I hated September. I was barely passionate about most of the comebacks and debuts this month. I typically would have split this up into two articles since I noted sixteen comebacks and debuts and each song would have their own “section.” However, because I felt nothing towards a good chunk of these songs, I’ll do it a little bit differently by separating the songs into three different categories: anticipating, interested, and debuts. I think that format will be a little bit more efficient for both of our times.
Debuts
There were a decent amount of debuts this month, and it’s crazy how all five I checked out debuted within three days of each other. I have no strong feelings towards MEGAMAX, ICHILLIN’, and LUMINOUS. I couldn’t tell you what their respective debut songs sounded like nor do I have the patience to spend about fifteen minutes to refresh my memory.
There are two things I remember about MEGAMAX. One, their debut song was in English, and I was bewildered as to why. Two, when I searched up their name on YouTube, review of adult diapers under the same name appeared so that’s unforunate. I also know the LUMINOUS has been around for a while as a pre-debut group.
Lalisa was disappointing but not surprising. Before I even get to the song, why is the song title her name? From my understanding, in Thai culture, nicknames are given to protect children from jealous spirits. Of course, this could be outdated but considering how most of my Thai friends have a nickname and so do most K-Pop idols, I’d like to think that it still holds up. The song itself is a typical YG song that at least had somewhat of a chorus. I hated when she spelled out her name because “S-A” will forever be tainted by YouTubers not wanting to be demonetized. For once, I wish this was more EDM focused to emphasize Lisa’s dancing ability in the chorus. I was, unfortunately, underwhelmed with my Blackpink bias’ debut.
Lastly, I don’t know if you would consider Hyuna and Dawn’s collaboration a debut, but I counted it as one. Ping Pong was harmless, good fun. I’m glad they “debuted” together as we haven’t had so many coed duos debut recently, let alone an actual couple. They’re definitely unique. The costume choices were definitely out there. I can’t be mad though if they’re happy.
Interested
In my bullet journal, I have a category of comebacks that I’m interested in, but I’m not entirely invested in the group or haven’t been crazy about their comebacks but something keeps me coming back. I don’t have much to say about Lee Hi’s, ATEEZ’, or HOT ISSUE’s comebacks. They were fine, but I couldn’t tell you what they sounded like. I really liked MAMAMOO’s comeback, and I was surprised it was sweet and airy, but again, I never listened to it after the initial listen.
I wish I was on the STAYC hype train, but I don’t find their current releases catchy at all. Stereotype is probably my least favorite title track from them so far. Their debut has been their best song, and I think it’s better than “just okay.” I will thank this era for helping me choose Yoon as my bias though!
Zombie by Purple Kiss was almost super catchy, but aside from the “b-b-b-bie” part, the verses and chorus were absolutely unmemorable. I’m also surprised they broke away from their dark concept immediately. Sure, this era still dealt with zombies, but it was definitely cutesy. I’m not complaining though, I enjoyed it.
Wonho, my favorite ******! I didn’t expect to like his comeback this much. It was cute (a theme I’ve noticed) and bubbly. I adore football player Wonho. It’s a complete 180 from his previous thirst trap releases, and I embrace this entirely. I like both Wonho’s, but this just exceeds ****** Wonho so much so I definitely prefer this concept for him. He’s just too cute.
Anticipating
For the anticipating category, this is usually reserved for groups that I am invested in the members and/or I wholeheartedly enjoy the music. Sadly, my only ults on the list didn’t impress me. NCT 127’s Sticker is so unmemorable, but they’re an ult so I tolerate their **** music. (I fell in love with them during Touch era, okay.) And yet, here I am, buying their **** JEWEL case album in Target like the damn NCTzen I am.
I really, really wish I loved Key’s Bad Love. It sounded like something I would have loved. Powerful vocals, retro vibes, a CHORUS. I have no idea what went wrong. I mean, yes, I like it, but I don’t think I’ll listen to it actively on my own. Key’s frickin’ thriving though so I have nothing but absolute support for this era.
Was I loco about ITZY’s Loco? (That was a bad joke, I apologize.) I definitely like it better than their predecessor, but it still doesn’t beat their first three title tracks. Yuna’s been absolutely killing it though, and I’m so glad she’s my bias. The album is definitely the step in the right direction of ITZY finding their sound, but of course I prefer the sweeter-sounding songs like Sooo LUCKY and Chillin’ Chillin’. I’m still mad at JYP for added that many instrumentals. I’m excited for ITZY to establish their artistry more and more.
fromis_9 does it again! I didn’t like Talk & Talk at first. I was off put by the slightly offbeat chorus, but the more I listened to the more I fell in love. This era really solidified my top three biases: Hayoung, Chaeyoung, and Jiheon. I’m not 100% sure who is my bias, Hayoung or Chaeyoung, but I’m glad I’ve been able to narrow it down. I seriously adore fromis_9 and stanning them this year was a great decision. They have yet to disappoint, and I started becoming interested in them during Fun! era.
Overall, September was filled to the brim with forgettable music. I wish I clung onto this month’s music more, but nothing was particularly interesting aside from fromis_9. It’s always extremely disappointing when there’s so much but barely anything sticks. I’m hoping October is a little better but sadly, no information on any groups I’d be anticipating so far.
