I have a fear that many of K-pop’s 2022 summer offerings will opt for a subdued city pop sound. It probably won’t be proven true, but the industry does love a gentle coffeehouse vibe. Highlight’s Son Dongwoon has returned with his own summer track, and it falls closely along these lines. Today’s Weather (우리 날씨 맑음) may not be city pop, but its soft, hazy production is certainly familiar.

Speaking of “today’s weather,” it’s finally sunny here in the good ol’ pacific northwest. So far, this spring has been historically cold and rainy. Just this weekend, we got a month’s worth of rain in one day! I’m ready to kick summer into gear. Tank tops and sunscreen, people! Today’s Weather won’t have me rushing for the sunglasses, but it may just see me donning my sandals and reclining.

This is a pleasant listen. It doesn’t move past its pleasantries, but the smooth R&B beat goes down easy. Dongwoon has a strong vocal and he puts his heart into the track. As a co-composer, his connection with the material feels natural. However, this style of music is rarely for me. If a song chooses to be this leisurely in pace and arrangement, I tend to search for a standout melody or hook – something to circle back to as the track tiptoes along. Today’s Weather is reasonably catchy, but nothing really sticks out. It’s like a slightly overcast day, where you sink into your chair with a good book and eventually settle into a comfortable cat nap.