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.
We have our first summer album of 2022, as VIVIZ deliver six tracks crafted just for the season. Nothing on the album is wowing me like recent summer highlights (Brave Girls’ Summer Queen, ATEEZ’s One To All, WJSN’s For the Summer, etc), but Summer Vibe is solid all the way through. Its highest moment comes via Love Love Love – a retro dance track that has more bite than the promoted Loveade.
VIVIZ’s vocals feel much more comfortable here as the song gradually builds to its bass-driven hook. The production has a satisfying snowball effect, growing more robust as the track goes on. The first chorus climbs to a dizzying series of synth accents, pointing toward the utter triumph Love Love Love might have become. But, the song settles for “strong” instead of “outstanding.”
My biggest gripe with the arrangement comes (surprise, surprise!) during the second verse. I just don’t understand why we had to plunge into half-time here. I mean, it’s not like rap is even a big factor in VIVIZ’s sound. I swear, tempo-shifting breakdowns second verses give me the experience of rushing out to buy a toy, only to open the box and find there’s a piece missing. It’s such an unsatisfying shift. Thankfully, the rest of the song is bright and buoyant enough to (mostly) compensate, making Love Love Love a highlight within a fun, frothy summer album.
| Hooks | 8 |
| Production | 8 |
| Longevity | 9 |
| Bias | 9 |
| RATING | 8.5 |
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 
Ooh, literally just got around to this album and I definitely agree with this pick! I just find it cursed how my two favourite tracks from this release (the other being Party Pop) fell ill to this undying songwriting plague but hey, it is what it is ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
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I am with you.
This two are my absolute favorite of the whole album.
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VIVIZ have had solid b-sides on both albums that get no promotion which is a shame because Loveade and Bop Bop were fine but there are songs in their discography way better
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I’m quite mixed on this one. Yes, the song is fun and refreshing, but that goddamn trap breakdown in the second verse instantly repelled me while listening, and it’s the only thing which prevents me from coming back to the song more often. So disappointing that the one weak part of the instrumental ruined everything…
8.25 for me.
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Sometimes I wonder if kpop producers physically can’t repel themselves from adding a 2nd verse breakdown. Like I understand wanting to mix up the instrumental a bit so it doesn’t feel bland but a trap breakdown feels like a copout…
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I think I prefer #Flashback to this, but the whole album is great ❤️
God knows I’m praying for a tempo shift not to appear on Chungha’s incredible sounding single though…
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Yeah, the album isn’t a standout like I wanted but it gets the job done. Weirdly I still prefer loveade over any of the b sides. I think it’s too catchy for me to resist
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It’s a strong song, nothing new or astounding though. I know VIVIZ is adamant on keeping their identity as a group (as seen on Queendom), but part of me wishes they would do something new or impactful on their next comeback.
On the other hand, is ENHYPEN not getting a buried treasure post? Title track aside, I think their latest album have pretty strong b-sides.
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