ERIC NAM – 'RUNAWAY'

Track List:

1. Runaway

Eric Nam has released his latest song, "Runaway," available as a digital download along with an MV. It is Nam’s first single since October's “Miss You,” so it's been a few months. The song was co-written by Nam, along with several others involved in the production, including Lauv and Flow Blow.

"Runaway" is a mid-tempo pop tune that is pretty peppy for Mr. Nam. But I've been pretty impressed with his singles so far. "Miss You" was pretty well soft pop/r&b. He doesn't get as emotional on this track, though, so there's none of the explosive vocals we heard 7 months ago. This one is still soft pop, but it's got a nice beat for all that. The song talks about throwing off all your cares and running away. 

A tune like this with summer around the corner is really just what the doctor ordered. It's bright, peppy, and not at all negative. And it's super-catchy. It calms you down, and has that same refreshing vibe as the BTS tune "Boy With Luv" There was an oddity I noticed in here, though...if you listen to it, it's super short. Why? There's no bridge. When I was listening to it I was expecting a bridge, something to maybe tie it all together, and instead it just heads straight to the outro.

The English in the song is a giant "meh." First of all, the term runaway is a noun, not a verb. If you're running away, then you're a runaway. And his pronunciation of the term is a bit odd. It's a minor quibble, but worth pointing out. And if you've been listening to K-pop for any appreciable amount of time, you know it could be a whole lot worse.

But overall, it's a fun tune. It's not groundbreaking by any means, but it leaves you with a warm feeling for its short running time. It's cute, happy, and the perfect song for you to chillax to.

MV REVIEW

Eric Nam and his female co-star take off to the seaside and run away.

The MV is done in a style I really like. It's set up like scenes from a bunch of home movies. What's even funnier is it's all grainy in some places, like home movies usually aren't these days. Its an interesting effect, somehow making you pay closer attention to what's going on.

The scenes themselves are the usual assortment you find in these kinds of MVs. A cat walking through the scene, the two of them dolled up in comforters outside, Mr. Nam with his head in the curtains before he lazes back on the couch, and, of course, the female lead doing similar things. It's all set up to make everything look candid, even if was most likely staged.

It's rather convincing. They shot the kinds of scenes that a couple very much in love would shoot. It adds that air of verisimilitude. Individually, it just seems like they're weary and bored, but together they're all smiles and the scene changes some. Gazing at each other while the city lights spread out beside them, running along the beach. They seem really happy. 

Was it amazing and groundbreaking? Not really, I've seen tons of the same. But I like these kinds of MVs. It's a break from some of the normally sterile environments that we see on a regular basis, and they break out of the box.

Score

MV Relevance.......9

MV Production......8

MV Concept..........9

MV SCORE: 8.7

Songwriting..........8

Composition.........9

Impression............9

ALBUM SCORE: 8.7

OVERALL............8.7