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.
Once in a blue moon, you get an OST song that rivals (or even surpasses) an artist’s title track. Yuju’s My Americano (아메리카노 같아 넌) is more interesting than anything on her debut solo album and deserves promotion. It’s taken from the soundtrack to Disney’s Kiss Sixth Sense, but doesn’t sound like a typical OST at all.
If I’m being honest, Yuju’s voice is one of the top two reasons I’m a big fan of GFriend. There just aren’t any other idols quite like her, and she deserves material that’s as dynamic as she is. My Americano forgoes the expected coffee house template for something far more lively and rhythmic. It’s slightly retro without feeling trendy, bounding along buoyant guitar and synth. And when we reach the chorus, we’re rewarded with a stomping good time as the track twists and twirls in delightful directions. I love how stuffed-to-the-brim the instrumental becomes here. Sure, Yuju isn’t given much chance to show off those stunning vocals, but she still grabs hold of the reigns with total confidence.
My Americano gives me slight Call Me Maybe vibes, with a pumped-up arrangement and a sharp spiciness replacing sugary-sweet pop hooks. It all comes together to forge a song that’s stronger than most K-pop title tracks this year.
| Hooks | 8 |
| Production | 9 |
| Longevity | 9 |
| Bias | 9 |
| RATING | 8.75 |
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 
An OST? As a buried treasure? That’s a rare case.
BTW she sounds very good here.
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I’d love to give this a listen, but I’m not finding it on Apple Music! I’ll leave your review in my inbox for a bit and hopefully it’ll show up.
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It is a nice song! Bright.
The whole soundtrack seems to be unobtanium on US itunes, so I think you are out of luck.
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Biasing someone is weird. I haven’t thought about Yuju for a month or so, but as soon as the upbeat sounds kicked in and I knew I’d hear her voice again I thought, “Yuju!! How I’ve missed her.” I never have thoughts like that about people aside from some close friends/family. I guess parasocial feelings are more common for someone of my demographic, but they’re still a little odd.
Also, is it just me, or does her voice sound more melancholy these days? Kind of like how if it sounds like Joy sings everything with a smile, Yuju injects bittersweet into everything.
Song is a lot of fun. I think the hooks could be stronger and I have a pet peeve for vocoder stuff, but it is easily replayable.
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God I love this song! In my reread of the blog this year and commenting I decided I had to forgo commenting on individual song reviews and stick to the monthly highlights for the sake of speed but I would remiss to ignore this song. I almost wish this was on her debut minialbum and promoted as a bside alongside Play, or wish it had a music video or live performance at least. It’s an absolutely killer song and suits Yuju’s voice perfectly, and I really hope she releases more music like this. It updates the sense of propulsion and momentum that Gfriend songs to blend with her new solo career and absolutely my favourite song she’s released.
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