[Review] Psy - Right Now (Throwback)

Vocals: 7 / 10

Psy isn’t exactly the greatest singer, but he can still carry a tune (one would hope so after having like ten year career). Even though this song doesn’t exemplify fantastic singing talent or anything, Psy does a nice job with the chorus and definitely can hit some of those upper notes in repitition. Since the chorus is the only part with vocals, I can’t drag out this segment much. As such, a clean score for Psy.

Appearance: 8 / 10

This man is not out there trying to fool anyone. He isn’t the most attractive and not the most built, but that gives him a much more friendly vibe without shooting eye smiles and acting all cutesy / aegyo. From the nerdy office worker look to the stylish party out in the middle of the streets look, Psy looks charismatic as always. As with other flashmob videos, the backup dancers / participants look and are in very typical settings and so do not look too extreme. Even Psy doesn’t change costumes until the crazy party begins to breakout. The pinkish white looks pretty fancy and contrary to popular belief so he doesn’t wear sunglasses all the time.

Dance: 9 / 10

There isn’t too much choreography, the most notable being the bridge / buildup to the final verse, and with reason. It’s a flashmob song which emphasizes letting loose everyone once in a while so there isn’t so much set choreography. Of all the dancing though, the fellows at the subway sure know how to impress and battle with each other across the lanes. During the bridge there’s a slow paced build that matches the song and even a nice little homage to Super Junior’s smash “Sorry Sorry”.

Rap: 10 / 10

Psy earns a perfect score here. No, it isn’t because he raps the fastest, no it isn’t because he raps with the best flow or rhyme schemes, his charisma is more than enough and he’s probably one of Korea’s most charismatic, ever. He may not be on G-Dragon’s level of charisma but he has the energy of a thousand suns and if you watch his live performances they are all just as ridiculous as the last.

Music Video: 10 / 10

The music video provides the setup and perfect mixture of dance sequences and crazy partying / hilarity. Like some other signature YG videos, there’s just so much to comment on. The calm buildup with office worker Psy dancing around like a moron amidst traffic. All the scenes where it’s just a few people but then hype builds out through the song and then it’s just one crazy party flashmob. Psy and his “ripped body”, etc. There is a Seo Woo version of the music video where she lipsyncs from her perspective instead and it’s a neat variation I suppose, if not for her awful lip syncing. Also did you see the blonde guy? He was in every scene. He’s a magician!

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Overall: 88 / 100

Before the global sensation of “Gangnam Style”, was “Right Now” and this song really drew me to Psy where I realized what a great personality / character he was. While it may not be the dropdown silly antics and hilarious choreography, it’s still a very well produced hype song perfect for flash mobs and parties. Performance wise, Psy was so into it that he ripped his pants once on stage. ‘Nuff said.