[Review] CLC - Devil

How fitting that we talk about "Devil" on Friday the 13th. CLC have had a very strong 2019, starting out with "No," and following that up with the spectacular "Me." Now "Devil" continues with the single word titles and hopefully, their songs rising in power will be mirrored with a rise in rank among the girl groups of this day and age. ...I really have pushed back Girl Group Power Rankings for way too long, yikes.

There's no reason to try and compare "Devil" with either of their title tracks from earlier this year. It's clearly a more casual take on the pop dance genre with a sassy instrumental. It's lighthearted and fun, which is reflected in their visuals and vocals. The line "I tried to be so polite" is so charismatic on each delivery I get chills, and there are no high notes involved! Seungyeon and Elkie do a wonderful job with that. Even though Seunghee will likely never be considered a top tier girl group vocalist, her delicate voice is framed very well within CLC's music. This is something that cannot be said for many girl groups and their primary singers (looking at you Miyeon). Yeeun delivers yet another impressive rap showing, with her flighty and assertive style of rapping which has been the hallmark of past CLC hits.

The chorus is easily the high point of the song with the most action in voice and dance, with some gorgeous ranges thrown in for good measure. The "devil" pronunciation is suspect but I'm willing to let it slide for the minimal number of offenses. And then they surprise you in the second chorus with Yujin taking the spotlight! Immediately, I drew parallels to Joy in Red Velvet's "Umpah Umpah," though this is more exciting considering Yujin is pretty much a bottom vocalist within CLC. She did a great job here, but I'm concerned how she'll do in live performances where there's minimal backing / recorded track.

Like many other recent comebacks, I'm once again disappointed by this choreography. Is it because I haven't danced in a while? Or have girl group dances been getting simpler over time? Either way, this is a pedestrian choreography compared to the likes of their stuff from "Black Dress," "Me," and "Hobgoblin." Granted this song is more laid-back so in that aspect it makes sense, but I was not impressed by much. The same could be said for the music video, which has some chaotic evil in it albeit with no real direction as far as my small brain can tell. Each member got a chance to bully another, and all in good fun? Though Sorn might have the most devious mind of all (how'd she manage to light that match with a can?).

CLC fans are eating well this year with their third comeback, so even though it's not particularly strong or my cup of tea, I appreciate the deviation from their norm and the quality of this track nonetheless. The chorus, rapping, and general delivery are pristine, and each member pulls their own weight. They split the wealth and end strong despite the lackluster bridge. So even though I think "Devil" falls flat in the grand scheme of CLC's library, it may have enough oomph to fight for a spot during the Best Of 2019. Time will tell.