It’s truly wild to think it’s been six whole years since I last penned a review for a Jung Eunji track. So much has shifted in the K-Pop landscape since then, and while she hasn’t blessed us with a mountain of new music in the 2020s, her latest mini-album, brimming with a vibrant summer theme, immediately grabbed my attention. As I cling desperately to these last golden rays of summer, I can’t help but appreciate a perfect soundtrack to accompany my efforts.
When Jung Eunji’s name comes to mind, I instinctively hear that warm, undeniably powerful voice that has graced countless hits. Yet, I also often recall the more subdued, coffeehouse-esque tunes that have become a signature part of her solo discography. With that established expectation, the sheer bombast of “i love LOVE (파도)” comes as a truly refreshing surprise. This time, Eunji has gone full-on rock, complete with driving electric guitar riffs and big, bounding percussion that create a dramatic and exhilarating arrangement. The track, while still leaning a bit more towards an OST vibe than something I’d slot into my daily rotation, is a delightful jolt of effusive energy from an artist known for more understated brilliance. It’s fantastic to hear her explore such a vibrant, unexpected sound.
Hooks: 8
Production: 8
Longevity: 8
Bias: 8
RATING: 8
Grade: B-
