Though JYP Entertainment has been active in Japan for many years, girl group NiziU was an early experiment in "J-pop group produced by Korean agency." With companies like HYBE, SM and Lapone following suit, this strategy has become more common as time has gone on. It's changing the J-pop idol landscape and blurring the lines between markets.
NiziU have done quite well since their 2020 debut and they're at a point where they can begin to experiment with their sound. Rise Up isn't a complete sonic shift, but the song is definitely edgier than most of their work so far. The girls sing in a lower register and the thumping beat offers a mix of propulsion and mood that works well. Symphonic accents add drama, especially as the track launches into its chorus. Though its melody is somewhat monotone, I love the first half of this hook. It's very debut-era LE SSERAFIM -- breathy coolness wrapped in a stylish package.
The song never loses focus, even as a rap-heavy second verse switches its approach. The instrumental is solid as a rock, and acts as Rise Up's definite MVP. The production may not be unique, but it's polished to a sheen and unveils a robust tone that plays perfectly alongside NiziU's vocals. I'd love to hear them explore this sound further.
| Hooks | 8 |
| Production | 9 |
| Longevity | 8 |
| Bias | 8 |
| RATING | 8.25 |
Grade: B
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