Buried Treasure: Close Your Eyes – You

A K-pop act’s title track isn’t always the best song on their album, even if it’s the one most people will hear. Sometimes, b-sides deserve recognition too. In the singles-oriented world of K-pop, I want to spotlight some of these buried treasures and give them the props they deserve.

Like title track Snowy Summer, Close Your Eyes’ new mini album doesn’t immediately hit you over the head. Though it’s generally more upbeat than its predecessor, the songs are still pretty subdued when compared to most K-pop. And like their previous work, vocal texture and tone carry the day. Opener Love Paint has been designated as a second title track, which means if could possibly get a music video. That’s great because it’s a fun bit of old-school R&B, but the album’s third track You has caught my attention most.

With You, it feels like we’re getting the melodic heft of Close Your Eyes’ debut bolstered by a more driving beat. It reminds me of their very good How To Dance (a song that I should have featured as a buried treasure). The textures are soft and dreamy but the percussion surges forward and gives the track a bit more intensity. I don’t know what it is, but I keep wanting to compare this group to my beloved B1A4. That’s probably wishful thinking, as I haven’t yet heard any song that comes close to B1A4’s best, but You‘s gentle surge has some similarities that cause me to sit up and take notice. I hope their music continues to flirt with more energetic sounds in the future.

Grade: B