I obviously went into 45RPM’s Hit-Pop with some skepticism. After watching their MBC comeback performance, how couldn’t I?

Well, how did it turn out? Did my biases get the best of me or did the trio prove me wrong?

Hit-Pop is a solid album. It’s well produced and offers quite a bit. It surely takes a step away from the sound that made 45RPM good in the first place but it doesn’t go too far in a bad direction. As a fan, I am still bummed to see they haven’t kept it real. I thought these guys were ‘emcees’.

My feelings towards Hit-Pop are mixed. I guess it’s best take it in on two levels. One being a first-time listener and the other a previous fan of theirs.

If I was a first-time listener, I’d enjoy 45RPM’s latest effort. Though I’m certain a first-time listener would more appreciate their debut, Old Rookie more, Hit-Pop is good.

Now, as previous fan, I have a hard time getting past the stark change made. Fortunately the style of some (a few) of the loops in songs remain similar to before — with a mostly vintage vibe or orgin. Also, Smash, J-kwondo, and GR’s vocal styles stay similar in some aspects.

Hit-Pop has some pretty solid tracks and there’s nothing super weak, thankfully. But after a few listen throughs, I can’t say a lot really sticks out. It’s not like it’s bad and therefore forgettable; rather it’s all moderately good yet similar.

This “new sound” reminds me of some mainstream American hip-hop: it’s catchy, kicks in the club, and makes a lot of money yet it lacks the substance and relevance that made it so big.

I’m not asking for the same thing as before, I just crave the goodness they already had. It wasn’t broke and I wish they didn’t fix it.

Ultimately, Hit-Pop by 45RPM is pretty good but just not strong enough and it didn’t sell their “new sound” good enough for me. Still it’s worth checking out if you’re new to them but I definetly recommend picking up Old Rookie too.

Rating: 5/10

Tracklisting for Hit Pop:
01. OOH-WEEE
02. 새침떼기
03. 살짝쿵
04. 순결한 45
05. 두비두밥
06. Tonight
07. Summer Day (나는 내가 지난 여름에 한일을 알고 있다)
08. Show Time
09. About Love
10. 행복을 찾는 속삭임
11. Hey DJ
12. 못 말리는 삼형제
13. 새침떼기 (Remix)
14. 제발 (Bonus Track)

Buy Hit-Pop by 45RPM
Buy Old Rookie by 45RPM