Song Review: Yugyeom (GOT7) – I Want U Around (ft. DeVita)

The members of GOT7 are revealing their solo projects at a rapid rate. Jackson’s already developed a longstanding solo career. And, his excellent LMLY was followed by Jay B’s debut single. Now we’ve got Yugyeom and next week we’ll hear from BamBam. Apart from LMLY, all members seem to be targeting a similar blend of trap and r&b, making it easy to compares songs.

I enjoyed Jay B’s Switch It Up, which grooved along an addictive hook and evocative production. Yugyeom’s I Want U Around fits within the same mold, but isn’t as catchy or compelling. As GOT7’s main dancer, it’s almost expected that any solo Yugyeom music would lean toward rhythmic arrangements. Around’s rubbery bass has the potential to groove, but is used too sparingly. The trap hi-hats are much more prominent, giving the track an ultra-trendy feel.

I’m surprised at how languid this song is. The hooks don’t really land, and the whole production drags. The instrumental gives plenty of space for the vocals to shine, and I appreciate the interplay between Yugyeom and guest vocalist DeVita. But, their lines are constrained by a repetitive flow that fails to bring anything new to this genre. The low-pitched vocal refrain running through the track shows potential and adds great texture, yet I Want U Around doesn’t do anything interesting with it. It’s a perfectly serviceable song, but never quite evolves into the dynamic r&b it could have been. I’m sure Yugyeom has more to show us in the future.

Hooks 6 Production 7 Longevity 8 Bias 7 RATING 7 Original Article