BoA
One Shot, Two Shot
SM Entertainment
South Korea’s first global popstar Kwon Bo-ah – known simply by the mononym BoA – makes a bold return to the scene with her first proper release in years. The record, her first mini album to date, comes 18 years after her debut in 2000.
Sonically though, One Shot, Two Shot shows that the 31-year-old hasn’t lost touch on the charts’ latest pulse despite her long absence.
The opening title track is a sizzling number with electro-house elements. Despite starting off with rather slow beats, the verses soon give way to an addictive chorus.
Meanwhile, tracks such as Everybody Knows and Your Song display BoA’s musical evolution. The synth-laden Everybody Knows is a low-key spacey cut that highlights the Guri native’s distinct vocals over gossamer melodies.
And over on Your Song, BoA enlists the help of Korean-American rapper Junoflo to imbue some hip hop cred on an experimental effort.
Elsewhere, the bright Nega Dola fails to impress despite its cheeky message and playful vibe. BoA does better on songs with a seductive template, something that she delivers on the EDM- heavy closing track Camo.
If anything, One Shot, Two Shot shows that BoA – despite her seasoned status – can still play with the new kids in town.
