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AOA’s first full-length Korean album, Angel’s Knock sticks with AOA’s tried-and-true formula of sultry R&B tracks and sentimental ballads in order to please the audience. While AOA tries to break into the pop genre in Angel’s Knock with cute, peppery numbers, they didn’t really make much of an impression, making this otherwise skillfully made album a bit spotty in quality.
Track 1 – Excuse Me
Excuse Me kicks off Angel’s Knock with a hypnotic synthpop that’s representative of AOA’s roots as defined by their consistent collaborations with Brave Brothers. It’s a sultry, fast-paced track with significant R&B influences. The bright melody, rapid progression of chords, and AOA’s dreamy vocals can easily make you fall into a trance.
Track 2 – 빙빙 (Bing Bing)
Bing Bing is basically a more edgy and dynamic version of Excuse Me. The combination of the lofty trumpet, the swiftness of the track, and the powerful beat ensures that things never get boring.
Track 3 – Three Out
Three Out is a sassy and bubbly pop genre mastered by groups like Secret. Unfortunately, since the cute, and perky concept is not exactly AOA’s niche, their strong voices are incongruous with the buoyant melody. Besides that, the chorus doesn’t blend nicely with the verses, and some musical features of the song seem to be forced in.
Track 4 – 느낌이 오니 (Feeling)
While Feeling is closer to AOA’s specialty, the genre-crossing is redundant and in fact ruins the flow of the song. The beginning of the song promises a classy R&B pop track, however during the chorus the song suddenly diverts to synths and electronic sounds. This EDM-based beat, unfortunately, continues until the end of the track.
Track 5 – 불면증 (Can’t Sleep)
Can’t Sleep faces the same problem as Three Out; AOA tries too hard at bubblegum pop concepts. The contrast between AOA’s punchy vocals and the delicate melody is far too jarring. Not only that, Can’t Sleep constantly switches between a soft pop melody and a loud, synth-infused beat, so I’m really not sure what the song is aiming for.
Track 6 – Lily
Lily starts off with bluegrass-inspired groovy gentle guitar strums and muted vocals, marking the start of a romantic song. This dreamlike R&B track is something I can imagine listening to at a hotel lounge. Lily is a sweeter and warmer song you might like if you do not like AOA’s sultry concept.
Track 7 – Melting Love
Similar to Lily, Melting Love is a laid-back ditty with inspiration taken from the soul genre, only brighter and more upbeat and less bluesy. This cheery song is one that is sure to make you feel happy after a rough day.
Track 8 – 너 때문에 (Help Me)
Picking up the energy, Help Me is a fast dance earworm with an unexpected Wild Wild West-isk intro. As compared to the majority of the previous tracks, the loud melody is able to complement the girls’ powerful singing. Help Me, with flirty whistles and loud synth sounds infused into the backtrack, definitely stands out from the rest.
Track 9 – Oh Boy
Like Help Me, Oh Boy is a loud party anthem. I particularly like how the beginning of the song slowly builds up in momentum against a rhythmic pounding beat before a club-banger chorus. The multiple sounds that pervade this song definitely make it more interesting.
Track 10 – With ELVIS
With ELVIS is a ballad that shows AOA’s appreciation to ELVIS, their dedicated fandom. Although there aren’t many interesting things about its composition or production, AOA’s fans will definitely appreciate the thought and sentiment behind this heartwarming number.
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