After coming back from the army, Baekhyun (principally) parted methods with SM Leisure and arrange his personal label INB100. He’s not the primary SM artist to take action, and sure received’t be the final. With this newfound freedom, he’s made his lengthy awaited comeback with the synth grooves of Pineapple Slice.

this music title, the very first thing that popped into my thoughts was Tove Lo’s (filthy!) monitor of the identical title. This may occasionally have inadvertently coloured expectations, however Baekhyun’s tackle the title is way extra tame. The glistening manufacturing sees him making an attempt on his finest Weeknd impression, even borrowing a few of that singer’s iconic vocal tics. His voice works effectively in opposition to the rubbery synth tones. The instrumental bends and pulses simply as usually as his personal efficiency, crafting a monitor that feels continuously in movement.

If something, I want Pineapple Slice went more durable. It’s fairly subdued all through, particularly as we transfer into the pre-chorus. Baekhyun delivers loads of vocal firepower within the music’s second half, bringing issues to a pure climax. Nevertheless, a music like this requires fixed aptitude. The beat might be sooner, the synths might be sharper and the melodies might be extra dynamic. In different phrases, all the appropriate components are right here… they only must be kicked up from an eight to a ten to present us the complete celebrity expertise.

Grade: B