Trendy entries to the winter vacation canon might be tough since this sort of tune thrives on built-up nostalgia. Most listeners have a handful of tracks they return to every yr till they develop into ritual. It’s much less widespread for followers to exit of their approach to uncover new vacation classics, however when BTS’s V is concerned many ears shall be tuned to the undertaking.
Winter Forward pairs him with balladeer Park Hyo Shin, forging a duo that’s musical catnip to Korean charts this time of yr. And given V’s previous solo work, the tune unfolds a lot as you’d count on. It’s jazzy and subdued, heat like a cup of cocoa and delicate to a fault. The fellows have gone down an extremely conventional route, giving the monitor a timeless really feel. To make a too-obvious comparability, the moody instrumental would really feel proper at house alongside Vince Guaraldi’s work on A Charlie Brown Christmas. In vacation phrases, that’s like kissing the holy grail.
Truthfully, December is actually the one area I’ve for this model of music. It’s not often my factor, however I make a giant exception for chilly winter nights spent adorning for the vacations. There’s no probability Winter Forward vaults over the numerous classics on my playlist, however it’s a sensible use of V’s heat vocal tone and apparent love for this style. He and Hyo Shin make for a dynamic pairing. If something holds the tune again, it’s the dearth of an equally dynamic construction. The opening verse unfolds as a charming duet, however as Winter Forward strikes ahead it doesn’t unveil any new concepts. It’s merely nice and lightweight all through. A brass-kissed finale injects some drama, however I saved ready for the melody to take an sudden or ear-catching flip.
| Hooks | 7 |
| Manufacturing | 8 |
| Longevity | 8 |
| Bias | 8 |
| RATING | 7.75 |
Grade: C+