Final yr, H1-KEY took a extra rock influenced flip with their wonderful summer season mini album Lovestruck. They’ve caught with most of the identical collaborators for its follow-up, starting to develop a signature sound that spotlights their robust vocals. I’m all the time comfortable to listen to consistency like this, even when title observe To. My First Love (나의 첫사랑에게) isn’t as robust as its predecessor.
Rock music is in every single place in Ok-pop in the meanwhile, however a track like this has a particular sound that’s usually in comparison with anime opening themes. It’s large, cheerful and anthemic. It jogs my memory of one thing early SNSD would have rattled off throughout an occasional electrical guitar second. Or for a extra trendy take, you would place it as a “mild” model of Dreamcatcher’s oeuvre. For this track specifically, I’m reminded of Korea’s drama OSTs. You may virtually see the heroine of the story operating down a road in her college uniform.
However not like 2025’s Summer time Was You, the melodies right here don’t hit notably laborious. The refrain is effusive and immediately memorable, however that’s largely as a result of it feels like so many different songs inside this particular sub-genre. In the meantime, the verses make use of a pleasant sense of raise however by no means seize a melodic construction distinctive sufficient to tug at your ear. The track is egged alongside by barreling percussion and brilliant guitar line, guaranteeing the power by no means flags. For this alone, To. My First Love is a refreshing entry in 2026’s boring Ok-pop slate. Nonetheless, I’m unsure how usually I’ll return to it — particularly when in comparison with the group’s previous hits.
| Hooks | 8 |
| Manufacturing | 8 |
| Longevity | 8 |
| Bias | 8 |
| RATING | 8 |
Grade: B-