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.
As anticipated, DRIPPIN’s Young Blood is already proving itself a grower – even after just a day or two. I can see its upbeat energy continuing to inspire all the way into summer. But true to Woollim form, there’s an even better b-side to be found on the group’s new mini album.
Reach Out Your Hands is everything I want from a boy group track in 2021. It pays no mind to trends – good or bad – and paves its own way as a classic dance pop song that will likely stand the test of time. We’ve seen an uptick of funk rhythms in boy groups lately, and I’m hoping that will continue. DRIPPIN can clearly tackle a rhythmic track with ease, and that’s on full display during Reach Out Your Hands’ excellent verses. Everything here, from the thumping, full-bodied beat to the expressive vocals, is turbo-charged to soar right into my musical heart. I’m super impressed by the guys’ performance here, which hints at a level of charisma I honestly didn’t think they’d harnessed yet. The arrangement opts for just the right amount of vocal effects, giving the segment a crunchy, satisfying texture.
Then, Reach Out Your Hands opens up, offering a soaring chorus that acts as the perfect foil to the hard-hitting, rhythmic verses. On first listen, I found the melody to be a little aimless – almost as if it might float away from the track entirely – but further plays cemented its place. It helps that this chorus is immediately followed up by an incredible transition to verse two. Gosh, the song just does everything right. How often do I say that?
Now, I’ve just got to work my Golden Child “Breathe” magic and somehow get this promoted as a follow-up, complete with summertime music video.
| Hooks | 9 |
| Production | 10 |
| Longevity | 9 |
| Bias | 10 |
| RATING | 9.5 |
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The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 
This one goes down like butter.
Let’s acknowledge another influential sound in SHINee. Just like in SHINee, there are personalities in these vocals, you can pick out one from another. And they sound like their natural selves, not with put upon affected heaviness or trying to sound like other idol stars.
Now if only they could get a better name too.
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so so good, I love that chorus so much. it reminds me of a 2nd generation song but I can’t remember which.
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The very beginning reminds me of the start of EXO “Love Me Right”, but then the two songs diverge melodically in a couple key spots, but then a rap section emerges right where Love Me Right also has a rap. The choruses are of course very different, and Love Me Right predates the era when we had to talk so much about “pre-choruses”.
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I noticed the funk coming back to the boy group songs and I could not be happier! I noticed the vocals here too. This is the first time listening to a DRIPPIN song that I can clearly hear all their unique tones. Their voices are spotlighted wonderfully here!
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Now, I am currently rioting for Follow up music videos such as I Really Want You, UNO and (especially) Take Me Home, This song easily joins the list.
DRIPPIN exude a certain type of charisma in the verses, The song feels so alive in these segments and the funky bass’s confidence matches the members Performance. I especially love the second verse rap, It feels very Seventeen-like as the song plays with its tempo and shifts itself to give an extra rhythmic punch.
That Chorus is what really seals the deal though, It’s soaring and DRIPPIN’s vocals feels so reassuring. It’s like running through the wind with a joyful feeling of freedom, Absolutely spectacular! Woollim, are you seeing this now? GIVE US THE MUSIC VIDEO RIGHT FRICKING NOW!
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I desperately need a music video for this, It’s high-octane music at its best!
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Once again, I don’t have a ticket to the hype train. A perfectly serviceable dance track. But I don’t think I’ll come back too much to it. At least this one has some great moments, and I can see it growing on me.
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Yeah, I’ve been feeling this a lot lately and I don’t know why. This song too – I think it’s good but it doesn’t ignite that spark (or.. stimulate the dopamine neurons?) in me.
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