BoA’s first mini One Shot, Two Shot hits the mark [Review]
One Shot, Two Shot is the first mini-album from legendary K-pop idol BoA, a record full of densely layered synthpop tunes that surely make it a comeback worth waiting for.
The bubbling synths and half-time dub beats feel very derivative of modern pop, but her breathy vocals and fading chords add a little more nuance, while the booming choruses have as much impact as Grimes, or Rae Morris’ latest album.
Everybody Knows and Nega Dola are both infused with Latin elements but don’t break the K-pop boundaries.
BoA sounds most comfortable on tracks such as Recollection and Always, All Ways, where she makes the most of fast-paced vocals set against smooth, soft melodies, even if the trap beats and instrumentals feel a little safe or clichéd.
The Soulja Boy-esque Your Song (featuring Junoflo) feels a little throwaway at first with its minimal techno dub rhythms, but the 90s soul vibe in the chorus give it an edge over other tracks of a similar style.
The biggest moment comes on the closer Camo, thanks to the buzzing bass and stomping beat, as BoA’s harmonies become as infectious as Gwen Stefani, sitting above immense synth chords.
This comeback album could see BoA climbing back up the charts.
Edited by Nicole Moraleda