The Singles Jukebox

Well great, now all I can think about is not saying “no” and I’m really distra- oh crap, I said it, didn’t I…

[Video][Website]
[5.67]

Jessica Doyle: Given Seohyun’s reputation as the stiff, hard-working, dependable member of Post-Jessica SNSD, I wish SM had pushed to expand the brand a little bit. She looks and sounds fine; there’s nothing grating in the song; the choreography is such that, after years of squatting and turning, she could probably do it in her sleep; it’s all very carefully put together… and there’s not a moment here that’s half as compelling as the awkward-and-yet drop-to-a-split of “You Think.”
[5]

Micha Cavaseno: It’s the sound of debut-era Ariana Grande, with the speed cranked up but none of the dizzy passion. In fact, for all its drive and need, there’s no urgency here, just a sort of strained insistence. A greedy record that expects a lot but doesn’t really seem to do much to deserve your attention.
[4]

Will Adams: Where Ariana’s early, throwback R&B singles went for plush, “Don’t Say No” adds simple but effective details — plucky arpeggios, clock ticks, and rapid handclaps — that help it stand out that much more.
[7]

Alfred Soto: An amiable R&B-inflected bit of kinetics at the level of a 2006 Pussycat Dolls track.
[4]

Ramzi Awn: “Don’t Say No” crackles with the sort of holiday sparkle made for movies like Love Actually, and it has everything it needs. Built for the perfect shopping experience, the single will kick in just when you find that perfect cashmere sweater. 
[8]

Ryo Miyauchi: Seohyun pleads to be taken back as if she already knows this will persuade him. Her glowing confidence casts no shadow of doubt, and I don’t blame her for predicting such a sure “yes” with so much on show as well on the production: flattering ad libs, sputtering drum snaps, a popping synth loop I swear sounds like “Triggerman.” And yet, I do wish she sounded more as if she’s trying to right a wrong or at least a drop of desperation. She confesses she’s sad and how she wishes for the old ways, though there’s a lot more to be desired to be able to take those thoughts to heart.
[6]