A Ok-pop act’s title observe isn’t all the time one of the best tune on their album, even when it’s the one most individuals will hear. Typically, b-sides deserve recognition too. Within the singles-oriented world of Ok-pop, I need to highlight a few of these buried treasures and provides them the props they deserve.

To Sung Kyu followers, Reply may be a bit complicated as a result of he already has a well known title observe known as “The Reply.” This tune is just not the identical factor, although of all his new materials it feels most prefer it might match comfortably on an older album. I’m a giant fan of his voice intermixed with quirky synth sounds, particularly when these tones have a nostaligic 80s attraction. That’s what made songs like Shine such classics.

I don’t suppose Reply is a basic, nevertheless it’s my favourite factor on the brand new album. The instrumental punches ahead from the very first second, bounding alongside its good synth stabs. This stays a continuing presence all through the tune (for practically 4 complete minutes!) as Sung Kyu’s inimitable voice echoes the rhythm. Melodically, it is a easy and repetitive construction, nevertheless it positive factors desperation as Sung Kyu’s efficiency turns into extra emotive. There’s a pleasant stability between drama and carefree summertime vibes within the tune’s association. It’s buoyant however substantive. Reply consists by longtime collaborator Kim Jong Wan (who additionally wrote the opposite Reply over a decade in the past). On this approach, the tune kinds a pleasant bookend in Sung Kyu’s discography.

Grade: B