[Single] Tohoshinki’s ‘If…!?’

SINGLE REVIEW: Tohoshinki- If…!?

I was annoyed by the first single of this project, but then pleasantly surprised by the follow up. I’m not quite sure what to expect from this single, but I’m hoping that the B-Side is flooring. I saw the live version before I knew it would be released as a single and I have to say that I am really looking forward to the recorded version. Well here we are with Tohoshinki’s ‘If…!?’ (idiotic puncutation).

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The single opens with If…!?, a poppy watered down version of Runaway. As this is Junsu’s single, everything is really centered around him. The song opens with funky synth and quiet vocalizations that can’t really be understood, but add to the atmosphere. The verses were supported by similar synth and a constant percussion. The familiar chorus, inclued in the TRICK song, has nice composition, but isn’t really incredible. This one is kind of like a cross between the last two, but has the average-ness of Two Hearts. It’s a solid and maybe entertaining track, but not unique or at all engaging. Junsu’s runs with the high composition are pretty good, and the chorus pulls off a bit of edge, but overall it’s not amazing. The verses don’t switch anything up really, and the composition gives the song no obvious climax. That’s usually fine for dance songs, but when it comes to something mid-tempo and very middle-of-the-road like this, every second has to offer something special. And since it doesn’t, we were left with generic wannabe catchy. It’s not awful, just average.

Vocal Performance Grade: A- — Musical Performance Grade: B — Composition Grade: B-

Overall Grade: B-

I am floored by Rainy Night every time I hear it. The song begins with soft strings and gently progressive synth, accompanied by R&B-esque percussion as the verses start. The other various sounds that make and appearance (guitar for example) only enhance the atmosphere of this heartfelt ballad. Junsu’s vocals are gorgeous, and every note is executed with intent and control. The composition is what makes this song so incredible; there are so many multi-note words and the overall direction is beautiful. The verses feature a tenderness and longing, where as the chorus is absolutely epic and exclamatory. Every piece of this song fits wonderfully with the others. My favorite aspect to the song is how well they do in building up to the climax, which is absolutely worth waiting through the entire song to hear. Junsu’s vocals mold flawlessly into this power ballad, and it is definitely one of the best songs I’ve heard in quite a while. My only issue is that they put the power note in the background, which was different from the live version. Either way, it’s wondrously satisfying and endlessly engaging. This song is better than any on the TRICK singles, and possibly than any on the T album.

Vocal Performance Grade: A+ — Musical Performance Grade: A+ — Composition Grade: A+

Overall Grade: A+

SINGLE GRADE: A-