I wasn’t going to recap Boys Planet (and technically, I’m still not doing it), but I’m watching the series and thought others might appreciate a spot to discuss it. So, each week I plan on dumping a few of my random thoughts about the show. Again, this will not be a full, detailed recap. But, if you have something you want to mention make sure to include it in the comments!
Thoughts on BOYS PLANET Episode One
Thoughts on BOYS PLANET Episode Two
Thoughts on BOYS PLANET Episode Three
Thoughts on BOYS PLANET Episode Four
Thoughts on BOYS PLANET Episode Five
Thoughts on BOYS PLANET Episode Six
This round continues this week. Last time, my ranking was:
4. Gang
3. Home
2. Love Killer
1. Zoom
I’m not sure I’ll be able to directly compare this week’s performances with these four since they’re not fresh in my mind, but I’m looking forward to what’s in store.
I’m a bit ashamed to say I’d never heard the original version of this track. That’s pretty unheard of when it comes to shows like this, so kudos to the producers for swerving away from expectations.
I thought this was really good during the choruses, but the rapping felt a little off beat to me. Also, the judges’ reactions were WAY over the top, which honestly took away from the performance. The dancing was strong, though!
First off, I’m biased as hell and this is one of my favorite K-pop songs ever. It’s cool that they brought in a live band for the instrumental and it was probably wise not to add choreography.
I thought this was a perfectly fine rendition. The standout was definitely Tae Rae, who sounded the most confident. The group didn’t really bring anything extra to the performance, but the climax was good. It just makes me appreciate Infinite’s skills and vocal blend even more.
(Also, can the industry make songs like this again? Please?)
Takuto is cracking me up. He looks like a little stuffed animal delivering swagger that’s only a bit believable. It’s weirdly charming.
The fact that the judges mostly talked about this group’s looks says a lot. The performance was fine, but there’s just not a lot you can do with this song. It kind of stuck in one gear the whole time. But against my better judgment, I’m still rooting for Takuto (even though this is definitely not the venue for his particular strengths!).
The rap teams have an extra challenge of writing lyrics, which are hard for me to comment on since I’m not a native speaker. As far as skill goes, I feel like this was one of the most polished (yet natural) stages of the round. But without being a fan of the song, it’s not one that I would choose to replay often.
However, I think the trainees did a great job and showed a ton of potential. I’m more eager to hear them tackle a different track. The vocalists were especially strong.
This had such potential to be one of the defining stages of the season, especially if the guys had fully committed to song and concept. But, it seems like they stopped halfway and the performance ended up underwhelming without the pizzazz it needed. I mean, I wasn’t expected a “lip sync for your life” style epic, but this was very vanilla. And apart from one member, the vocals were quite weak as well. It’s too bad.
I remember when this song used to be so popular on Korean charts. It seems like its ubiquity has faded in recent years — even during springtime.
I’m not sure why they chose this kind of song for a competition series. Without a drastic reinvention, it’s just not the kind of music that fits this setting. It showcases vocals, but in a hazy, subdued sort of way that tends to fade into the background without a truly unique and captivating tone at the forefront. That’s a tall order for trainees. These guys did fine, but overall I was pretty bored.
I’m happy to see a BTS b-side rather than a track that’s been covered a million times before. Of the vocal-oriented teams, this one was one of the stronger efforts. There were definitely some bum notes, but the guys’ ethereal tones really suited the song.
The sheet (?) dance during the interlude was a nice touch, but the group kind of lost the pitch toward the end. It’s so important to end well, and the fact that the performance grew messier as it went on leaves an unsatisfying taste.
This is the “Avengers team” of the round, raising expectations for the performance. I’m forcing myself to get past my dislike of Tomboy as a song and focus on the skill of the group.
This was definitely good, though it suffered from the same thing these Avengers groups always do. I wanted it to be heads-and-tails above everything else and it was just… solid. The “badness” of this song is just so cheesy — like “ooh, we’re going to bleep the swear word and mosaic the performer’s mouth! These guys are just soooooo dangerous. I can’t even believe we’re allowed to show this on TV!”
Yeah… there’s me not getting past my dislike of Tomboy, huh? I’m sorry… I just can’t separate the two.
These guys have a lot of talent. Many will likely make the final group and deserve it.
Honestly, nothing really stood out to me. I’d put Zoom and Love Killer from last week above all of these.
8. Feel Special
7. Butterfly
6. Rush Hour
5. Not Spring Love Or Cherry Blossoms
4. Law
3. Man In Love
2. Tomboy
1. Limousine