BABYMONSTER “Hot Sauce” Review

I was honestly a fan of BLACKPINK…but I have to be honest—I’ve been disappointed with BABYMONSTER from the start. YG gave them the same exact girl crush blueprint as they’ve given all their girl groups, but the rendition that BABYMONSTER got was just so flat and childish that all the supposed empowerment of girl crush was lost…and unfortunately, while I liked some things about “Hot Sauce,” it does not break my trend of disappointment.

Concept/Message: 2

You guys know that song “A Thousand Years”? You know that lyric “I have died everyday waiting for you”? It really speaks to me right now…”I have died everyday waiting for YG to come up with ANYTHING other than girl crush” really expresses my frustration right now.

Like, does he just not have any creativity??? While all his competitors have shown some degree of ability to tackle and express complex themes and social commentary, YG just…never has. The message of literally every single BABYMONSTER title track can be summed up in three words: “I’m so cool.” I literally cannot decide whether to cry or to perform a massive eye roll at this point.

Anyway. I am somewhat glad to say that this song was, at least, not the most didactic rendition of the “I’m so cool” concept I’ve seen BABYMONSTER do…”Hot Sauce” at least has a hint of playful, silly energy mixed with it. It is quite sad that at this point, I am happy to applaud even a single toe out of the YG norm with YG songs…but alas, YG leaves me with no choice.

Visuals: 3

Finally not a video that literally reeks of desperation to seem as “cool” as possible. The simple, white backdrop along with the cartoon set was honestly such a relief to the eyes after watching YG try everything from setting water on fire to making cars fly to “impress” the audience. It feels so much more authentic and honestly quite likable and cute.

Lyrics: 2

I’m so done with the girl crush concept. More like—I’m so done with how goddamn loyal BABYMONSTER is to this concept. Literally every single one of their title tracks has the same lyrics, just different words…they’re just trying to say “I’m so cool” in as many different ways as possible. I am waiting for the day YG literally runs out of ways to express his groups’ “coolness”.

Music : 2

Can we stop…chanting? I know these girls can sing. YG, LET THEM SING. You gave Rora like one line of melody and forced everyone else to confine their voices to this stupid talk-chant range. Ughhh!!

Also, why is this song so short. Can the K-pop community, like, collectively sign a petition to demand these companies to give us complete songs??? In no universe is 2:30 enough time for a song.

Ranting aside….I did like the fun production to this song. Unfortunately, I have now run out of compliments to give the song.