Round this time final yr, Chungha promoted the disappointing Eenie Meenie when improbable b-side I’m Prepared was simply begging for single therapy as an alternative. Artists have each proper to discover quite a lot of genres, however Chungha is such a convincing dancefloor diva that it seems like a missed alternative each time her music ventures elsewhere. Fortunately, new single Stress is aimed straight on the membership, melding her charismatic efficiency to an insistent home beat.

I’m nonetheless satisfied Chungha has but to search out her good track, however Stress factors us in the correct route. Its energetic kick and wispy strings take us again to the early-90’s, particularly when the track dabbles in a Vogue-style spoken phrase bridge. The instrumental isn’t bringing something new to the desk, however it honors its forebearers effectively and gives a fascinating backdrop for Chungha’s compelling choreo.

Stress is carried by its simple vitality, however an equally participating sequence of hooks would have elevated it. The “stress, stress, stress” refrain is uninteresting and repetitive, failing to land a memorable melody. The identical might be stated concerning the verses. If we have been to strip away the manufacturing solely, I’m unsure the track itself presents a lot of something. This makes Stress a efficiency piece, which performs to Chungha’s strengths. It could be an honest addition to any dance playlist, simply outshined by bolder songs inside the style.

Grade: B