[Review] Season of Memories – GFriend

January is supposed to be a celebratory month for GFriend, as it serves as the anniversary of their debut. And while GFriend was strong enough to continue celebrating this for years to come, Source Music unexpectedly announced that the group would be disbanded in May 2021. Since then, Eunha, SinB, and Umji have redebuted as VIVIZ, YUJU and YERIN have debuted as solo artists, and SOWON has transitioned into acting. However, earlier this year, the former female group banded together to bring us Season of Memories to celebrate their 10th anniversary. It is also GFriend’s first release since MAGO in November 2020, which also (unknowingly at the time) served as their farewell song.

To me, Season of Memories doesn’t offer that GFriend sound, which I remember being disappointed about. There would have been a significant benefit in revitalising GFriend’s signature sound, particularly for a single meant to celebrate their 10th anniversary. This would have helped keep the song in listeners’ minds longer (such as mine), and is probably why I have not written a review for it sooner. That being said, re-listening to Season of Memories for this review, it is a pretty release from the group. I really enjoyed the combination of the guitar and piano in the background. It felt very clean and is reminiscent of a soft pop JPOP release. I appreciated the subtle upbeatness, grooviness and brightness it brought to the song. As for the members, they sounded very pleasant throughout the track. I particularly enjoyed the harmonies that form part of Season of Memories‘ leading hook, and the crispness of SinB’s vocal-only sequence in the bridge. The melodies also had a pleasant quality, and I really appreciated the warmth in the member’s tone.

The music video sees GFRIEND aboard a train as time slows down, with all the members running into one another, running alongside and supporting each other – just like old times. And just like old times, we see the members regroup on stage. It would have been nice to see them back on a real stage, rather than some that appears AI-generated or added in post-production, as this would have better conveyed the nostalgia and symbolism of such a moment. But overall, it was a nice, pleasant music video that brought GFRIEND back to us in one video.

Just like the song and music video, the performance offers us the chance to see GFRIEND back on stage, and I am completely content with just that idea. It was a good performance, but lacked the distinct GFRIEND factor that they had in previous performances (though this can probably be put down to the song). I am sure, however, that fans are appreciative of the final part of the dance, which is a homage back to their Rough days.

Song – 8/10
Music Video – 8/10
Performance – 8/10
Overall Rating – 8/10