REVIEW | Mamamoo’s “HIP” is the Ultimate High-Fashion Track

Mamamoo has had a pretty strong year. Two of their soloists have scored massive hits, and the group has one of the few idol group hits of the year. ‘Gogobebe’ is a fun, funky track that is very reminiscent of early Mamamoo. However, it failed to capture the pure magic of some of their earlier releases (like 2018’s “Starry Night”). Can “HIP” give them that extra oomph? Short answer: Yes!

Release Date: November 14, 2019

Total runtime: 00:03:30

Recommended for: Moomoo’s will generally love this track. It’s got some quirky, experimental elements to it, but it is still very reminiscent of early Mamamoo’s sound.

NOT Recommended for: This track does not have any standout vocal moments. Those who listen to Mamamoo solely for the vocals will feel a bit left out.

TRACK REVIEW

That intro is to die for. Hwasa’s sexy husky tone coupled with that low beat is a great combination. It’s also just a great way to start a track. It grabs your attention right away and keeps you guessing on what’s next. There are quite a lot of elements to this track, and sometimes it might feel disjointed. However, I will chalk that up to artistic choice. Even with conflicting elements, “HIP” is so catchy. The chorus has a very melodic and easy-to-follow tune. Plus, the verses serve as such a great buildup to it. The ‘hip’ catchphrase is repeated multiple times, but it doesn’t get obnoxious. Each repetition adds a new layer of complexity and takes the song to a new level.

In terms of vocals, there are no standout moments in this track. However, HIP proves that it doesn’t need to be too flashy in the vocal department to be great. It’s already got a lot going for it – and it works best that way. It actually shows how versatile this group is and how they can pull off any sound.

The running theme here is crazy fashion, and it is absolutely amazing. This is like Madonna’s “Vogue”, but make it K-pop. I love the self-love and confidence that the girls exude in this. It’s not a diss track, but there is some shade thrown here and there. There is the running motif of being confident in one’s one look and uniqueness, and the styling really captures that. There are some great outfits here that really work the fine line between K-pop and high fashion. Solar’s two-tone hair is breathtaking, and Hwasa’s bejeweled hair is something I want to see more of. The vibrant clothing also plays really well into the motif of loving one’s own quirkiness.

I never once thought that I would confuse Mamamoo for a dance-oriented group, but here we are. That choreography is amazing and is made even better by the girls. Every single one of them brought their A-game to this track. This has to be Mamamoo’s most challenging track dance-wise, but they knocked it right out of the park. The MV’s vibrant aesthetic also stands out here to create a very rich and layered viewing experience.

Mamamoo is one of the very few groups (especially among girl groups) that manages to push boundaries each time with great success. The formula works just right for this group. Vocally, they are unlike any other group currently active. They are also one of the few girl groups that are not afraid to showcase their vibrant – and sometimes off-putting – personalities. “HIP” is a perfect song for this group because it shows the many different tones that they have mastered. It has got a softness to it, which is apparent mostly in the verses. However, there is some randomness and quirkiness in between that demonstrates how chaotic the girls are willing to be. This is easily one of the best idol group tracks of the year. Then again, Mamamoo should be used to saving K-pop by now.