Thus far, ZEROBASEONE have found a style that matches them and songs just diverse enough to be both consistent and adventurous. Their Korean title tracks have proven to be big growers on my own playlist, and now it’s time to transpose that onto the Japanese market. Yura Yura is their first original J-pop single.
As expected, Yura Yura borrows from ZEROBASEONE’s current sound palette and twists it just a bit for a new audience. The similarity is most notable in the percussion, which skitters through the track in an almost overstuffed way until the chorus hits with a light pop beat that recalls their debut. Even though they both took some time to grow on me, In Bloom and Crush each boasted unique calling cards that gave them their own sonic identity. Yura Yura feels much more slight in comparison.
Adding to the frustration, the melodies here just aren’t very pleasant. The verses pass by without leaving much of a mark, and the sprightly chorus uses repetition to its disadvantage. The “yura yura baby baby” hook is particularly grating and should have been replaced with something less sing-song. A noisy post-chorus breakdown doesn’t help, and without one or two instrumental highlights to give it character, the production feels colorless. On the plus side, the vocal performance is strong and confident. The guys deserve an equally strong song.
| Hooks | 7 |
| Production | 7 |
| Longevity | 8 |
| Bias | 7 |
| RATING | 7.25 |
Grade: C
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 
I was getting an ONF “We Must Love” vibe with skittering percussion vibe for the verses. And something else for the chorus which I didn’t care enough to figure out.
I don’t think its a bad song, but it isn’t something truly novel. The skittering percussion is this year’s trap beats, and it is starting to get on my nerves from its ubiquity. Producers seem to slam it in there where a song needs it or not.
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I see the chorus growing on me
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I like it but that’s probably my bias talking lol. I do get your criticisms about the song though. I’m hoping they get a “Suki to Iwasetai” type of song soon…
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This is nice and light and pretty unmemorable. I like the first part of the prechorus and the gentle rock undertone throughout. But this is going to be another one of those Japanese releases in a group’s discog that I’m going to forget exists.
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Personally I really love this one. I’d say it’s just my bias but I know it’s not because “Crush” was not for me at all— couldn’t get past that chorus pots and pans breakdown. I much preferred “Melting Point,” which I suppose you might call inoffensive in a way that’s similar to “Yura Yura.” But to me this JP comeback much more in line with their debut sound, which I prefer. It also has that anime-opening sound that’s spot-on for a Japanese audience.
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I really like this. The kind of cute stuff I want from them. This should’ve been the follow up single after In Bloom, with Crush as the first Jap single. The rock undertones were a nice touch. 9/10
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I like the “yura yura baby baby” part. I’m suprised you feel so strongly about this. My issue with this song is a general one I have with many boy groups: the lack of tonal diversity. Most of the members sound indistinguishable from one another ( taerae is the exception). They sing well but sometimes I think a memorable voice is better than a technically good one. that said the song’s an 8, I like it more instantly than “in bloom”
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I get it, as a fan I can’t really distinguish the non-taerae voices (although to be fair it is a large group). I will say that they have an impressive roster of talented vocalists; in addition to Taerae, Hanbin, Zhang Hao and even Gunwook are all “main vocalist” material, and it’s impressive to see how the vocal parts are handled when you watch their stages.
That being said, I’m really glad we have Taerae where he is. I wasn’t captivated by him during Boys Planet at all, but his tone stands out and adds something to their songs. Its tone reminds me a bit of Taehyung’s voice (with a much more dynamic range). Definitely something you don’t always hear in a standard boy group.
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