Review

Buried Treasure: Pentagon – That’s Me

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.


The best Pentagon albums thrive on a sense of musical diversity. Though I haven’t loved everything he’s done, leader/producer Hui has covered a wide range of genres and doesn’t get enough credit for that experimentation. I think he’s at his best when most audacious, and the most striking moment on the group’s new album is the fun (and funny) funk track That’s Me.

If “call me funky winky boy” doesn’t become some sort of wonderful meme, 2021 has truly wasted an opportunity. It charms me on a primal level, both as a ridiculous statement and as a clever almost-rhyme that’s simply fun to say. But, That’s Me would only be so good if it was a complete novelty track. Its funk backbone has bite, and that’s what makes it a total standout.

Yes, that hook is instantly iconic. But, the song’s verses work overtime to ensure That’s Me goes beyond its catchphrase. Verse one pounds forward on a catchy guitar riff and sprightly percussion. The energy level reminds me of Seventeen’s Mansae era. This segment is all too brief, as That’s Me switches into a more straightforward dance beat for its second verse. However, this relative calm serves to set up the second chorus with aplomb. When the guitar kicks back in, the track gains renewed energy that sees it through to the end. I have no idea how That’s Me will age, but I’m banking on its sheer joy becoming a natural pick-me-up any time I need it.

 Hooks 9
 Production 9
 Longevity 8
 Bias 9
 RATING 8.75

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7 thoughts on “Buried Treasure: Pentagon – That’s Me

  1. Omg…I don’t know what I was expecting, but “I’m super hot, call me funky winky boy” was not…and it came for me. I laughed too hard at first, but the more I listen to it, the more I just…vibe. Much better than I expected from the opening lines. I’m loving this.

    Liked by 1 person

  2. Opening the song with that line is brilliant. It had my jaw drop and made me laugh instantly. These are the kind of weird English lines I’ve been missing in kpop lately, and making it the main hook of the song was a bold move.

    I like how the track does not solely rely on meme potential though. There is meat on its’ memey bones- a strong funky groove, a dramatic prechorus even.

    I can see how this song would be off-putting to some people but I’m not one of them. As someone whose gateway song was Gangnam Style (yes, really) I love songs that dare to be silly, but are produced and performed with serious effort. It’s been a while since a song hit that sweet spot for me (BooSeokSoon?) but this is perfect. Thank you, Funky Winky Boys!

    Like

  3. This sounds like the kind of song that the DJ on the Friday Night Funk Show on the radio would sample, but only for two lines between two other things. Grand, but only in small doses. It probably sounds better with a beer in hand too.

    Liked by 1 person

  4. “I’m a super hot call me funky winky boy” made me insanely embarrassed. I immediately logged in to tease my Universe friend about it, only to find she loves this song, and apparently so do you. Personally I prefer 10s and and Baby I Love you. Really strong album overall.

    Liked by 3 people

  5. Just an unabashedly funky, goofy track. I think my personal favorite from this mini-album is “1+1,” but I’m probably more keen on that type of mid-tempo hip hop-ish sound than most.

    Liked by 1 person

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