[Review] Juniel - Pretty Boy

Vocals: 24 / 25

Juniel is not straying out of her comfort zone, and with her voice there’s truly no reason to. Everything from start to finish is lively and sweet, perfectly accompanying the meaning of the song. While it’s only been a year since her debut, she’s really proven herself early and shown that this genre of music is her strongpoint. I haven’t checked the performance lyrics (Music Bank, etc.) but the pronunciation of “Hello” in the bridges sounds more like “Hallo” and is pretty weird so I’ll take off a point for that. I really wish there were some more ad libs but I’ll manage without them. Very cute, and very lovely all around.

Music Video: 23 / 25

The immediate issue I have with this music video is the use of the guitar. While it was a really nice “prop” (use that word loosely, given Juniel plays it) in past videos, it definitely sounded out of place and looked a little out of place, too, given that most of the instrumentals is electric guitar riffs, at least from what I could tell. So yeah she’s playing the guitar and definitely knows how, it just doesn’t fit right with the music video or me. Another note, is the (creeper) fellow at the end the same one in IU’s “Good Day”? He seems vaguely familiar out of the creepiness factor. Otherwise, a good music video. As opposed to the darker emotional sounds of “Bad Man”, Juniel’s pursuing an interest so she’s in the outside world, transitioning from home (cute teddy bear) to the streets to a local cafe. There are secluded rooms for the “dance” but they don’t have too much screen time and a few instances have plenty of people interacting in the background, not just backup dancers. A very bright and energetic video, coupled with a tint of humor at the end, too.

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Overall: 94 / 100

I really like this song! Juniel is incredible with her vocal talents and her company knows how to utilize it extremely well. It’s cute, but without excessive aegyo. There’s empty room sets, but plenty of camera out in the open. This score is maybe the highest I’ve ever given a review, so kudos and congrats to Juniel for excellent work.