Yuehua Entertainment has become known for drastic concept shifts. Both Everglow and Tempest have made major sonic u-turns between comebacks, and now it’s time for soloist Yena to tackle something new. Obviously, it’s beneficial for artists to stretch the limits of their sound and evolve as their career goes on. But during a debut year, I think it’s best to firmly establish a signature concept that secures your fan base before pulling them along your musical journey.
For those who loved the glossy pop-rock energy of Smiley and Smartphone, the muted Love War will come as a shock. There’s a world where a drastic energy shift pays off for Yena, but she needed a more memorable song to do it. Love War is well-performed and features the buzzy BE’O as guest rapper, but it’s the kind of coffeehouse fare that tends to waft in one ear and out the other. Every time I’ve listened to it, my mind has wandered. That’s not a great sign!
There’s just no oomph to Love War. Even soft acoustic tracks can compel you with emotion or dynamic song construction. This song plays like a flat line all the way through, finding its subdued vibe and sticking with it even as the performers attempt to break up the monotony. BE’O’s verse injects new flow and phrasing, but its not enough to spike interest. The chorus is a non-starter. It’s as if the producers wrote a single draft and stuck with it despite having better options.
| Hooks | 7 |
| Production | 7 |
| Longevity | 7 |
| Bias | 7 |
| RATING | 7 |
