A K-pop act’s title track isn’t always the best song on their album, even if it’s the one most people will hear. Sometimes, b-sides deserve recognition too. In the singles-oriented world of K-pop, I want to spotlight some of these buried treasures and give them the props they deserve.
I’ll confess that I haven’t given BABYMONSTER’s albums much of a chance. Most of their songs have been promoted with music videos and few of them have appealed to me, so there’s not a lot drawing me in. However, new b-side Psycho captured me with its sound, drawing upon several elements of past K-pop generations.
After an unpromising intro, the song jolts into a big electropop banger. I love how it interpolates the iconic strings from the Psycho movie to give the track spooky energy. But most of all, I’m charmed by its big, crunchy synths. It’s so nice to hear this sense of propulsion in a K-pop era that doesn’t usually appreciate it. Psycho is at its best when thumping with full power. A second verse breakdown is unfortunate, but the song quickly rights itself and keeps chugging along toward a fun finale. When it comes to YG song structures, climactic switch-ups have become so predictable. However, this one works. It feels natural and exciting. I think we need a Halloween-themed music video before the month ends!
| Hooks | 8 |
| Production | 9 |
| Longevity | 8 |
| Bias | 9 |
| RATING | 8.5 |
