Hui showcased his funk aptitude with January’s Hmm Bop and has now prolonged that power to summertime with new single Straightforward Dance. The tune pairs him with fellow soloist Kwon Eunbi and was unveiled through a steamy efficiency at Daejeon’s Waterbomb pageant.

Much more than an idol, Hui has turn out to be often known as an in-demand songwriter/producer, accountable for a handful of Okay-pop classics. That ability has but to switch to his solo music, as Straightforward Dance suffers the identical repetitive construction that marred Hmm Bop. There’s nothing off-putting in regards to the observe, however as its title suggests every little thing passes by with a straightforward, amiable groove that doesn’t spark a lot pleasure. In between Bruno Mars-esque funk exclamations, Straightforward Dance bops alongside its ethereal hook and generic groove. Hui’s present for melody is saved at an arm’s size, with no chorus capturing creativeness in the way in which his greatest work has.

If we lived in a world the place Straightforward Dance was the one funk-fueled Okay-pop observe obtainable, I’d be extra more likely to solid off my vital lens and embrace its groove, however the tune exists in a sea of comparable materials. With this in thoughts, Straightforward Dance doesn’t do sufficient to face out. Past the novelty of its artist collaboration, it seems like a clean, nice placeholder in between greater pop moments.

Grade: C