[Review] Super Junior-M - Swing

Vocals: 9 / 10

Pretty good stuff out of Super Junior M this time around. If you remember the cringe-worthy “Break Down”, all the problems since a year ago have mostly been resolved. There’s a strong electronic instrumental backing the vocals, but nothing overwhelming. The Mandarin of Ryeowook and Kyuhyun continue to improve. Some serious dubstep is thrown in, but only at the dance breaks (AKA where appropriate). The rapping in the verses, however, was completely unnecessary (but since only like 4 lines were actually rapped it’s not enough to warrant an independent rap section). They could’ve done with adding more vocals or removed them entirely and have been better. The questionable inclusion of rapping blocks the would-be perfect score.

Appearance: 9 / 10

Goddammit Siwon, why do you have that atrocious mustache. Ruins everything. Everyone is clean and crisp in their suits and dark hair. No one stands out, everyone blends in. And considering how the set is a workplace of sorts, this is bonus points. Zhou Mi’s hair could’ve been better, as could Ryeowook’s but nothing too awful…outside of Siwon’s damned mustache. Just like the vocals, one misstep prevents a potential 10 / 10.

Dance: 10 / 10

This is a really fun choreography, but at the same time doesn’t forget to be intense during the bridges between the verses and the dubstep break. I do seriously appreicate how everytime the hook “Swing!” is sung the same move is used, and while something like that may be silly in another song, works well in “Swing”. Splitting the team into 4 for the choruses and other various segments in the dance also works really well for both visuals and aesthetics as they “throw” the camera back and forth. Speaking of, the opening was both silly and neat: dancing at the desks, jumping on tables, tossing around the papers, all of which, again, compliments the workplace set.

Music Video: 8 / 10

Similar to TVXQ’s “Spellbound”, this MV is clearly for the choreography, so outside of the whole workplace theme (and subsequent party / fun theme) there isn’t much to observe besides handsome men and neat choreography. The camera work was fluid, and having members “interact” with the camera like in Donghae and Kyuhyun’s parts were well executed. While there was only one box, the pseudo-constant camera or whatever you call it, along with the use of lighting (nicely) give the illusion of multiple sets, or at least provide enough change to make stuff not feel boring. I didn’t fail to notice that with the background walls displaying the 8F, the windows show other buildings of height, which matches and is overall a detail I never would have expected out of S.M’s boxes. Lastly, the end of the (main) video shows how various special effects can be done right and enhance a music video, rather than hurt it like “Mr. Mr.”. And of course, the actual ending when their boss walks in is just silly and fun all around. Solid marks for this MV.

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Overall: 90 / 100

I can’t remember the last time I’ve been thoroughly impressed with an S.M release. Super Junior M and “Swing” brings back some nostalgic sound out of both the group and S.M., with flashy choreography, catchy tunes, and a good enough MV that shows off the dance. S.M may have been near-depressing last year, but 2014 is looking good with “Swing”, “Mr. Mr.”, and the Rookies projects.