Review: 2PM's 'A.D.T.O.Y.' Is Worth A Second Look: Hard-Edged Rapping And Artful Cinematography Come Together To Create Powerful Clip [VIDEO]

Stalled at number 22 in its second week on the Billboard K-pop Hot 100, 2PM's new single "A.D.T.O.Y" appears to have been overlooked by fans.

The song debuted this week at number 16 on South Korea's GAON singles chart.

The cold fan response "A.D.T.O.Y" could be due to singer and rapper Nichkhun's drunk driving arrest last summer (K-poppers have infamously long memories).

It is also possible 2PM has simply been overshadowed in a month that has seen major releases from K-pop superstars like 4minute and Lee Hiyori.

Whatever the cause, "A.D.T.O.Y." doesn't seem to be getting the attention or chart position it deserves.

The song is a piece of high-octane pop, driven by Nichkhun and Taecyeon's impassioned rapping, that tells the story of a man driven to the edge by his new lover.

Anyone who can appreciate a pop song that fulfills the genre's primary purpose of getting you pumped up and ready for whatever the world throws at you, would be well advised to check out "A.D.T.O.Y."

The song alternates between 2PM's hard-edged rapping and softer, heart-felt singing.

Although at first listen the softer, R&B melodies that emerge in the singing 2PM adds to "A.D.T.O.Y." seem to be a step down from the hard-edged intensity of the Korean flows the boys drop on the track, this feeling diminishes after repeated spins.

What becomes apparent is that part of the reason that 2PM's raps in "A.D.T.O.Y." sound so rough, rugged and raw is the softer falsetto sounds of the song's non-rap vocals.

And although the gimmick of hard-edged rapping and soulful singing in the same track is seen in all areas of American hip hop and popular music, the quick alternation between the two sounds in "A.D.T.O.Y." gives the song an innovative twist on the formula.

Also worth noting is the music video, shot beautifully and innovatively in black and white.

Although the teaser photos for the "A.D.T.O.Y." video released earlier this month, showed the guys shirtless and apparently aiming for an army of teenage girls, the clip is actually much more adult-feeling in style and content.

The main recurring shot is a simple one: the members of 2PM are dancing on a stage. We have all seen a similar shot in pop music videos countless times before.

Yet, the brilliantly sculpted lighting and well-placed camera angles take the shot to another place.

The director's exceedingly competent camera placement skill takes the men of 2PM's well-timed dance moves and turns them into something that looks more like high art.

Check out the music video for 2PM's "A.D.T.O.Y." RIGHT HERE

Tags
2PM
2pm nichkhun
A.D.T.O.Y.
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