terrancevAlbum Review #6: Reboot (Wonder Girls)
Updated: 4 days ago
This series explores the most critical aspect of an artist's work- a studio full album!
For this series, I review studio albums that deserve a score from 8-10 (out of 10). These are my opinions, so don't expect anything factual.
This also means excluding any albums that aren't counted as studio albums (i.e. single, mini, repackage, etc.).
Track 1: Baby Don't Play
If you're wondering what the album would sound like, then Baby Don't Play will answer your curiosity. Inspired by the 80s, this solid album opener is a teaser for what's about to come. For now, soak up the infectious melodies and instruments from this track!
Track 2: Candle
Over a riveting electro bass, the girls and Paloalto deliver playful rap verses and a gripping chorus, giving Candle its gratifying soundscape. The synthesized opening laid down an effective groundwork for the track to build on.
Track 3: I Feel You
After two years of no activity, the group opted for a total reinvention and returned with the incredible I Feel You. Operating as 80s icy synth-pop, this single quickly became the group's undisputed retro masterpiece. Try to resist its instrumental post-chorus if you can!
Track 4: Rewind
Taking a detour from the album's bombastic start, Rewind went for a soft r&b route to deliver another strong production. It doesn't match up to the first three songs, though it keeps the quality constant.
Track 5: Loved
Working in the same vein as Candle, Loved brings back the infectious 80s club energy with its busy, satisfying instrumental while offering a compelling chorus and post-chorus. Additionally, like Candle, this song pitches fun rap verses.
Track 6: John Doe
John Doe is my favorite song from this album besides the title track. The opening verse operates over an infectious rhythm supported by bursts of a synthesizer. This segment only builds to the song's high point - the chorus! Not only does it keep the rhythm going and deliver a strong melody, but it also lobbies an excellent brass section to drive this track home!
Track 7: One Black Night
Reboot keeps on bringing gifts! One Black Night is another album highlight thanks to its explosive chorus, pitching ear-catching melodies over a captivating instrumental before diving into a fulfilling post-chorus. Yubin and Hyerim created the perfect duet for the post-chorus!
Track 8: Back
Back reminds us that 80s music isn't all about synthesizers. The group went old-school hip-hop to deliver a fun, throwback performance.
Track 9: Oppa
Oppa blends 80s pop with modern hip-hop, serving up-to-date verses and a throwback hook. The childish pre-chorus and brief breakdown restrain Oppa from reaching its full potential, but Hyerim counters those moments with charismatic rapping and a fun, dance-along chorus.
Track 10: Faded Love
As one of the non-explosive tracks from this album, Faded Love is the best working in that style, thanks to the vocal performances, contagious synths, and dramatic strings.
Track 11: Gone
Gone is my least favorite track here. The song produces some great moments, but I feel it isn't cohesive enough.
Track 12: Remember
You can't have an album without a ballad, especially if it's the closer. I'm not a sucker for this genre but Remember delivers gripping vocal performances within a solid nostalgic soundscape. As strong as it is independently, the song is better as the album's finisher.
Overall Rating: 9/10
Top 3 Favorites: I Feel You, John Doe, Candle