Song Review: Hearts2Hearts – Style

Prior to Hearts2Hearts’ debut earlier this year, many K-pop fans were hoping they’d be branded as a new generation’s answer to SNSD. This has less to do with the girls themselves than fans’ longing for the high quality pop music and monocultural reach of SM Entertainment’s earlier generations. However, Hearts2Hearts went more niche with the subtle, dreamlike The Chase, offering their response to current musical trends. One might assume they would continue this sound on their first comeback, but new single Style pulls a total 180.

If The Chase wrapped Hearts2Hearts in a moody haze, Style bursts out the door with sunshine in its step. I can’t imagine a bigger contrast, which raises immediate questions about which direction the group might head in the future. It will not surprise any longtime Bias List reader which sound I prefer. I’m a huge proponent of K-pop’s summer songs and 2025 has been very short on them so far. Style is as generic as can be, but it scratches a particular itch that earns it automatic goodwill. Its percolating dance beat reminds me a bit of RIIZE’s excellent Impossible from last year, though its identity and textures aren’t as strong.

However, Style‘s straightforward execution has its charms. The song feels fully fleshed out and never loses its energy. The girls sound fantastic, adding a natural sweetness to the performance while simultaneously resisting the saccharine affectations that often come with this kind of K-pop track. I would have loved to hear more dramatic turns in the performance, but of all the songs released so far this month I see myself returning to this one the most — if for no other reason than the strong sense of nostalgia it evokes.

Grade: B+