[Review] T-ARA Triplets Special

How about a tripleheader? T-ARA have fallen off the pedestal but they remain active as individuals. They're one of those "unofficially disbanded" groups because the members all say the group isn't dead but until they release music together they might as well be. In the meantime, we have some solo efforts to go over. The triplets of Eunjung, Hyomin, and Jiyeon were very powerful in their heyday and each of them have had some solo success with songs like "Never Ever" and "I'm Good." Let's see how their most recent stuff holds up.

Hyomin - Allure

I don't think it's too crazy to say that Hyomin has seen the least success as an independent act out of the three. Songs like "Nice Body," "Sketch," and "Mango" aren't bad but can't compete with Jiyeon and Eunjung's best. Hyomin's best song in my opinion is the ballad "Gold," which brought her less-exposed vocals to front and center. That song gives me goosebumps to this day, and illustrates how a perfectly sculpted song can meet a singer's needs and show their talents efficiently.

So you can tell where I'm going with this. "Allure" falls right in line with her other mainstream releases. Is it poppy? Yes. Is it cute and catchy? Yes. Is it a great song? Ehh. The bridge is probably the best part of the song, and comes closest to showing off some of those vocals from "Gold." But ultimately, "Allure" is too poppy and stereotypical to really stand out. Hyomin looks great though, as always.

Eunjung - Desire

Normally I avoid covering Japanese releases but it's the most recent thing from Eunjung so I'll have to use what's available. Plus it's not half bad! For a Japanese song, it's pretty standard with heavy drums and guitar pairing with fast-paced vocals which make for an anime opening type of track. Out of the three, Eunjung's vocals have the highest floor along with the lowest ceiling. She's always been consistent as a singer and that simply works for a song like this. You don't need to be flashy or over-the-top in an anime opening. Think of Dreamcatcher and old school Younha's music and "Desire" falls right in line with that series of music.

I kinda miss her short hair but I'd be lying if she doesn't rock either length. It's an average music video with her beauty as the centerpiece and nothing else. Is Eunjung fluent in Japanese? I don't know the answer but she at least sounds proficient when singing so I respect that very much. I also appreciate how she is going with her actual name and not that silly "Elsie" moniker that she tried using when she released "I'm Good." "Desire" is extremely solid and that might be enough to add it to my library (combined with a little nostalgia nudge).

Jiyeon - Take A Hike

Lastly, we have Jiyeon. She possesses the best solo track out of the three with "Never Ever" and has also released new music most recently. "Take A Hike" is a groovy dance number that is most similar to the T-ARA hits of yesteryear. What's most exciting about this track is Jiyeon's deep breathy vocals that glide over the verses. Like damn girl, I didn't know you can such range. And she sounds pretty comfortable, too. The bridge and ending of the song also show off some of her high notes and while they don't sound as good as her lower register, it's quite the variance which I can dig.

Pat of Seoulbeats wrote in a post discussing the songs of 2019 with "give me back my choruses you cowards" and I completely agree. Nothing has gotten more stale than empty choruses with only the instrumental playing and Jiyeon is guilty here. I understand when a song has a kickass instrumental that they want to show off but you can still have vocals bro. Look at K/DA's "Pop/Stars," that song absolutely killed it on the instrumental front and still combined an exciting plus catchy chorus to go with it. The MV of "Take A Hike" has a lot going on but it's still nothing more than a glorified photoshoot as most videos for a single artist tend to be.

As for competition between the triplets, I'd have to take the consistency of Eunjung's "Desire" first followed by the wide range of vocals out of Jiyeon's "Take A Hike." Since Hyomin's "Allure" is really the only song that doesn't use the artist's voice to its fullest, it'll occupy the basement of these three tracks. Nonetheless, each is a welcome addition to the storied discography of T-ARA both as a group and individuals. Wonder what Qri has been up to?