The music video for Kis-My-Ft2’s latest single has been out for just a few days, however I’ve been holding off on writing about it as a result of I truthfully couldn’t resolve how I felt concerning the music. For individuals who have by no means heard of this group, they boast my favourite J-pop discography, largely resulting from songs like this and this and this and this (and plenty of extra). Nevertheless, they haven’t launched a traditional observe since 2019 and haven’t even launched an album since 2020! After their vocal powerhouse left the group to go solo final yr, I wasn’t positive how they’d sound going ahead.

I heard an prolonged clip of Liked One just a few weeks in the past and was immediately excited. It gave the impression of a return to the widescreen attraction of 2016’s Sure! I Scream (an ideal pop music). And whereas Liked One exists on this similar soundscape, I can’t muster up an analogous enthusiasm over the ultimate product. I like its drama, I like its practically 5 minute working time (virtually unprecedented as of late!) and the prolonged pre-chorus/construct hits all my melodic pleasure facilities. However there’s additionally a ton of cloyingly simplistic “1, 2, 3, a, b, c” model rap, doubtful vocal turns and the disturbing lack of a refrain.

Briefly, I’m very conflicted concerning the music and that’s a bizarre place to be whenever you simply wish to activate music and revel in. I are inclined to put big expectations on the acts I like most, however that’s solely as a result of I do know what they’re able to at their finest. I’m very glad Liked One isn’t some boring, self-serious dirge the way in which Starto Leisure acts of Kisumai’s age are inclined to ship. Its bombastic vitality is refreshing and straightforward to get misplaced in. However moderately than merely “good,” Liked One might have been one other traditional.

Grade: B