MV Review- SNSD's "Catch Me If You Can" Is Different, But Is That Good?

Let's be honest, 2014 was a horrendous year for Girls' Generation; five dating "scandals" (including the absolute mess of Baekyeon), disappointing performance from both "Mr.Mr." and "Holler", and the departure of Jessica meant the invincible wall they had erected finally started to crumble (the fact that Girl's Day, Apink and SISTAR had been continuously pounding away since 2013 didn't help either). Now it's no secret that whilst they've more or less achieved a status of immortality similar to TVXQ!, their invincibility is at serious risk, and Girls' Generation needed something particularly outstanding to fend off the numerous rising girl groups that are desperate to snatch their throne (including junior label-mates Red Velvet). Many complained that the brilliant "Mr.Mr." was just too generic, and SM have seemingly retaliated by giving us something completely different... but it might just be the worst thing they could do.


Yes, "Catch Me If You Can" is a strong contender for Girls' Generation's weakest single ever, right up (or should that be down?) there with the sickly "Kissing You" and the gaudy trudge through mud that was "The Boys". The sad thing is it's not even that terrible, it's just shockingly unremarkable. One undeniable strength of SNSD songs, and SM songs in general, is that regardless of quality they're incredibly catchy, but this is the most forgettable song they've ever done; the verses are dull, the chorus is almost empty of any vocals, and the only remotely interesting part is the frilly pre-chorus that arguably wouldn't be as memorable if it didn't sound so different to the verses. Even the mindless chanting of "GIRL's Generation make you feel da heat" stuck in my head more than this, and whilst I'm aware that catchiness does not equal quality, it means the song will struggle to stand out and therefore struggle to make an impression with the public.

Sunny's looking flawless though so it ok

Tragically I don't think SNSD can even rely on their fanbase as much as usual this time around, because I don't think any SONE wanted this; if SM gathered a bunch of SONEs all in a room and asked how many of them wanted half-hearted EDM for SNSD's next comeback they'd be less amused than if Dream T did the same to Dai5ies and asked them how many wanted Girl's Day to return to the days of Tilt My Head. Besides, we all know that the title of EDM K-pop queens already belongs to beloved iljin gang T-ara, so they're not winning that accolade anytime soon. 

But maybe they can be queens of PLAGIARISM because this is looking
suspiciously like choreo from CLC's "Pepe" #UrFaveIsProblematic

HOWEVER it's not all bad; I don't think I've ever seen the dance line members who aren't Yoona get so much screentime, the choreography is easily one of the best routines they've ever done and all members look stunningly beautiful in the builder outfits (and since they were all wearing the same outfit they couldn't possibly fuck up Hyoyeon!). Yuri thankfully gained weight and looks much, much better as a result, and along with Sooyoung dazzles throughout, beating out Tiffany who seemed to be plastered all over the "Mr.Mr." video which was more like Tiffany and her best friends.

#BYE

Honestly I'm quite frustrated with this comeback because I'm not really sure how I feel about it. It's not atrocious at all, in fact I'm sure I'll warm up to it a lot very soon and at the end of the day it's nowhere near enough for me to dramatically claim I'm "SO DONE" with SNSD, throwing my imaginary SONE badge onto the ground as a single crystalline tear trickles down my cheek. However this isn't really what I, or anyone, wanted from SNSD and I'd be very surprised if this could even beat "Holler" in terms of success. Ultimately it's not like the members of Girls' Generation are particularly bothered about that anymore as long as their fandom stays intact so they rake in more won/yen, but I hope their next release is much stronger so I and everyone else won't think it's all downhill from here (or at least not at the gradient they're going at right now).