Pricked is the first teaser song that has been released for WINNER’s comeback which features rapper Song Mino and vocalist Nam Taehyun. The pair are certainly an interesting musical match to listen to, with the husky tones from the rapper and the gentle vocals from Taehyun.
-It unexpectedly commences with an appearance from Mino’s underused singing capabilities. We hear the almost haunting vocals from Taehyun which is enough to send chills, he has the kind of unique voice you could easily distinguish. He has a style that seems to be casual and offhanded, this collaboration is effortless with their voices mingling together to produce a beautiful slow song, though I’m sure there must have been months of composing, writing going on behind the scenes. The backing track is very simple with the strumming of a guitar, which allows the listener to relax.
-The song formulates the story of an evidently detrimental relationship, how the duo are torn between wanting to remain with their loved one despite being hurt every time and wanting to leave. The pain from the love is imprinted onto them, leaving them unable to forget their loved one. The impression that I get from listening to this song is that they come off as being tired from having to endure the same cycle of events over and over again, however they are stuck in this vicious race. During the chorus, every time the word ‘Pricked’ is sung, it sounds like the strength from Taehyun is taken away each successive time and he has to suffer a blow, yet it seems that he still gets up only to be knocked down again.
Some relationships can be toxic. Yet in this case scenario, neither partner is willing to part ways or rather, the loved ones of Taehyun and Mino is keeping a tight hold on them and refuses to let go which results in them getting hurt again and again. And the cycle rages on, the same events taking place with no light at the end of the tunnel.
