Oh My Girl have been through several distinct musical iterations, but many fans remember them best for the fairy-like, ethereal quality of early singles like Closer and Windy Day. It's been awhile since they've revisited this style and new title track Classified seeks to recapture some of that magic.
Like agency-mates ONF earlier this year, Oh My Girl have slowed the tempo and increased the symphonic bombast for Classified. While the song's verses employ a steady beat as the backdrop to an ornate strings arrangement, the chorus opts for a more subdued delivery. Its combination of orchestral flourishes and trap beats feels more in line with modern Red Velvet than old-school Oh My Girl, but the group's vocals add their own personal stamp.
I appreciate Classified's desire to bring something different than most girl groups of the moment, but I may respect its intentions more than I love the song itself. The music strikes an awkward middle point -- too restless for the melodies to truly breathe, yet not grand enough to take full advantage of its symphonic heft. It sounds like a music box spinning on double speed, which is an oddly disorienting proposition. On the plus side, Classified's quirks are likely to age well over time and the song feels tailor-made for live performances. The very things that give me pause today may just turn out to be strengths in the long run.
| Hooks | 8 |
| Production | 8 |
| Longevity | 8 |
| Bias | 8 |
| RATING | 8 |
Grade: B-
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