[Review] SAD SONG – P1Harmony

Just over a week ago, P1Harmony returned with their 7th mini-album and latest title track, both of which are titled SAD SONG. This latest comeback follows their Killin’ It era earlier this year.

SAD SONG has been growing on me ever since its release. I didn’t think much about the song during my first listen, mainly because SAD SONG‘s Latin-tinged instrumental was on a repetitive loop that didn’t feel all that enticing. However, since its release on 20 September, additional listens have warmed me to the repetitive loop. The repetitiveness is still prevalent, and there will always be the risk of it making SAD SONG feel overdone the more you listen. But I don’t mind it as much now. Instead, I now enjoy SAD SONG‘s upbeat energy, thanks to P1Harmony’s dynamic rhythm and flow during the verses and choruses. They helped compensate for the instrumental’s repetitiveness and keep SAD SONG on its feet. KEEHO and THEO’s vocals in the pre-choruses and the bridge feel so satisfying. There is also a punchy feel from the members during the choruses, which helps drive up the song’s appeal and makes it memorable. I actually find myself humming the choruses’ rhythm a fair bit now. Finally, I feel wrong for saying this, but I find the Latin tinge somewhat refreshing. Don’t misunderstand – there is nothing wrong with the Latin influence. However, it has been so overdone in KPOP so many times before. There is a reason why we don’t hear much of it anymore in KPOP. Overall, SAD SONG is another strong song from P1Harmony.

The video’s official description confirms that the song is about the “emptiness and loneliness that came to P1Harmony, who became a HERO after saving the world and restoring peace.” The video depicts P1Harmony having those feelings, allowing the visual component of this comeback to continue from their DISHARMONY and HARMONY series. I think the members could have done with more emotion in the video. However, the music video does have a hard job of balancing that emotion with the upbeatness of the song.

I liked the choreography for this comeback. I enjoyed the punchiness and sharp movements throughout the routine. The chorus’ routine strongly displays both characteristics.

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