With the burgeoning growth of K-pop in its current state, many newer fans are unaware of many of the genres past classics. That’s why every week I will be taking a look back at some of K-pop’s most exciting and iconic tracks that were released before the conception of this blog to shed some light on this now bygone time.
Year Released: 2019
I know I’m usually very harsh on mid-tempo releases, especially those destined to be played indefinitely in coffee houses. Winner’s own such tracks have received less than desirable reviews from me; but every so often a track comes around that acts as the exception to that rule. Jinu’s great Call Anytime was one of those songs, overcoming its potentially limiting soundscape to act as one of 2019’s standout mid-tempo’s.
The thing that really makes Call Anytime more memorable than other tracks of such style is its great instrumental and commitment to providing a groove that at once feels both upbeat yet melancholic. It’s a great combination, acting as the perfect soundtrack to those times where you’re feeling particularly nostalgic. The echoing synth riff that opens the track is instantly iconic and is the best example of the aforementioned atmosphere created by Call Anytime during its 3 minute run time. The instrumental loop is repeated throughout the track for maximum effect and I love how it even acts as a strong backbone for the more invigorating Mino led rap verses. It’s an interesting push and pull dynamic that works immensely well in the tracks favour, giving it a consistent sense of growth whilst still having an anchor that retains its initial pull.
But while I’ve been raving about the great and perfectly constructed instrumental, it would be a crime to not mention the amazing performance that Mino and Jinu provide. As the leading artist on the song, Jinu carries much of the track with his buttery smooth vocals. They lend the track a sense of warmth, perfectly complementing the groovy rhythm guitar and synth kissed instrumental. The melody here during the hook is especially nice, cruising along on a beat that feels both chill yet emotive and is furthered by Jinu’s lucid vocal delivery. This all makes for an immensely satisfying listen that’s only topped off by the rousing climactic chant that sends Call Anytime off on a high. Few mid-tempo RnB tracks in recent years have been as enjoyable and endlessly replay-able as this one.
Verses: 8
Chorus: 9
Production: 8
Performance: 9
Final Rating: 8.5 / 10
KBopped 