After last year’s successful transformation, Apink is ready to rock 2019! The girls released their new album %% (Percent) with a similar name title track on Monday, January 7th, 2019. Their album and title track name are quite unique because %% also refers to Eung Eung, which is the slang word for ‘Yes’ in the Korean language.
%% considered as a challenging release from Apink. Last year, this girl group decides to change their sweet and innocent image into something more mature and sexier with the single I’m So Sick. It was Apink first extreme transformation after seven years of their career and the results was surprisingly good. I’m So Sick achieved longevity on music charts, which made Apink eligible to receive various awards.
After looking at I’m So Sick success, %% obviously has a tough task. With %%, will Apink continue to show mature concept? Or will they back to the sweet girls image that make them popular in the first place? You can find out the answer on my review of Apink’s newest single, %% below...........
Apink continues I’m So Sick musical direction with %%. This is also a pop/electronic-dance track that showcases the girls’ sweet vocal. However, Apink put a little twist to %% by adding retro-inspired sound. It combines electric guitar riff, drumbeat, and keyboard melody, which make the song has a more unique sound.
Aside from its unique music, %% has unusual song arrangement compared to Apink previous singles. The refrain does not rely on a catchy hook and focuses more on an actual melody that resembles a classic pop song. The memorable part appears during verses, which Naeun, Bomi, Chorong, and Hayoung emphasize the ending word on their singing (View view view). I also like the build-up during their parts because it makes the song more exciting.
Although the arrangement is interesting, %% find issues on the song flow. It could not keep up with the promising beginning and ends abruptly with music breakdown. Apink should utilize the song dynamic more by singing another refrain, chant or even high notes. I know the girls are capable in doing that.
For its music video, %% has an interesting storyline. It relates to the lyrics which Apink mentions things that they look for in a guy. But, the girls find difficulties to meet the perfect guy for them; that is why they take initiative to create their own version of a desirable guy. The music video shows each Apink member carries a plastic body part then combines it at the end. %% is definitely Apink quirkiest music video to date.
%% music video dominated by pink color tone, which make it more appealing and staying true to Apink brand. I love how they use different shades of pink for tone, properties to settings. However, the whole styling concept of %% is a miss for me since the clothes do not fit the girls’ body proportion. The cinematography also quite messy with an excessive amount of zoom in and zoom out scenes. This is such a pity since %% already has great storyline foundation.
%% is a fresh release from Apink to begin 2019. This song presents unique side of them through music arrangement and music video storyline. While at the same time, it maintains Apink’s signature catchy hook and bright color tone on its music video. I wish they developed both aspects more since %% has more potential than what Apink delivered.
Still, Apink is off to a good start this year. It’s nice to see them still kicking it on the eighth year of their career amidst peer groups’ disbandment or inactivity. Way to go, girls!
Rating: 3/5
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