With over 5,000 songs on my iPhone’s “K-Pop Singles” playlist, I thought it would be fun to add a bit of unpredictability to my song review posts. So as a result, we have the “Random Shuffle Review” feature.
The rules are simple. I fire up my playlist, press “shuffle,” and whatever song plays first gets the full Bias List treatment!
Year Released: 2014
Back in the day, there were a few K-pop teams who were almost entirely produced by Sweetune. Infinite and Kara were the most notable, with others like Boyfriend and Rainbow also hitched themselves to the Sweetune train. Inevitably, these acts moved onto different producers, which was a huge test of their viability as a group. Not everyone was able to make this transition work, but both Infinite and Kara managed to churn out some classics as part of their post-Sweetune era.
To me, Kara’s Mamma Mia (맘마미아) is an undisputed classic. They moved from one super producer to another, this time enlisting the help of Duble Sidekick for a jolt of high energy dance pop. This was released at a time of change for the group, as new member Youngji joined after winning their series Kara Project. The song did well for the group, with its hypnotic chorus used often in variety series like Roommate.
As for the song itself? Wow. What a banger. This is the energy I’m missing in today’s girl group tracks. Highlighted by a blazing synth riff, Mamma Mia hits with such force. However, this force is channeled into a series of memorable (and fully sung!) melodies rather than shouty sing-talk. The song grows catchier and catchier as it goes, but each and every segment is designed to be an earworm. It’s just hook upon hook upon gorgeous melodic hook, propelled along by an unflagging beat that never gives you a second’s rest. Kara own the performance with their clear, polished vocals. The singing is straightforward and unaffected, in service of the song first and foremost. It’s not easy to live up to the many Sweetune classics in their discography, but Mamma Mia carves its well-deserved spot in K-pop’s all-time pantheon.
| Hooks | 10 |
| Production | 10 |
| Longevity | 10 |
| Bias | 10 |
| RATING | 10 |
