MEOVV Receives A One-Star Rating From Korea’s Top Music Review Magazine

MEOVV, the first girl group under THE BLACK LABEL, made their debut on September 6, 2024. Despite the hype around this debut, their first song has not been received too well by both general audiences and critics.

MEOVV debuted with the single “MEOW,” and while each member’s individual talent shone through, the track itself has garnered negative reviews across the board. Particularly, IZM, one of the most prominent online music review magazines, recently published a scathing article reviewing the track.

IZM rated “MEOW” with only one star. Their first of the many grievances with the song was the repetition of the “meow” sound in the song, which neither carried any intention or meaning. The review also called it “tiresome” and accused its overuse of taking away the attention from the members’ voices.

In a track that doesn’t even last three minutes, a full minute is occupied by cat sounds that hold no intention or meaning. The weightless repetition that includes the intro, outro, overdubbed chorus, and rap parts quickly becomes tiresome and, more importantly, takes away the most essential aspect: the members’ voices.

— IZM

The review also criticized the song’s compositional elements, specifying that the “simple combination of bass and kick drum underpins the song.” IZM stated that the lack of versatility between the two verses lessened the song’s impact, which was further reduced by the empty section of the song meant for the dance break.

The monotonous rhythm, inaudible lyrics, empty repetition, and one-dimensional progression are all failures. The inability to fulfill either the desired image or the intended message leaves only an ambiguous form.

— IZM

According to the review, the only positive aspect of the song was Gahyeon’s vocal skills. But it simultaneously critiqued the song for not being strong enough to give all members the necessary space to showcase their strengths. The review concluded by questioning the growing trend of K-Pop songs prioritizing virality over longevity.

Why is a catchy hook song that will soon be forgotten prioritized over good music that lingers and invites repeated listening?

— IZM

Netizens are divided over this review and their opinion about “MEOW” in general. Almost two weeks after its release, many are still unimpressed with the song, while others feel that it has improved their taste with time.

• “It’s been a while since I’ve heard a song and seen a music video that’s this boring.”
• “I’m curious how this ended up being confirmed as the title track.”
• “I can’t listen to it for more than 10 seconds, so I can’t give an overall review. I’ve tried twice, but I can’t get past that.”
• “The more I listen, the more refined and enjoyable it becomes.”
• “As I keep listening, it becomes more bearable.”

What did you think of MEOVV’s debut?