Earlier this year, Waker's debut slipped between the cracks for many listeners. A complete lack of music show promotion probably didn't help, but I want to go to bat for the song because I still think Atlantis is a 2024 highlight. The guys have now returned with a summer comeback, serving a Vanilla Choco Shake to cool down the season.
First off, I'm pleased that this is a fully-fleshed out song. There's no two-minutes-and-call-it-a-day business happening here. At over three and a half minutes, Vanilla Choco Shake unveils with panache, taking its time through a series of catchy verses and leaving room for a splashy bridge before the finale. As with Atlantis, the members' performance is tight and impressive. Even within this lighter framework, their skill is clearly evident.
Those hoping for a knockout comeback may be a bit underwhelmed by Vanilla Choco Shake. It's a fluffy, upbeat pop song that largely wafts by without grabbing you by the collar. The chorus -- while catchy -- feels like a missed opportunity for something more robust. But then again, I felt the same way about Atlantis at first and that song turned out to be a major grower. More than anything, I'm charmed by Waker's upbeat summer energy and classic pop approach.
| Hooks | 8 |
| Production | 8 |
| Longevity | 9 |
| Bias | 8 |
| RATING | 8.25 |
Grade: B
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