A K-pop group’s title track isn’t always the best song on their album, even if it’s the one most people will hear. Sometimes, b-sides deserve recognition too. In the singles-oriented world of K-pop, I want to spotlight some of these buried treasures and give them the props they deserve.
WJSN have released yet another strong mini album, though I fear they’re beginning to drift from that spacey synth sound I love so much about their music. Of course, they have every right to do this. It’s been over five years since their debut, and every group needs to change eventually. But, my selfish side longs for another I-Yah.
There are several songs on this album that could have been chosen as buried treasures, though none of them totally knocked me out. The synth-fueled New Me comes closest, despite having a more subdued energy than many of the other tracks. So many groups nowadays are riffing on 80’s synth textures, but often they just throw that ornamentation over a standard K-pop track and call it a day. But, New Me is all about its synth-driven beat. In fact, without the instrumental I don’t think the song would be nearly as impressive.
That’s not to take away from the girls themselves, who give a much more compelling and nuanced performance here than on title track Unnatural. I especially love the rap verses, which trigger a stripped-back arrangement that perfectly spotlights their charismatic delivery. New Me’s chorus has a gorgeous, harmonized sound as well, though I think the melody could be a bit stronger. Still, with all those satisfying synth flourishes anchoring the track, there’s no way it could fail. And just when you think New Me is over, it comes roaring back for one final, fade-out salvo. If WJSN are intent on growing their sound, I think this is a great template to follow.
| Hooks | 8 |
| Production | 9 |
| Longevity | 9 |
| Bias | 8 |
| RATING | 8.5 |
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The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 
This is wonderful. Full8loom + WJSN is a match made in heaven.
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love this so much. Full8loom are amazing producers
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WJSN really do pull off this throwback r&b sound well, I might like this more than You Got
speaking of full8loom, are you going to review the theme song they made for the new season of Produce 101 Japan?
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Probably not, though I do think it’s decent. Had no idea Full8loom produced it!
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If WJSN is expanding their sound, I’d love to see them work with AG Cook or Arca or something like that
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So far i love pretty much every song except for the title track. New me and Super Moon have hooked. These songs are retro but still spacey, just how i like my wsjn songs.
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The song structure is similar to Paradise by Weki Meki except New Me has that funky beat powered by the 16th notes over the melody. I enjoy your reviews, bias guy.
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this whole album was so fricking awesome, even tho im more used to their cosmic sound their 80s synth branch is super good, i need them back bro. PLEEEK!!!
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