T-ara are finally back although not as we know it! Launching as a sub-unit we have Jiyeon, Eunjung, Hyomin and Areum joining forces to become T-ara N4. So while we’re missing Boram, Qri and personal favourite Soyeon, we’re stilling enjoying T-ara’s characteristic sound and performances – high energy dance routines to go with infectious chorus hooks and random words. But whilst we’re missing T-ara proper, how does T-ara N4 measure up? Keep reading for the review of their performance on Music Core and let me know your thoughts!
Style & Staging
It’s great to see the girls in styles that actually look like they were planned and thought out. T-ara have developed a reputation for charming yet kitsch stage costumes. From the kitten paws that launched them into stardom, to the very odd Native American concept for YaYaYa and then to the mannequin concept for Sexy Love, sometimes it all just gets too much even for us Queens (I laugh on so many levels).
So, for Countryside Life, the girls are back to their hip hop inspired (I use this term loosely…) styling and I think it works well. The concepts where the whole band wears the same outfits never really appeals to me (here’s looking at you Kara; just saying…). So I personally enjoyed this look. Plus, Jiyeon looked bloody cool! She needs to wear mesh vests and orange coulettes more often…
Overall rating for Style & Staging – 5 / 5 stars.
Choreography
The infamous bunny and dinga dinga dance! I don’t think it’s going to quite catch on as much as Gangnam Style did but hell it looks cool. I kind of just watch and stare like this: (⊙_◎) because I have no idea what they’re doing. Too many different body parts are moving at different times. Those arms!
I love the little toil all day section – it’s charming and what I’ve come to expect from T-ara. They don’t take themselves too seriously which is often welcome when you work a stressful job. Plus, they always know how to build drama with a bit of Jiyeon’s talk to the hand:
Overall rating for Choreography – 5 / 5 stars.
Vocals
Aw, where to begin?! T-ara are often overlooked for their vocal ability and their lead singer, Soyeon, is not as popular as other lead sings. Their songs will often negate the need for a vocal at all because they’re just… catchy. But I do think something is missing without Soyeon here. She has such a distinctive, soulful sound that is unique amongst the other groups. You can instantly recognise her voice even though it may not be the most powerful. I heart her.
Nonetheless, Hyomin and Eunjung are both solid vocalists and would do better if they weren’t reduced to rap segments or lead chorus vocals. Areum continues to go from strength to strength. Her voice isn’t stand up and listen amazing, but I’m sure with time she’ll develop and grow as a singer.
Overall rating for Vocals – 4 / 5 stars.
Overall Score
The Overall Score for T-ara N4’s Countryside Life/Jeon Won Diary performance on Music Core is… 4 / 5 stars!
Review Conclusion
T-ara N4 make a solid comeback but I still think it would be a bigger success if it wasn’t a sub-unit. T-ara N4 hwaiting nonetheless.
Score – / 5 stars.