KPOP: [Pre-Release Review][Single] Girl’s Day “Expectation”

[Editor's Note: "Expectation" was provided to allkpop for review by Dream Tea Entertainment before its official release to the public]

This version of Girl’s Day, as we know it, really started from their third single “Twinkle Twinkle“. Since then, their fans split into those who supported their oppa-loving antics and those that were just over it. And then there was that fraction of us hoping that they would revert back to a bold concept like “Nothing Lasts” again. Well, whether you like it or not, Girl’s Day probably won’t be ditching their aegyo image any time soon, but in “Expectation” they do the very next best thing. Wear less clothes Aim for a more mature image.

The full music video for “Expecation” is different from what we’ve seen, focusing on dance scenes with an LED backdrop. But in terms of sound, the song stays true to Girl’s Day. Just like their other songs, it’s loud, fast paced, and straight to the point. There’s even that signature key-change at the last chorus with Minah crouching down, and belting out her epic high notes. Rather than abandoning their sound for the sake of a more revealing concept, “Expectation” takes their branded sound to the next level.

“Expectation”‘s production takes some Western influences this time around. The instrumental during the verses are reminiscent of Nicki Minaj’s “Pound the Alarm“, but with a K-Pop chord progression and a scattered electric guitar riff. Meanwhile, the vocals are sung in a lower register, much like in their previous release, “Don’t Forget Me“. The highlight, though, is the very addictive chorus that the single flaunts at the beginning, middle and end of its track-span.

There’s a lot to be said about the hook-heavy chorus that “Expectation” has. Rather than relying on a sing-songy chorus like their previous releases, the girls opted for a chorus that would be easily memorable for Koreans and non-Koreans alike. The lyrics aren’t only attention grabbing in terms of construction, but meaning as well. Girl’s Day makes it obvious that they’re doing whatever it takes to get noticed by the guy they’re singing about and by K-Pop listeners, too.

However, at times, the transitions in “Expectation” feel rushed in order to cage the track under the 3:30 mark. While the pre-chorus successfully bleeds over to the chorus, it feels as if there should have been an additional verse behind it. Since “Expectation” is more of a club song anyway, it could have really benefited from an extended version or at least a paced out album version.

Girl’s Day’s new single “Expectation” doesn’t actually shed off their adolescent image- it adds some realness to it. As suggested by their album cover, they’ve adapted a “lolita” concept (the heart-shaped shades, mini-dress, heels vs. stuffed animals thing going on) for their new release. Their concept exudes a young yet provocative image. But this is all actually okay since maknae Hyeri is of legal age now, right?

Sure, but what’s more exciting is the added sharp dimension to the Girl’s Day that was getting a bit dull. They were one dimensional in terms of personality with their aegyo anthems, but now without that veil of innocence, there’s a lot more to work with. This time around, rather than the production, it’s the concept that shaped the track to be the hit I’m expecting it to be. Frankly, that’s just as important if not more important in K-Pop.

Reviewer's Rating:

(4.4 / 5)

Community Rating: