Track List:

1. T.I.E.
2. Marionette
3. Guilty
4. Have It All
5. Study
6. Marionette (Inst.)
7. Study (Remix Ver.)

Stellar's new comeback was powerful to say the least but for the most part, prurient. Powerful not because the comeback was original or refreshing—in fact, the group exhausted the ever-so-banal theme of 'sexy'—but because it managed to take the concept to a whole new level in its music video, "Marionette." And prurient because well, you know…the stark focus on—pardon my language—ass and titties.  

We have lost another one, folks. Stellar is yet another one of the proliferation of girl groups to resort to flashing their body parts for a higher view count. Really, there is not much I can say about the video as everything was said already on internet forums and comment sections. And from the like/dislike ratio on the MV, it is evident that people are just sick and tired of these so-called 'sexy' concepts. Enough already! Management companies, PDs, or whoever conjures up ideas for music videos need to stop being lazy and be more creative. Just please stop reducing girls to faceless commodities. 

On the upside, at least the group was successful in managing to shift the public eye in its direction. Of course, everything comes at a cost, as is the case with Stellar's newfound popularity. The group has gained new 'fans' who only recognize them as mere body parts and has also attracted the attention of uptight, righteous people who condemn the usage of the girls' 'junk' and 'lumps' in such an explicit, vulgar manner. Overall, if you are expecting any form of originality concept-wise (except for those cleverly perforated outfits), I am sorry to say you'll have trouble finding it in "Marionette." 

Though I had conflicted feelings regarding the music video due to its overt sexuality, I thought the song was thoughtfully composed—in terms of melody and lyrics. "Marionette," which is the title song on the group's new mini-album of the same name, is a good song. It is a slow-paced dance/pop jam that will instantly hook you to its woeful, yet addictive tune. The song attests to the torment of loving someone who cruelly toys with your heart and uses lyrics which compares the pangs of unrequited love to that of being tugged like a marionette. Just don't watch the video if you want to fully appreciate the song because you might end up appreciating something else entirely.

The other three tracks that were on the album—that are not instrumentals or remixes—were on par with, if not better than, the title song. I especially thought "Guilty" was superb, a track which effortlessly enmeshed traditional string instruments such as the violin with synths, giving it a modern touch. Also, the rap breakdown near the end of the track is surprisingly appropriate, a feat that is worth commending since most rap parts in K-Pop songs tend to be ineptly placed. "Have It All' was delightful to listen to as well, and that is saying something because I am not too fond of ballads. With this song, I could more easily perceive the girls' vocals without all the layers of auto tune. 

They don't sing like Whitney Houston or Jennifer Hudson but hey, they may be able to realize their full potential with enough practice.