Round this time final yr, Chungha promoted the disappointing Eenie Meenie when implausible b-side I’m Prepared was simply begging for single remedy as an alternative. Artists have each proper to discover quite a lot of genres, however Chungha is such a convincing dancefloor diva that it seems like a missed alternative at any time when her music ventures elsewhere. Fortunately, new single Stress is aimed straight on the membership, melding her charismatic efficiency to an insistent home beat.
I’m nonetheless satisfied Chungha has but to seek out her excellent music, however Stress factors us in the correct course. Its energetic kick and wispy strings take us again to the early-90’s, particularly when the music dabbles in a Vogue-style spoken phrase bridge. The instrumental isn’t bringing something new to the desk, but it surely honors its forebearers properly and gives a fascinating backdrop for Chungha’s compelling choreo.
Stress is carried by its simple vitality, however an equally partaking sequence of hooks would have elevated it. The “stress, stress, stress” refrain is uninteresting and repetitive, failing to land a memorable melody. The identical might be stated concerning the verses. If we had been to strip away the manufacturing totally, I’m unsure the music itself gives a lot of something. This makes Stress a efficiency piece, which performs to Chungha’s strengths. It might be a good addition to any dance playlist, simply outshined by bolder songs throughout the style.
| Hooks | 7 |
| Manufacturing | 9 |
| Longevity | 8 |
| Bias | 9 |
| RATING | 8.25 |
Grade: B