MOMOLAND Delivers an Interstellar Comeback With “Thumbs Up”

To say the girls of MOMOLAND have had a rough year would be an understatement. Their first and only other comeback of the year, “I’m So Hot,” brought the nine member group down to seven, as it was announced that Daisy and Taeha would not be participating in the recent comeback due to health and personal issues. Following this hiatus, on November 29, 2019 it was announced that Taeha—along with Yeonwoo—would be leaving the group, with Daisy also rumored to be following suit, however her status within the group is still under question. Now as the group has been brought down to six, MOMOLAND tries to regain their footing and deliver fun to the world once again with their latest comeback, “Thumbs Up”. 

Too Many Hearts

“Thumbs Up” describes MOMOLAND’s frustration with their social media fame and its consequences. What once seemed like an achievement to them feels like a bore and an inconvenience, so instead they share their copious hearts with the world in an attempt to bring love to a place that could certainly do with it. 

Express Delivery

Forget UPS or DHL, MOMO Express is guaranteed to go further and faster, making your needs the ultimate priority. Whether you live on the moon, in the Arctic Tundra or on the 82nd floor of a building with no working elevator, MOMOLAND will bring joy to your world at no cost. 

Mirroring the music video of the group’s break-out hit, “Bboom Bboom” which depicts the girls as members of a tele-shopping channel, “Thumbs Up” delves into the world of an express delivery service, but with a MOMOLAND twist. 

“Thumbs Up” is an electro-pop whirlwind stockpiled with bright colors that you would expect from MLD Entertainment’s flagship girl group. From its bouncy rhythm to its brassy undertones, “Thumbs Up” is quintessential MOMOLAND, and lets you know exactly what you are listening to without having to look up the artist. Although some fans may complain that “Thumbs Up” sounds exactly like other MOMOLAND songs, it is a sound the group needs as they strive towards their new era together, and is overall the biggest strength of the track.

However, the music video doesn’t quite live up to the energy of its soundtrack. Although watching members Ahin and Jane run through a wall in a cartoon-esque show of determination certainly brings a level of fun to the video, ultimately it feels somewhat lost and lacks the abundance of comic energy we associate with the MOMOLAND girls. Though it may be a reflection of their hardships or a move towards a new concept, the choice was deeply felt throughout the video and left viewers craving more. 

Bop To The Top

With this being said, MOMOLAND deliver in the choreography department. Much like their viral hit “Bboom Bboom,” MOMOLAND’s choreography is simple and easy to follow, ensuring that even Merries with two left feet can pick it up with ease. Not only that, it’s fun, feminine, and fresh, and although it may not be the most technical or impressive choreography in the world, it is full of thought and love, just one of the many reasons that draws people to MOMOLAND, and “Thumbs Up” doesn’t disappoint. 

Thumbs Up or Thumbs Down?

Overall, “Thumbs Up” feels like a step in the right direction for the MOMOLAND girls, illustrating some of the fun they work so hard to share with the rest of the world. Though in saying this, “Thumbs Up” is a showcase of exactly what MOMOLAND is—an energetic, hard-working group of women—all while giving us a re-introduction to who the girls are now. Although it might not be as successful as their prior hits such as “Bboom Bboom” and “BAAM!,” “Thumbs Up” is just as addictive, and regardless of your feelings toward the song, it is bound to stick in your head for days to come. 

Music Video Score: 7.5/10

“Thumbs Up” Title Track: 6.5/10

Overall Score: 7/10