BTS members' enlistment-era comebacks have been so meticulously planned that they even incorporate pre-release singles and music videos. Jimin returned late last month with the quirky Smeraldo Garden Marching Band, a song that sounded nothing like he'd ever recorded before. In contrast, title track Who sees him take on a more conventional dance pop role.
Who draws from the same 'Justin Timberlake circa Like I Love You' well as much of bandmate Jungkook's solo work. We've got the strumming rhythm guitar, the MJ-lite percussion and a general sense of smooth, never-going-to-offend-anyone radio gloss. Jimin's vocal color tends to be quite polarizing and this song -- more than any before -- will succeed or fail depending on how you receive his performance.
Melodically, Who utilizes a larger range than you'd expect from its nimble production. Notes are often stretched and belted with gusto. However, they tend to be painted with a heavy layer of studio effects. At best, this gives the track an almost psychedelic, otherworldly appeal. At worst, it sounds like two cats fighting in a bag. Regardless of where you land on this spectrum, it's an odd choice for this style of track. The structure and arrangement call for a gritty, down-to-earth delivery but we end up with the exact opposite. To sum it up briefly, I like the song but I have concerns about the execution.
| Hooks | 8 |
| Production | 7 |
| Longevity | 8 |
| Bias | 8 |
| RATING | 7.75 |
Grade: C+
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