright, joyful Kisumai song (I’ll be raving about a few of them before too long…), but this is an overly generic take on the style.
With that said, S.O.S is catchy as hell and has a jubilant vibe that’s hard to resist. Its chorus will be rattling around your head from first listen. There are some cool synth breakdowns sprinkled throughout the track, particularly as the chanted post-chorus arrives. The arrangement is straightforward and satisfying in its predictability.
The accompanying music video is silly and colorful, with some questionable styling and a cool use of treadmills/conveyor belts to enhance the choreography. Watching the guys mess around and fall all over the place during the ‘behind the scenes’ is pretty funny.
| Hooks | 8 |
| Production | 8 |
| Longevity | 8 |
| Bias | 8 |
| RATING | 8 |
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 
honestly i wish jpop also counted for random shuffle reviews, i’d love to hear your thoughts on the classic jpop songs that were released before this blog was made
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I’d be down for that. Nick has introduced me to some of my recent jpop favorites.
I really want him to review c-ute but I know how he feels about jpop girl groups
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like i want a full review on synchronicity (my absolute favorite nogizaka song)
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Ooh, I like Synchronicity a lot!
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I was singing along to the hook on the first listen. Another successful song, quite similar to their others but I prefer these textures.
Music video giving “be my baby” tease (I think kisumai got more use out of it lol). It’s refreshing seeing their decade old choreos. Kpop choreo just doesn’t excite me anymore I don’t know why
It’s a little disappointing that kpop videos that use full green screen (dreamcatcher, brave girls, oh my girl) still look similar in quality to this video
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I actually wrote this before reading the review and I’m glad i’m not offending.
Nick, who’s your bias(or whatever the jpop equivalent is) in this group?
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My biases tend to be those members who make me laugh the most. All of KMF2 may as well be a comedy troupe, which is one of the reasons I love them so much.
With that said, my favorite member (and probably favorite J-idol overall) is Tamamori (yellow). I just find his personality endlessly fascinating. Painfully shy, yet pushed as the “face” of the group. Super chill but super weird and random with a sarcastic and off-beat sense of humor. His unpredictability makes him really fun to watch within the group.
J-variety is not easily found (especially subtitled), but it’s what really seals the deal when it comes to Johnny’s acts. The Japanese idol system leaves much more room for self-parody and imperfections. Most of these idols have developed their own “persona” that ends up parodying, giving affection to and expanding the whole idea of an “idol.” It’s just super-entertaining to watch.
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That comedy troupeness comes through heavy in their music videos.
That’s crazy that Tamamori is your favorite cause he’s my favorite too! Although I’m just basing it off his voice and looks. I look forward to seeing some of that personality come through.
Kpop can be so stringent to a point where it feels really separating. I like how relatable and fun Jpop idols usually are
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Very generic in my opinion and it doesn’t really do well in terms of longevity.
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