Given their giant configuration, Seventeen has already spawned many solos and sub-units. Subsequent up is Hoshi & Woozi: the performer and the songwriter… to boil it right down to an excessively simplistic description. They’re additionally the identical age, which is the place the title 96ers comes from, and can presumably want to start out their navy service quickly. As a present for followers, the thought of 96ers (동갑내기) is sort of welcome. Nevertheless, the execution leaves a lot to be desired.
Most of 96ers hinges on an interpolation of the kids’s recreation “The rose of sharon has bloomed” (or “pink mild, inexperienced mild” for westerners). Even earlier than Squid Sport introduced this melody to the forefront as soon as once more, the tune had been used to loss of life in Ok-pop. I can’t think about sitting down to jot down a music in 2025 and pondering, “You recognize what could be a good suggestion? Utilizing that melody everybody else has already overwhelmed into the bottom!” It’s fairly an uninspired alternative from a duo who’re often nothing however inspiration, and it makes for a cloying observe general.
As if the nursery rhyme melodicism isn’t sufficient to grind your gears, 96ers‘ manufacturing additionally seeks to poke and tease. The percussion has a squeaking repetition that feels extra abrasive than musical, including to the taunting nature of the observe. That is little doubt intentional and from a purely goal perspective I assume you may name 96ers a hit. I simply can’t fathom desirous to hearken to a music that appears intent on annoyance.
| Hooks | 6 |
| Manufacturing | 7 |
| Longevity | 7 |
| Bias | 6 |
| RATING | 6.5 |
Grade: D
