A K-pop act’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.
Collapsedone is quickly becoming one of my favorite producers for Twice. In fact, he’s becoming one of my favorite producers for girl groups in general. He’s developed a very satisfying template that melds robust pop melodies with retro synths and a sense of lift that gives his music heft and momentum. Last year’s Talk That Talk was a revelation, quickly followed by woo!ah!’s sugary Rollercoaster.
Now, Collapsedone has turned his skills to a standout b-side on Twice’s new album. While title track Set Me Free is perfectly serviceable, Got The Thrills packs that extra wallop that makes a great pop song stand out. It would have made an impressive one-two punch with Talk That Talk, but I’m glad we have it even if the song won’t receive the promotion it deserves.
Got The Thrills borrows from the syncopated beats of the 80’s, building to a big chorus that delivers a wall-of-sound experience as the girls’ vocals join a dense brew of instrumental elements. It’s the natural climax you just don’t get when K-pop tracks pull back for a sparse anti-drop. I love a massive centerpiece like this, even if the melodies here aren’t as strong as Talk That Talk. It’s such a feel-good rush of energy. You can practically hear Twice smiling in their performance, and that sense of joy goes a long way toward making a dance track work. Long may this collaboration reign, because it’s a potent match.
| Hooks | 8 |
| Production | 9 |
| Longevity | 9 |
| Bias | 9 |
| RATING | 8.75 |
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 
Personally would give this a mid-high 9 because of how unabashedly joyful and propulsive it is. It sounds like Talk that Talk with even more urgency, like a motorcycle speeding through the night
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This is my favorite off the album. Its so fun. This song is why I love them so much. Their music just makes me happier than anything else. It has kind of a nostalgic feel to it. Its just a song I wanna live in. It reminds me of And We Danced by The Hooters. I expect no one but me to know that this random 80’s song exists but its great. Its one of my favorite 80’s songs. It has that same kind of nostalgic feel where it just feels like that moment, in that song, with that girl is the most important moment. I’m such a sucker for songs like that. Give me that feeling plus Twice and you have my whole heart.
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Oh, “And We Danced” is magnificent. I suspect more people know it than you realize!
Never would have expected to hear it brought up in relation to Twice, though! Haha
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I was expecting Wallflower to be your “Buried Treasure” entry for this album!
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Wow, that one’s really so good too! I know every year people say Twice’s b-sides are even better than their singles, but this is the first time I wholeheartedly agree.
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Collapsedone is a top producer for Twice. He produced: Knock knock, What is love, Candy Pop, Happy Happy, Feel Special, Talk that talk and also lots of b-sides. He’s basically well responsible for the “Twice” sound so many people love. Very skilled producer.
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The syncopated rhythm in the chorus hit, and I was smitten. It feels like it’s constantly shifting and building without losing its momentum, and I really enjoy that.
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This is also my favorite albumtrack, Wallflower being a close second. They have so many wonderful albumtracks. I can easilly name 40/50 beautiful songs haha. There’s soul in their music and that’s why I fell in love with them in the first place.
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What I love is that each chorus is the about the same lyrically but vastly different in presentation. It has a melody followed by the post chorus hook. The first chorus has it phrased as an extended prechorus to payoff into a large drop for the post chorus whereas the second goes full mode into the full chorus and leaves off the post chorus where it all comes together in the end. This type of production has been missing from kpop and I hope it does get some promotion. Exactly the song TWICE needs.
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It’s also my favorite song on the album, it has so.much.energy.
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This would have been a bolder promotion; too bad they played it safe.
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I have to say, this album is so good. Not a single weak song; all of them could be singles; usually that’s hyperbole, but I really feel that way about this one.
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… and Crazy Stupid Love is the kind of single I was hoping for from STAYC.
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