Super Junior sticks to formula in ‘Sexy, Free and Single’

Almost a year after their last release "Mr. Simple" and its repackaged incarnation, "A-CHA," Super Junior is back and this time, they are showing a sexier style.

Super Junior's latest single "Sexy, Free and Single" is the title track of their much awaited sixth full length album. Fans are also extra excited as this is the first release where Kangin comes back to join the group after completing military service.

The music video has already registered over a million views in less than half a day of its release.

No surprise since Super Junior fans like the Everlasting Friends (E.L.F.) are unwavering in their support. It also helped that SM Entertainment piqued their interest with the idols' teaser photos and the revelation that choreographer Devin Jamieson, who worked with Michael Jackson and Britney Spears, did the choreography.

The Super Junior formula

So, did the new single satisfy high expectations?

Here are some of my observations about Super Junior's latest release.

The track "Sexy, Free and Single" sticks to the ironclad Super Junior formula—monotone, repetitive, electronica, dance music with lots and lots of Auto-Tune. The style is traditional K-Pop and does not push the envelope for the idols at all.

Of course, there is value to sticking to a tried and tested sound but fans are also craving for something new. When the slow pop track "No Other" came out in the repackaged "Bonamana," Super Junior fans were ecstatic since "No Other" veered away from the heavy synths typical of Super Junior tracks.

After oh so many albums, I expected Super Junior to grow in terms of musicality. However, based on this first release, I will not be surprised if the full-length album contains songs that are within formula and may be reminiscent of other Super Junior releases.

Video just as formulaic

As for the music video, there are really not a lot of new things in "Sexy, Free and Single."

It is still a dance video similar to "Sorry, Sorry," "Bonamana" and "Mr. Simple."

Using custom-made stages, computer graphics and matrix cameras, the video also sticks to formula.

I really miss the days when Super Junior released MVs with simple storylines like "It's You" and "No Other." I feel that the boys have the ability to interpret their songs well given a storyline.

In "Sexy, Free and Simple," they were again limited by the need to dance it out.

Good, not great choreography

Any Super Junior fan will readily say that superbly choreographed dancing is one of Super Junior's main attractions—breaking into the K-Pop scene with the explosive dance-laden track "Sorry, Sorry."

Reviewing the dance moves in "Sexy, Free and Single," I have to say that the choreography is not superior to the dancing style seen in their last releases including "Sorry, Sorry", "Bonamana" and "Mr. Simple".

Somehow, the choreography in the new single seems to be a repetition of a lot of Super Junior's past moves. Not to say that this is bad as how many unique moves can a group really have? And, after six albums, it is expected that the group start solidifying their definitive style by repeating some signature moves.

Three outstanding dance movies

In "Sexy, Free and Single," three dance sequences caught my attention.

The first is principal dancer Eunhyuk's dance explosion between 1:35 to 1:38. This short solo dance is soooo hot making Eunhyuk the star of this video for me.

The second is the "side-to-side leap dance" between 1:52 to 1:54. This sequence is a great visual showing the dynamic energy of the Super Junior boys.

The third is the clapping dance between 2:42 to 2:50. Although the clapping dance has been done countless times, seeing a big group of hot idols clapping in sync has its appeal.

Even if the dancing is generally unremarkable compared to past Super Junior releases, "Sexy, Free and Single" will still be a success because of the group's legions of fans.

Eye-catching fashion

Whatever disappointment I felt with the track and the dancing is compensated by the awesome styling.

I don't really want to say it but the Super Junior idols are really yummy K-Pop eye candy.

While my Super Junior bias is not Siwon, I have to admit, I gasped two times while watching the MV for the first time. These two gasps are Siwon gasps. Admit it, you gasped too!

In "Sexy, Free and Single," each member is decked out in monochromatic hues in tough guy leather, sexy suits and cool casual. Whatever your fashion taste, there is something for you to like.

Cool K-Pop hair

The hair styles are also typical of cool K-Pop hair which will surely be copied by many. I especially liked the styling of Ryeowook and Eunhyuk's hair.

Overall, "Sexy, Free and Single" is an okay release for me.

I am positive the ELFs will support Super Junior but artistically, I see no particular growth in musical style and packaging. I hunger for a fresher Super Junior sound...something that pushes the envelope.

Super Junior 'Sexy, Free and Single' MV

Catherine Deen blogs for Yahoo! Philippines OMG! She lives, eats and breathes Korean music, cuisine, telenovelas and pop culture. Follow her on Twitter @cathsdeen.