"Pretty Please" is What We've Been Waiting For, by Karla Garcia

Hearts2Hearts' release of “Pretty Please” proves that older music concepts must be brought back. (add sentence). This song beautifully combines early K-pop with present-day girl group aesthetics. “Pretty Please” is groovy, dreamy, and bouncy. It makes you want to dance like you're starring in a lovey-dovey teen film.

Hearts2Hearts is an eight-member girl group that debuted on February 24th, 2025, under S.M. Entertainment. The group consists of Jiwoo, Carmen, Yuha, Stella, Juun, A-na, Ian, and Ye-on. Despite their simple discography and over-the-top quirkiness, Hearts2Hearts is musically vibrant. Tracks like “The Chase” and “Butterflies” are dynamic, infusing skilled vocals and blissful instrumentation. Their sound is cloud-like, mixing glittery tones alongside R&B-inspired themes. Every time I play these tracks, I am sonically levitated.

“Style,” Hearts2Hearts' third single, is energetic but less appealing. The track is repetitive with limited genre variation, failing to be “my type” of song. Missing the melodic “sparkle” found in “The Chase” and “Butterflies,” “Style” works best as a casual summer listen.

“Pretty Please” embraces Hearts2Hearts' initial concept with a timeless twist. Inspired by '90s new jack swing beats, this track perfectly fuses hip-hop, R&B, and dance pop. It pulls from iconic records, “(‘Cause) I’m Your Girl” and “Just a Feeling” by S.E.S., released in 1997 and 2002, respectively. “Pretty Please” nods to other K-pop classics like Girls’ Generation's “Gee” and BoA's “My Sweetie”. This number also features elements from “love4eva” by LOONA/yyxy (feat. Grimes) and “Cosmic” by Red Velvet. If you’re unfamiliar with these songs, think of Camp Rock’s “What It Takes” by Aaryn Doyle, but with K-pop influences.

Accompanied by a high-pitched synth, “Pretty Please” opens with a hyperfeminine chant. At 0:18, the beat drops, introducing a nostalgic mix. The vocals are tender, the kick and keys make your body move, and the electric bass is vibrant. Everything in the song works. Its rap section draws from a variety of S.M. projects (H.O.T.'s “Descent of Warriors” and S.E.S.’s “Dreams Come True”), solidifying the label’s identity. Its bridge serves as a dance break, followed by lavish instrumentals and vocal layering. Lyrically, “Pretty Please” is carefree and romantic. Lines like “Go with flows, the vibe… / Think less, just follow your heart” are optimistic, illuminating Hearts2Hearts' youthful message. The track is my new girl group anthem for chilling in the evening and reminiscing about former music trends.

“Pretty Please” could not have been released at a more “perfect timing” (sings member Yuha at 0:20). My interest in Korean idol music has dwindled lately, especially for S.M.'s current girl group sound. Recent songs like “Style” and “Rich Man” by aespa feel controlled and lack suspense, failing to deliver what “Pretty Please” does. Hearts2Hearts touched my heart with this release, rejuvenating my zeal for K-pop and the label. The industry should take note. It’s time to revisit the genre’s tasteful roots and bring back groove-filled concepts. If you’re looking for an ecstatic girl group song, “Pretty Please” is truly what “we've been waiting for” (echoes member Stella at 0:05).

Hearts2Hearts will feature this track on their upcoming album, Focus, which drops on October 20th. Let’s pray this record continues the hype, filling listeners with feel-good songs and newstalgia.