Buried Treasure: WJSN (Cosmic Girls) – Done

A K-pop act’s title track isn’t always the best song on their album, even if it’s the one most people will hear. Sometimes, b-sides deserve recognition too. In the singles-oriented world of K-pop, I want to spotlight some of these buried treasures and give them the props they deserve.

WJSN have a reputation for standout b-sides, making it unfortunate their latest album is so short. We’re overdue for another full-length, especially given their success on Queendom. Luckily, Sequence is all killer, no filler. Even Aura sounds better within the context of WJSN’s musical universe.

Done would have made a great title track, harnessing WJSN’s strengths while pushing their sound in new directions. It’s closer to a straight-up dance song than much of their material, pulsing along a thump of electronic bass and prominent kick. After an atmospheric verse, the beat drops and never lets up. I’ve been longing for K-pop groups to collaborate with international DJs like Sigala and Alok, and I feel like Done is what that collaboration might sound like. Gone are the fitful tempo-shifts favored by many idol groups. The song simply gets going and fulfills its promise to the end.

English lyrics can be a tricky proposition when it comes to K-pop, but the empowering hook here works very well. WJSN have been in the business for six years now, and it’s satisfying hearing them bring the confidence those years have fostered. Done is assured in both its song structure and its execution. It’s also quite catchy. This extends to a brilliant instrumental outro that evokes the sounds of Ibiza. More of this in K-pop, please!

Hooks 8 Production 9 Longevity 9 Bias 9 RATING 8.75 Original Article