As someone who has followed MAMAMOO since their 2014 release Peppermint Chocolate with one of my favorite make singers, K.Will, I have dreaded the day the group releases a “greatest hits” album. After all, it is a common perception that a “greatest hits” or “the best” album would usually be for artists who are already riding their careers off the sunset. But then, I am game for any MAMAMOO release, so might as well give this one a listen.
I have divided the tracks into the must-listens, the good, and the negligible. Without further ado, here are my no-holds-barred, thoroughly honest thoughts of the 23 songs included in the I Say Mamamoo: The Best album:
The Crème de la Crème
Gogobebe (Rock Version)
Something I could listen to regularly. The original song is already one of my favorites; the rock arrangement only enhanced my listening experience.
Egoistic (Blistering Sun Version)
Something very concert-worthy, like listening to the girls in one of their concerts or live performances. The arrangement gives the song a tad more oomph, and who doesn’t like MAMAMOO with more oomph?
Hip (Remix Version)
This is one version you’d wish was the original version. Earworm alert.
Décalcomanie 2021
This reminds me of the rearranged version the group performed in awards shows and end-of-year concerts the year the song was released. Just outstanding.
You’re the Best 2021
I was too busy listening to the girls to note the changes to the song’s original arrangements. But then, this is THE quintessential MMM song, so unless they did something overly drastic (which they didn’t really), You’re the Best continues to be… the best.
Yes I Am (Funk Boost Version)
Funk boost, indeed. Versions of the group’s songs done like this remind us why we love MAMAMOO and why they are the queens of power vocals in K-pop.
Starry Night (Orchestra Version)
Better orchestral rendition compared to Paint Me. Starry Night is one of those songs that are dramatic from the onslaught, so any added drama to this one is always welcome.
The Good Calls
Destiny (Extended Version)
Very reminiscent of their Queendom victory. Best listened to live.
Aya (Traditional Version)
Reminds me of the ballsy move Oh My Girl did to the Lovelyz track Destiny in the reality show Queendom, which MAMAMOO won. Another great reinterpretation of their song, although I wished for the traditional elements to have been pushed just a bit more.
I Miss You 2021
The rearranged version has additional musical breaks, which allowed the girls to display their prowess – vocal runs galore.
Piano Man 2021
That this bordered on being overly produced suits the song to a tee. It’s exactly what the song needs: a pinch of camp and an overamplification of its jazzy elements.
Mr. Ambiguous 2021
This harkens back to the classic MAMAMOO of their debut. Thoroughly enjoyable.
Um Oh Ah Yeh 2021
This sounded more of a polished version to me. But then, I’ve always liked this song, so a streamlined-cum-live arrangement doesn’t change my love for this song.
Peppermint Chocolate (MMM Version)
I remember liking the original version of this song with K.Will. The new version still reeks of MAMAMOO excellence, except that I would have loved a little more energy in the choruses like some harmonies, perhaps?
Wind Flower (Dramatic Version)
Not really a dramatic version, more of a loungy, lazy Sunday afternoon track with a weird tempo change towards the last 3rd of the song. I was so ready to add it to my favorites until the tempo change, which was jarring to me.
Paint Me (Orchestra Version)
Too many orchestral breaks, it felt like they just added orchestral elements (and quite a lot at that) to the original song.
Mumumumuch
This feels like a pre-release, like Star Wind Flower Sun or Midnight Summer Dream. Beautiful song but not particularly as strong as their other title tracks.
The Negligible Ones
Don’t be Happy 2021
If there is a template for a MAMAMOO song, this would be it. It’s just fine.
Happier Than Ever
It was okay; not something that pops out on the first listen.
Heeheehaheho Part 2
The original version features Louie and Lil Boi of Geeks, so this new version had some huge shoes to fill. Unfortunately, not as effective as Part 1.
Ahh Oop! 2021
The song sounded rushed and also didn’t do much to change my thoughts about the original version.
Words Don’t Come Easy 2021
A bit redundant; reminded me of why this was a B-track. The update didn’t do much to make the original version.
A Little Bit 2021
Filler. You’ve been warned; this is a thoroughly honest review.
So, with this conspicuous release and Wheein’s move to THE L1VE, say it with me: MAMAMOO MUST NOT DISBAND!
