I’m certain I’ve talked about this earlier than, however Hyolyn has a kind of Okay-pop voices that stops me in my tracks. It’s immediately recognizable and carries a lot nostalgia and sentiment. Due to this, I have a tendency to carry her music to an nearly inconceivable customary. I imply, the songs should stay as much as that excellent voice, proper?

Hyolyn premiered new single Wait just a few weeks in the past at KCON LA, so I’ve identified what to anticipate since then. The observe borrows from the favored Afrobeats style. I get pleasure from this sound as an entire however assume it’s a awful match for Okay-pop, and the tepid Wait exemplifies this frustration. Hyolyn is clearly set on tempering her vocals to craft a subdued, sultry sound and her work has turn into much less participating due to this shift. Sure, she’s a “queen.” Sure, she will “slay” something she does. However there comes a degree when the vibes take priority over the track and also you’re left with one thing so threadbare that it requires her charisma to work.

Sure, Wait‘s vibes are immaculate. You possibly can think about it taking part in poolside as humidity rises. Its melodies and association are so slight that no listener shall be offended, however this ends in a sliver of a track that threatens to rapidly turn into background music. I’m not shopping for the “wait, wait, wait” hook. Its monotone phrasing appears like one million different songs I’ve heard and fails to reap the benefits of Hyolyn’s biggest belongings of a performer.

Grade: C