Jeon Somi has returned with what will likely be her only new music this year. Talk about a discography doled out in crumbs! Despite debuting as a soloist all the way back in 2019, she’s never been given more than one single or mini album per year, making it even more important that each and every song hits with full force. 2023’s Fast Forward did just that, while last year’s Ice Cream was a dud. New single Extra lands somewhere in the middle.
Extra sets its sights on the 80s, offering a glistening, synth-powered mid-tempo dance track. The glossy production is enjoyable if familiar and places Somi’s artistry in a similarly pop-minded space as Fast Forward (still by far her best track). She has unlimited potential as a pop princess and I really want to see her push all the way in that direction. With that in mind, Extra is frustratingly subdued. So many of the right elements are present, but the song doesn’t exert itself in any meaningful way.
My issues with the track begin immediately. Its opening lyrics are a spelled out recitation of the title paired with a ho-hum melody that’s meant to sound breezy but comes across as monotone. This problem persists throughout Extra. There’s simply no melodic range in the songwriting. No peaks. No valleys. No drama. The song paints a (pleasant) flat line across its brief running time. While this will be completely inoffensive to any listener, it also inspires no excitement. Once you’ve heard a few seconds of the groove, you’ve essentially heard the whole song. There’s nothing to look forward to!
| Hooks | 7 |
| Production | 8 |
| Longevity | 7 |
| Bias | 8 |
| RATING | 7.5 |
