[MUSIC VIDEO REVIEW] Red Velvet - Bad Boy (2018)

Red Velvet has great streaks in 2017. They produced hit after hit, topped various music charts, and achieved several awards. All of these achievements made people anticipate what they are going to do next.

Red Velvet answers people’s anticipation right away. They come back on January 29^th 2018 with repackage album called The Perfect Red Velvet and Bad Boy as title track. Since this is a repackage for Velvet side, Bad Boy offers something more mature in terms of music and concept compare to their Red singles.

Through Bad Boy, will Red Velvet able to continue last year’s success? What is exactly the kind of image that Red Velvet presenting this time? Check out my review here………

Red Velvet attempts to do hip-hop and R&B genre with Bad Boy. This song dominated by strong beat along with unique yet alluring melody. However, the tempo is slower than last year’s releases to emphasize their Velvet side.

Bad Boy does not have a punch. The song keeps going on constant beat. This could made Bad Boy becomes boring. In order to avoid that issue, Red Velvet decides to play out with their vocal. There are various harmonization and vocal layering, which elevated the song dynamic.

Red Velvet also shines as individual. Each member’s vocal stands out in Bad Boy. We could enjoy Yeri’s lower register, Irene’s cute way of singing, Joy’s sweet vocal, plus Seulgi and Wendy’s vocal riff. All of those vocal arrangement complements the catchy refrain part. It makes Bad Boy more pleasant listening.

As for lyrics, Bad Boy represents the mature Velvet side. Red Velvet likes a bad boy and tries to flirt with him. But, they do not want it become obvious. It is a push and pulls game for the girls.

The mature theme continued in Bad Boy music video. Red Velvet describes mature with combination of sexy and rebel styling. We see the girls wear dress and crop top then added fishnets. They also applied smoky eye makeup and red lipstick. Each Red Velvet member looks gorgeous.

However, the girls need to work their presence more. Some of them still look awkward to portray sexy and rebel. They fall behind in dancing too. Only Seulgi and Joy who embodies confident throughout Bad Boy music video.

Similar problem happens with the whole Bad Boy concept. Red Velvet actually had great set up. The music video is full of various unique setting from bedroom, mannequin room to ice cliffs. It also has beautiful cinematography.

The styling, setting, and cinematography allow people to maximize wild creativity in Bad Boy music video. Unfortunately, it does not being developed. There is no concrete storyline there. This issue reminds me with EXO’s Monster music video. It has big concept, but there is not more than just pretty montage.

Bad Boy showcases different side of mature in Red Velvet. It shows sexiness through music and vocal arrangement. Then it adds rebellion if we see the music video. This is a fresh approach from Red Velvet although there are various issues that need to be fixed.

Red Velvet already on their comfortable state of career. Last year’s hit makes them becomes one of third generation top girl groups. The release of Bad Boy will make Red Velvet name become more know in general public. At the same time, it shows that Red Velvet could present different type of image.

Rating:                        3.5/5

Categories: Bad Boy, Kpop, Red Velvet