I enjoy learning about the meaning behind the names of new K-pop acts — especially the stranger ones. As expected, “CrazAngel” is a combination of “crazy” and “angel,” which is quite funny on its own when taken literally. It also means “Craze on Stage, Angel in Life,” which feels like the PG version of a popular phrase I won’t repeat here. At any rate, CrazAngel make their debut today with digital single I’m Just Me.
You are just you, CrazAngel. And water is wet and today is Thursday. Nothing about I’m Just Me screams “craze on stage,” but its thumping dance beat is a good bit of fun when it gets going. Like so many other K-pop tracks, the song can’t resist dipping and diving through a ton of energy shifts. This stymies I’m Just Me‘s attempt to fully click, which is a shame because the detached vocal and thumping beat offer a nonchalant take on the dance genre that could really work. I also enjoy the way the chorus amps up as the vocals remain stubbornly aloof. I don’t know if this contrast was intentional or simply a result of inexperience, but it gives I’m Just Me a unique flavor.
The spoken verses aren’t quite as fun and at just over two minutes the song feels more like a diversion than a fully fleshed out project. However, this is the kind of debut that embraces its own nugudom in a successful way. It’s meme-ready without ever being cloying or obvious. This may just become the key to CrazAngel’s success.
Hooks | 8 |
Production | 8 |
Longevity | 8 |
Bias | 8 |
RATING | 8 |