The intersection between K-Pop and City Pop isn’t anything new but Kim Areum takes the formula to addictive heights on Summer City. A nostalgic trip backed by glossy production, bright instrumental solos, and groovy synths, the album is nonstop fun throughout. Her natural gift for songwriting and hooks shine here as every song slowly melts into the next. The clear centerpiece of the album is “Diving”, a disco-inspired anthem reminiscent of groups like Lovelyz and GFriend. Bursting with warm synths and echoing vocal effects, the song combines the danceability of city pop together with sugary K-Pop hooks. “Petrichor” features a prominent saxophone intro and a slick acid bassline that skips alongside the coastal melodies. Although Summer City is familiar territory for any City Pop fan, it’s Kim Areum’s soothing melodies that distinguish her from the pack.
While a lot of modern city pop releases sound like cheap attempts at 80s nostalgia, the compositions on Summer City effortlessly express their influences without sounding contrived. Composer Spacecowboy ensures the melodic grooves are refreshing while Areum’s vocals are delicately balanced against the saxophones, guitars, and synths. From jazz to funk to synthpop, the album doesn’t hesitate to explore beyond its city pop foundation. With samples of crashing waves and pouring rain, Summer City calls to mind the stunning scenery of an evening by the beach. The colorful palette of sounds and charming nostalgia go hand-in-hand to put a distinct flair on Kim Areum’s unique style of K-Pop.
Summer City never tries to be anything it’s not and Kim Areum has a clearly defined vision that rarely deviates from its formula. There are times when the album feels stagnant because it’s so concentrated on this specific sound. The best songs like “Diving” feel like they fit anywhere but weaker songs like “Last Summer” rely heavily on the context of the album and you definitely need to be in a certain mood for it. Summer City’s short runtime is also emphasized by the last three songs which are essentially covers of the other songs. They fit well in the sequencing of the album but it would’ve been nice to see Kim Areum’s ideas extend further into entirely new songs. Without the intro and covers, the album feels more like an EP coming in at 7 songs. That said, Summer City is easily one of the most impressive K-Pop/City Pop crossovers from the past few years with its impeccable production and Kim Areum’s innate talent for pop songwriting.
Must Listens: Summer Days, Diving, Drive
