When debuting a new K-pop group, I'm convinced that agencies either pull a random handful of letters/numbers from a bag or crack open a dictionary, close their eyes and choose the first word their finger lands on. "Dignity" is a perfectly nice word. It's beautiful, even. However, it doesn't immediately conjure the image of a pop boy group.
Today marks Dignity's debut with title track Cool Down (식혀). The song sees them taking on new jack swing -- an ever-popular throwback genre in K-pop. It's a sound I tend to enjoy, largely based on my own nostalgia. But too often, the industry defangs it, resulting in a half-hearted retread that lacks knockout energy.
There are parts of Cool Down that remind me of early Seventeen. The guys have a loose, freewheeling spirit that compliments this genre. Icy synths add to the retro appeal and the track moves at a clip without any glaring missteps. It's performed well, with both vocals and rap polished to high degree. And, the post-chorus's quirky synth loop adds just enough character to make Cool Down more than a simple pastiche. Even so, the track rarely rises above "pleasant," lacking the kind of superstar hooks that could make it really pop.
| Hooks | 8 |
| Production | 8 |
| Longevity | 8 |
| Bias | 8 |
| RATING | 8 |
Grade: B-
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