Overall Score: 3.5 / 5
Mamamoo's "Four Seasons, Four Color" project had brought out many song in various genre, which was such a blessing for all of us. "Better Than I Thought (생각보단 괜찮아)" was part of the project, specifically in "BLUE;S" album. Although this song was not a title song, but it managed to capture my attention. With no complicated composition and choreograph, this song is the epitome of "less is more".
Musicality (2/5)
At first listen, the music seemed simple enough, like your typical mid-tempo ballad song, but after more listen, it was more interesting than I thought.
It began with rhythmical guitar strum which got repeated until the end of first verse. In the next verse, another guitar and a bit of bass sound was added, adding more layer to the melody.
After 1-beat-pause, it went into chorus, where beat line was added. Interestingly, bass line was added after the vocal ended their lyric, accompanying vocalization hook of the song. Then it's back to rhythmical guitar strumming, like the first verse, but the beat line continued.
The second chorus sound felt more varied with drum line entered and it seemed all the instrument was finally complete. But then it bared back to only rhythmical strumming guitar for the bridge. After another full-instrument chorus, the vocalization hook fading out, and simply ending the song.
The music was simple; only using 2-3 types of instrument, but it was interestingly composed, with the way it added and reduced the instrument sound as the song progressed. The lack of complexity in the musical instrument and composition was probably done to emphasize the vocal on the song, which I thought, worked beautifully. But if they ever came out with the instrumental version of the song, it might be a bit of a bore.
Lyrics (4/5)
The lyric told a story about a mature break up experience. The verses talked about a happy relationship that eventually ended anyway. As she was tidying up her feeling and memories, she felt sad, but there's no regret or longing feelings left. She was quite surprised about it as well, because she thought she would be brokenhearted and in more pain. She then made the decision to let go of the relationship naturally, and hoping her partner felt the same way too.
I like how the lyric expressed fortitude in a natural, non-overbearing way. It is okay and likely to be sad after the end of a relationship, but it doesn't mean we need to cry for days. And the opposite, if we didn't mourn, it doesn't mean that we didn't appreciate the relationship or our partner.
I love the bridge part, when the lyric expressed that she consciously choose to felt the way she felt. That she choose to let go with no burden left, and hope her partner was also okay. So mature.
Performance (4.5/5)
As this was not the main track of "BLUE;S" album, there wasn't many special promotion performance. But it was performed in MAMAMOO's release showcase for the album and it was always in their set-list for fan-meet or concert.
The song was performed with no choreograph and no properties, as it didn't need to have one. In the showcase, the 4 member were standing in line with their mike, and simply sang alternately, focusing only in their vocal performance. Even Moonbyul, the dedicated rapper in the group, got to show her singing ability splendidly (her part was my favorite part of the song!).
The background show and lighting in the showcase performance was on-point, with the light only directed to the member whose turn to sing, though I wish it also spotlighting the member who's doing ad-lib and harmonization. I didn't need to mention the vocal performance itself, since MAMAMOO always deliver, as expected. They managed to make their song sounded better live than in recording.
BLUE;S showcase performance
They also performed this song in Dingo Music V Live Original, where they performed live in the house-like studio. This performance was more theatrical, where each member individually expressing their part of the song in a bed room setting. The first half was shot in one-take camera dynamically record each member according to their order.
Then it was a group shot, where MAMAMOO sat and perform together. We could see clearly who did the ad-lib and harmonization. It's interesting to see how each of them swaying to the music and enjoyed the song while performing in each their own way.
Dingo Music - V Live Original (subbed)
They also performed this song in their radio performance, fan-meet and concert with similar setting as the showcase. Simple, hassle-free performance was a great fit for a ballad song which highlighted their vocal and causing it to feel more honest & pure.
That's what I thought, what do YOU think? Please post your comment below :)
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