Within the K-pop industry’s hyper-polished, hyper-controlled framework, Jessi has always been a necessary cog in the machine. She’s gone through so many iterations since her debut twenty (!) years ago, but every style and configuration has been anchored by her inimitable personality and bold attitude. Even when the music hasn’t connected, her persona has.
New single Girls Like Me attempts to summarize this career into one mantra, boasting Jessi’s assets over an old-school funk/hip-hop beat. It’s big and bawdy and potentially a lot of fun if you can get over the dull hook at its center. The track relies heavily on a “bum bum bum” vocal riff that frames the bulk of the instrumental. Occasionally, the song switches into a trendier Afrobeats groove, but most of the time Jessi keeps the percussion as aggressive as her performance.
I’m drawn to the moments when Girls Like Me gets really crazy — especially the heavy drums that precede verse two. As a medley of percussion, the song is a real adventure that’s fun to experience. However, I wish Girls Like Me gave Jessi more to do. She fires off some memorable lines but the chorus is too simple and repetitive to elicit many sparks. Rather than the song itself, her star power does most of the talking.
| Hooks | 7 |
| Production | 8 |
| Longevity | 8 |
| Bias | 8 |
| RATING | 7.75 |
