K-Pop A-Z Review: GFriend – Memoria

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Memoria (from Fallin’ Light – 2018)

Previous Thoughts: “This is not the high-octane dance pop many might have expected. It’s far more restrained, gradually developing its story rather than hitting listeners all at once.” (full review)

Updated thoughts: GFriend’s Japanese releases always felt more authentic than most K-pop pushes into the market – probably because their overall sound had strong ties to J-pop. Memoria was a stately debut for them, taking its time to unfold in a manner that rewards repeat listens. After a subdued verse, the track really gets going with its pre-chorus. Light strings and a subtly insistent beat recall past glories like Rough, but there’s a much more nuanced appeal here. It’s an elegant track – not one I seek out often but one I’m always happy to enjoy when it makes its way to me.

Grade: B