[Review] MeloMance X Sam Ryder

The duet of the year has dropped — and it’s only January!

Kim Minseok and Sam Ryder have joined forces for their rousing new single. Image: Warner Music Korea.

Kim Minseok, of the indie folk duo MeloMance, has released a new single in collaboration with British household name, Sam Ryder. The two pop powerhouses have come together for their new track “Back In Love”.

While this may seem like an unlikely pairing for K-pop fans, this isn’t the first time the two have crossed paths. For his Love in Seoul concert, Ryder brought out Kim to perform a duet of his hit track, “Tiny Riot”, much to the delight of the crowd. 

A colourful collab

The new mid-tempo RnB track is the perfect listen for a relaxing day. The deep acoustic guitar instrumentals drive the song whilst matching the duo’s honey-like vocals. Ryder and Kim’s voices blend perfectly together for beautiful harmonies, while the track also allows each artist to show off their impressive range and personal colour. The sweet melody is easily re-playable and will provide comfort to fans. This duo works so well together that it would be a shame for them to not collaborate again in the future!

“Back In Love” single cover. Image: Warner Music Korea via Helix Publicity.

The track’s lyrics explore how it feels to go through a breakup: “That’s the point I’m trying to prove / Cause I’m still here hung up on you / Nowhere to go and nothing to lose”. The duo’s emotive vocals are able to encapsulate the meaning of the lyrics perfectly, making the track relatable to any fan who is experiencing similar emotions. 

Working hard

This duet is just another string that Minseok can add to his bow. Alongside his work with MeloMance, Minseok is a part of Kakao Entertainment’s project boy group, GOMAK BOYS, and debuted as a soloist in 2018. 

By posting multiple YouTube covers and fighting for resounding Eurovision success, Sam Ryder has been able to capture the hearts of both the UK and South Korean public — and “Back In Love” will only further confirm his position in Korean pop culture. His ability to amass a large TikTok audience has helped him to reach global fans.

Ryder took to social media to promote his track and gushed over his musical counterpart: “Dropped this one with the immensely talented Kim Minseok, who I met at the end of last year on our first trip to Seoul”.

Ryder and Kim strike moody poses for their promotional material. Image: Warner Music Korea via Helix Publicity.

This collaboration will serve as an unexpected treat for fans of either artist and give both Sam Ryder and Kim Minseok a great start to the year. The track provides fans with the hope that this duo will inspire even more K-pop artists to work with singers from across the globe.

“Back In Love” has a firm place on Cherry Chu’s winter playlist!

Edited by Gabii Rayner.