Song Review: Wheein (Mamamoo) – Water Color

Mamamoo have not only proven themselves a force to be reckoned with, but each member has gone on to enjoy solo success in a variety of fields. Wheein seems perfectly poised for this endeavor, with a strong voice that can tackle a wide spectrum of genres. New single Water Color sees her paired with a retro groove, in keeping with K-pop’s 2021 preferences for bright synths and rhythm.

I’m happy to hear an uptempo Wheein title track. It would be easy for her to fall back on ballads. After all, she delivers them very well. But, a song like Water Color can also spotlight vocal prowess. It may not hinge on big power notes or emotional flourishes, but this style of rhythmic performance presents its own challenges and unveils its own strengths. Unsurprisingly, Wheein is a great match for the groove. Her vocal has a refreshing malleability, wrapping around the beats with ease.

In fact, much of Water Color hinges upon the strength of its performance. It has a nice, breezy chorus, but the melody doesn’t stretch itself in any notable way. Instead, this is a solid groove track, with every element intent on contributing rather than distracting. Each chorus culminates in a fun, glitchy electro riff. I would have loved to hear more of this energy spread throughout the track. Luckily, the instrumental is anchored by hearty bass, giving it a satisfying bounce. This compensates for the plainness of the melody during the verses, and keeps Water Color bopping along even during its less-inspired moments.

Hooks 7 Production 9 Longevity 8 Bias 8 RATING 8 Original Article